| Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad GP35 984 westbound at Rochelle, Illinois on December 23, 1964, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. Built in April 1964 (c/n 29280) on EMD Order 7111, it became BN 2530 and was rebuilt to GP39M 2882. It is seen here leading another GP35, a GP30, and an SD24 on Train 97, the daily Saint Paul Merchandise, scheduled to depart Cicero at 10:30 AM. I'm standing on the rear platform of combine #3003, a 40 foot mail/coach assigned to the Oregon Way Freight, one of the last mixed trains out of Eola. The Rear Brakeman is preparing to line us into the siding as #97 overtakes us. Note the Fireman out on the walkway behind the cab. Something's up, he would not leave that warm cab unless there was some business to attend to. Picking up orders, or maybe a chat with the way freight's head-end crew as he passes by? |