CIRY 1206 warms up as it prepares for it's day duties in Chicago. I was glad I got a chance to see it before operations ended.

Bound for the once monthly job at Kramer, CIRY1206 (SW1200) pulls its' single covered hopper East past the Cozzi and Battaglia leads.

On the second to last day of Central Illinois Railway's operations in Chicago, a crew from BNSF rides the front of the 1206, survaying the line they will be retaking charge come August 10th.

Last run of the Central Illinois.

Its truly a sad day for many chicago railfans as the Central Illinois Railway makes its final runs before being shut down forever. Today a BNSF crew is being re-aquainted with their old trackage a... (more)

Going to the CIRY is almost like a step back in time, vintage switchers in vintage heritage paint schemes switching industrial Chicago! Unfortunatly, today was the final day of this classy railroa... (more)

Chicago Fire Department Engine 49, a Spartan/Luverne based at the station house at 4401 S Ashland, makes for an impressive flagging tool as the truck backs up while searching for a reported fire i... (more)

For my money, the best-looking switcher in America ... truly a "heritage" locomotive. CIRY 1206, inspired by CB&Q's working man's paint scheme (for the record, I liked the Chinese Red equally), s... (more)

The two Central Illinois Railroad SW1200's sit at home in Chicago on a cold March morning. One locomotive looking very sharp while the other has been heavily tagged.

A classy locomotive pushes its train into Western Avenue Yard to interchange with the BNSF.

CIR 1206 backs up to its pickup along Paulina St in the early morning sun.

After dropping a car for Kramer, the Central Illinois switcher snakes through some industries and crosses Cermak Rd.

The Central Illinois Railroad shoves a cut of cars across Ashland Ave. This operation works Mon-Fri and is usually out working between 0700hrs & 1000hrs.

It wouldn't surprise me if some long time resident of the neighborhood has gone to the head doctor complaining of a case of recurring deja vu these last few months. CIRY pays its respects to those... (more)