Ashkum, IL is the last location of an IC signal interlocking tower and an original signal gantry on the Chicago Subdivision. The original look of gantries and towers was once shared with Otto, IL ... (more)

Framed by blooming trees, the Ashkum grain elevator towers over downtown as southbound freight rolls along the IC main to Gilman.

Northbound on the old Illinois Central main, a trio of Electro-Motive products lead a manifest toward Chicago from Gilman. Third out, Canadian National's executive E9(A) No. 103 is seen dead in to... (more)

After holding on double track for Amtrak's northbound Saluki, IC sublettered C44-9W No. 2697 leads a southbound manifest past the towering grain elevators of downtown Ashkum. The former IC ... (more)

Amtrak is clear and M336 is on the move southbound, passing under the IC signal bridge in Ashkum.

Amtrak's southbound Saluki quickly overtakes M336 at Ashkum.

Illinois Central farm country
An Illinois Central southbound freight (CHG) passes a picturesque barn between Ashkum and Danforth, Illinois, on June 12, 1990.

The Gilman Night local heads into the siding at Ashkum to meet M336. Here the headlight's of L555 light this humid night sky. Ashkum is located about 10 miles north of Gilman. There is an old towe... (more)

My Friday the 13th was pretty lucky. For me I got one of CN newest additions to the roster pulling the hotshot Q195 northbound. Here the train past the south end of Ashkum siding, about 10 miles n... (more)

Amtrak's Illini wastes no time as it speeds through the Illinois Central town of Ashkum.

The Toronto, ON, to Salem, IL, manifest train has 50 mph in hand as they roll thru the south end of Ashkum Siding. The train is at MP 73, which is 73 miles south of Chicago, IL. This train will go... (more)

A southbound freight with good old IC power on the point flies past the old depot in Ashkum.

Amtrak train 391 blurs past the signals at South Ashkum.

CN Santa Train stops in Ashkum, Ill