Prior to Amtrak, the Illinois Central Railroad operated the "Land O'Corn" between Chicago and Waterloo, Iowa, discontinuing it in 1967. The first "Black Hawk" began running on February 13, 1974, using Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs). Conventional diesel locomotives and coaches replaced the RDCs after February 2, 1976. Equipment varied, including ex-Chicago & North Western gallery cars, dome cars, boat-tailed observation cars, full diners, lunch counter diners and ex-ATSF Hi-Level Coaches. Further, power for the "Black Hawk" also varied on a regular basis with GE P30CHs, EMD SDP40Fs, EMD F40PHs and the occasional Illinois Central Gulf "Geep" filling in for ailing power (an ICG EMD GP10 towed the last RDC consist into Chicago in 1976). Amfleet coaches arrived in November 1976.The "Black Hawk" ceased on September 30, 1981, after Illinois reduced its appropriations for passenger service.