I don't understand the signal at left, which appears to be indicating 'clear' notwithstanding the oncoming "Hiawatha"

A mail train headed by a lone CB&Q E7A roared past me on the triple track mainline as she headed for downtown Chicago. This location was probably a little east of Congress Park, Il.

Eastbound CB&Q passenger train to Chicago, The North Coast Limited, slows on approach to station stop at East Dubuque. Switches and signals in this area (expect for the block signal on the right) ... (more)

The second-last "Cities" streamliner prior to Amtrak begins its westward journey. Note lack of portholes on lead unit.

The "Broadway Limited" matches a dismal day in appearance, two days before Amtrak.

Two days before Amtrak, the remant of the "Twilight Limited" presents a pretty sad picture.

Ready for departure

Chicago's Dearborn Street Station was the oldest of six large downtown passenger depots. Opened on May 8, 1885, it was closed by Amtrak on May 2, 1971. On the eve of Amtrak's startup, Santa Fe 3... (more)

The first section of U.P.'s combined CITY OF LOS ANGELES / CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO is on the last lap to Chicago. The B units are missing some of the stainless steel grill. I left for the east that ... (more)

The long CITY OF NEW ORLEANS accelerates on its southbound run.

The last day of my week in Chicago was a beautiful Wednesday. Illinois Central's CITY OF NEW ORLEANS passes the coach yards behind A-B E8 units.

The eastbound GRAND CANYON rolls into Joliet behind an A-B-B-B-A set of F units. Lead unit F7 306L is a dual-service F7 that was delivered in 1952.

ATSF A-B-B-A F3 units are pulling the SAN FRANCISCO CHIEF away from Joliet.

A nice E8. E7B, E7A set heads up the westbound GOLDEN STATE about to stop at Joliet. Someone was busy with the red paint in Chicago.

GM&O's ABRAHAM LINCOLN is stopping at Joliet inbound to Chicago. This streamlined equipment dates to 1935.