City railfanning is always fun, especially in Chicago. Buildings of different shapes and sizes can create various shadows, contrasts, and even lighting. Nowadays, most if not all of the train traffic one can get near the downtown area is Amtrak and Metra commuter trains.
However, for one weekend in mid-June, Metra allowed the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society to operate its Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 in and out of Downtown Chicago from La Salle Street station. The NKP 765 operated a passenger train with a diesel on the rear from Joliet along the former Rock Island to Chicago.
Seen here, the Joliet Rocket heads back to Joliet while passing by a couple of apartment complexes and the Icon Theater after departing La Salle Street Station on June 18, 2017.Sunlight reflecting off the windows from an adjacent apartment building partially illuminates the track and theater.
