Study in EMD Styling: The 31 and 60 sit side-by-side at Shops Yard. Although the RS1325 is quite diminutive compared to the SD18, the cabs and noses of the two locomotives are virtually id... (more)

When I headed west to Jacksonville this afternoon it was to get past the thunderstorms and back into the sun. Imagine my surprise when the first train to show up on the BNSF was this Amtrak "Speci... (more)

I've been meaning for some time to try this panoramic shot of Amtrak #301 stopping at the Springfield depot from the top of the municipal parking garage.

A trio of SW1500's head up a short yard job heading north past Union Station.

The Loop, Amtrak train #311, passes Ridgely Tower during the summer of 1993. Look at all the history: No. 10 slip switch is still in place, the "Iron Man" train order stand hasn't been rem... (more)

The Human Factor: Although it was sad to see the tower go, what I really miss are the people that brought the place to life. Here I&M foreman Jim Bottoms and UP operator Bob Phillips pose ... (more)

After waiting for what seemed to be an eternity, #145 finally comes into view at Lanesville, with ex-Conrail SD60 6711 on the point. Today's train had 89 cars, which is the biggest Ford parts tra... (more)

Waterworks lives up to its name as flood waters from the Sangamon River serve as a reflecting pool for I&M 60 North's short two car train as it heads to Havana.

I&M 30 North passes the mammoth coal-fired power plant at Kincaid. Despite its location in the heart of Central Illinois, Kincaid's main function is to supply electricity to the Midwestern megalo... (more)

ex-B&M GP7 35 loads a cut of Union Pacific covered hoppers at Agrail's facility in Bloomington, IL. The elevator complex is located on the site of the old Chicago & Alton Shops on the west side o... (more)

Amtrak Heritage P42DC 156 leads today's edition of the northbound Texas Eagle as the train hits the Illinois & Midland diamond at Ridgely Tower.

Low angle roster shot of Respondek's "Illini Terminal" GP10 1604 at Litchfield, IL. The unit is used to switch the remnants of ex-New York Central industrial trackage on Litchfield's west side.

"Diverging Approach Abel, 20T" NS 20T, with SD70M-2 2764 on the point, slows to the requisite 25 mph as the train prepares to enter the Pass at Dawson for an early morning meet with... (more)

SD20 81, still resplendent in C&IM green, leads a southbound North Extra thru the riparian forest south of Petersburg, IL.

Torpedo Geep 7549 shows off its classic profile as it drags a cut of dried distiller's grains and ethanol out to the Norfolk Southern interchange tracks on the west side of Gibson City. This unit... (more)