Six week’s worth of intensive preparation—cleaning, maintenance, repairs—culminated as a heavyweight train and a lightweight “silver” train moved through the IRM interchange onto the Union Pacific tracks shortly before noon on Thursday, October 27, 2005. It was an impressive sight as the UP locomotive headed the train, followed by Burlington Executive units BN 1 and BN 2, four heavyweight coaches [L & N Diner “Galt House”, IC 2804, DM & IR 84, and observation car “Inglehome.”] The stainless steel “silver” cars [Pacific Peak, Birmingham, Silver Ridge and Loch Sloy] followed, with CB&Q E5, 9911A “Silver Pilot” at the end of the train. The equipment was enroute to Chicago, where it is to be used in the filming of “Flags of Our Fathers,” a Warner Brothers production directed by Clint Eastwood. In addition to being filmed in the Chicago Union Station, the heavyweight train will also travel to the northern suburbs of Kenilworth and Glencoe for a day of shooting. Cars underway can be seen athttp://www.irm.org/gallery/Oct272005

Barbara,It's wonderful to see the BIRMINGHAM already back out on the rails. I could not see in the photos, but was the BIRMINGHAM relettered for Atlantic Coast Line?

Stephen,In this case Hollywood Magic trumps preservation. The Birmingham and the Pacific Peak are both wearing disguises standing in as Burlington Cars. The Silver Ridge (CBQ) and Loch Sloy (NP) are correct.The heavyweights are correct and accurate and will be used that way in at least one scene. But I understand they will get makeovers to double as a Boston & Maine train stopping in Manchester, NH (Glencoe IL Metra station)I wonder when the last time a train of heavyweight Pullman cars with FRICTION bearings visited Chicago Union Station - one of the two busiest Chicago commuter terminals as well as hosting several AMTRAK runs?For more pics here is another link to the IRM website for Friday pics in Union Station.http://www.irm.org/gallery/FlagsBob Kutella

After reviewing the photos, though it's a little hard to see, it looks like the last heavyweight car may be the only one of the 4 heavyweights with friction bearings. However, even if there is just one "outlaw" car in the consist, how in the world did they get permission to operate it? We all know there is nothing whatsoever wrong with friction bearings, but try telling that to your local Class I RR. Or did anyone with the RR even notice?

All cars were inspected by both the UP and the FRA. Permission was granted to make the move.

As a film student who lives six blocks away, WOW. Does anyone know for how long they'll be shooting or when? Or...have I missed the boat (train...)?If they want a 1944 steam engine, I know where one is sitting hot right about now....

Friction Bearings/ Plain Bearing are not against any FRA rule But the AAR rules do not allow them in interchange. A railroad can move equipment with plain bearing/ friction bearings on it own Railroad if it wants to. IE give enough money for special train charges plus the transportation charge things can happen. Special train charges are Approx $70 to $90 per mile.

I believe, if it went according to plan, that the Union Station scenes should be done shooting. Today, Sunday, look for more train scenes to be shot at the Glencoe Metra station, and perhaps the Kennilworth Metra station area.After the cars are back at Union next week, some backup footage is planned to be shot on Campus at IRM. Unfortunately for visitors, the regular 'open to the public' season closes today.Bob Kutella