The Hill
Los Angeles bound Guaranteed Service Intermodal BNSF Q-CHILAC-1-24 (Chicago,IL-Los Angeles CA) is trying is hardest to keep up with the authorize track speed while climbing out the Illinois River Valley right at crest of Edelstein Hill. Edelstein is about 800ft above sea level, and is the high point on the BNSF Chillicothe Sub (MP-137.9), it is one of the most iconic landmark on the old Santa Fe, and even today on the BNSF. Keep in mind that we're still in north central Illinois in the middle of the heartland, and even the heartland has some surprises. Historically back in the day of steam helper service we're common here base out of Chillicothe where westbound trains needed a push up and over the 6 mile 1.5% long grade, and helper were cut off at the community of Edelstein, IL. that is no longer needed as today as diesel locomotives are as powerful as they are in units.
