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The Genuine Article
By: George W. Hamlin
July 17, 2008
 | | George W. Hamlin |
In early 1971, Amtrak’s arrival became more and more definite. Finally, the date for transitioning most of the U.S.’s private intercity trains to the new government-sponsored service was set: May 1. Since a number of routes and services weren’t going to survive the changeover, this led to the desire to see, photograph and ride on as many of the soon-to-be retirees as possible. Fortunately, I was situated in Chicago, with a graduate school schedule that allowed a modest amount of flexibility to carry out these ambitions (although the money to take trips and pay for film and processing was another matter!).
One of the more famous trains that was about to vanish was the sole remnant of the Union Pacific’s fleet of “City” trains, which now was operated by the Milwaukee Road between Omaha, Nebraska and the Windy City. Referred to by fans as the “City of Everything”, it represented the one-time “City of” Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco and Portland, not to mention the all-coach “Challenger”, depending on which day of the week it was, since some of the services were tri-weekly (although Los Angeles was daily).
Not that the Milwaukee Road E units in Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray didn’t look good, but there was something missing without the UP units on the head end. A ride out to Savannah, Illinois (and back on Burlington Northern’s “Afternoon Zephyr”) two days before the last run had the train fronted by MILW units; in fairness, they performed competently (as did the single former CB&Q E on the return). The next afternoon, Amtrak Day minus-2, one of the MILW units at the head of the “Cities” even showed up, incongruously, in fresh paint.
The “final” day, hordes of railfans pursued their “last looks” at various points around Chicago. Since the lighting along Canal Street north of Union Station was good for the late-afternoon departure of the last through train destined for the west coast via the UP route, a considerable crowd gathered in wait. Shortly, the photo line was greeted by Union Pacific 912 and two UP sisters, growling smoothly as they advanced the westbound “Cities” for the final time. The real thing -- the genuine article -- had returned, as if for a final curtain call!
Copyright © George W. Hamlin. All Rights Reserved.
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User Comments on this Article:
Posted by mohamed on July 18, 2008:
Nice article George! I really like those E units as i feel with strong in them.Thanks again for the article and keep up the great work.
Posted by Ron Flanary on July 19, 2008:
Wonderful story, and a great shot, George. Although this was the infamous "last day" at Chicago in 1971, it also has that look of "just another departure of a 'City' train" that could have been any time during the previous years.
Posted by Donald Haskel on July 23, 2008:
I agree with every one. It is a great shot and great article. Why was I at home in Massachusetts sitting in my living room chair, when I should have been any where west of Lake Michigan or, south of DC.
Posted by Robert Walker on July 28, 2008:
I too have a connection to those E units, except from the P.R.R. in Greensburg, PA. where as a youth in the late 1950's watched those big Green monsters pull into the Greensburg Station, where my Grandmother would board for her trip to Philadelphia, PA. to visit her sister. Always remembered that Locomotive's "Nose" that was a memory of mine.
Posted by Dave Stacy on August 21, 2008:
George,
Your love of railroading is self-evident in your photography and this article. Also self-evident is your ability to capture what a lot of us remember growing up with those magnificent E units at the head end of trains. I have certainly enjoyed the collection of photos you have shared on this web site and encourage you to publish a book. This article is a great start. Please continue your contributions.
Respectfully,
Dave Stacy
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