New BNSF pictures of the C&I.

The photos at the gate of White Pines State Park(Oregon IL) always spark good memories for me. I will tell this story once again for those who have not seen it before. When I was a youth member of the Boy Scouts(in the 1950's)our district Fall Camp-O-Ree was ALWAYS held at
White Pines State Park on a mid-October weekend. At that time we had
some connections with the C.B & Q. RR so we always had a special train
take us from 26th & Cicero station to that location in your photo early
on Saturday morning and return us late Sunday afternoon. In later years
we usually had at least 2 bi-level commuter coaches. Some units would
go on Friday nite but most would go Sat AM. Some leaders would drive up during the night with the tents and other big camping equipment so
that we could set them up on arrival. We would hike from trackside to
the campground both ways.
Never,ever in my wildest dreams did I think that SOMEDAY, I would
be running trains past that very same spot. It was always a real cathartic for me!
I had always fantasized about being an engineer on a fast passenger train, but the Burlington RR never figured in on my fantasies. I consider
myself lucky that I was to actually have my fantasy fulfilled. Few of
us have that privilege.

CT

 

Thank you and I am quite flattered!

 

Stories?

Charlie,
Go ahead you have a new member to the crowd that has not heard any of your stories yet.:embarassed: Do you get out to Chadwick running trains?

And one more question explain "C&I" to me. I may be the local reporter for Jim after he moves.:shade:

 

Great stories, Charlie! I like them, too.

 

Love the C&I

BNSF7173 first exposed me to the C&I. I've lived in northern Illinois all my life and never knew about the C&I and the amount of rail traffic it handles. I was around Rochelle today taking some shots. I'll post my favorite. Come summer I'll be out Mr. Trains way again w/ my new ATCS unit taking pictures.

Hopefully Jim won't become a strainger to this area after he moves.

 

What does C&I mean?

Question explain "C&I" T. look me up I can be your personal guide in BNSF's absents I know the area from Milledgville to Savanna.

 

Thank you!

I am retired now so I dont run trains anywhere except on a few lengths
of HO track.

C&I = Chicago & Iowa

CT

 

Thanks
Now that your retired:lightbulb: come out to chadwick and run on the club layout then you can say you ran a train in chadwick HA!

 

btw... hes right, and ill take those stories anyday. being new ive got some storytime catch up to play haha.

tbg

 

Welcome to trainboard enjoy and visit often.:thumbs_up:

 

News from the C&I

News flash:
Coal trains have been seen running east loaded and west empty on the C&I. At least 3 in the last couple days have been seen. This reporter is not sure if they are running around some thing or are going to be a regular on this line. It is nice to see something besides stacked trains. Have your cameras ready were being told their being pulled by some Grinstein Green & Cream 70macs (film is not developed yet) Stay tuned for more news.:shade:

 

Calling all coal experts.
Another coal train was spoted (by a non-rail fan no photos) going east loaded and it was reported to have a DP on the back. Any one else have any ideas where there getting the coal and where they may be taking it? Here on the C&I it use to be rare to see a coal train.

 

Back to the C&I photos


Burk siding

Control building

 

Is C&I a seperate railroad, or the (sub)division name? :embarassed:

 

C&I sub divison

Sorry it is the sub name on BNSF main from Chicago to the Mississippi river where it turns north or south. It is called Chicago to Iowa (but never crosses the river to Iowa) I had to ask my self see early post

 

PRB?:embarassed:
^^thanks right place right time with camera in hand