No data, but probably Chicago RR Fair, 1948-49:

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi? ... /ic201.jpg

Much later in 2001, when on the grounds of the Owatonna Tool Company at Owatonna, Minnesota:

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi? ... a_MN_a.jpg

At Union, Illinois in 2005:

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi? ... ion.IL.jpg

Thanks, Bob .... I didn't know that any of the Chicago Suburban service engines survived. I was at Chicago RR Fair, but was about 4 years old at the time, so don't remember much but the narrow-gauge stuff. We still have a few shots from my dad's slide collection.

Skip -

If you're strictly asking about Illinois Central steam in Chicago area commuter service, yes it is rather surprising that any of the engines survived. The IC converted directly from steam power to electric M.U.'s in about 1926 with some of the trailers that were eventually used with power cars actually operating behind steam power for a time. The 201 survives because the IC set it aside as an historical artifact.

The other commuter rail lines serving Chicago converted from steam to diesel. Of these, the three surviving Rock Island 4-6-2's (numbers 887, 905 and 938) could have all possibly run in commuter service. On the Burlington, none of the Pacific's usually used in commuter service survived but I believe that 4-6-0 #637 (now at IRM) MAY have been operated between Chicago and Aurora on these "scoots." And a few Hudsons powered commuter trains on the CB&Q at the end, but I am not sure if any of the survivors (3001, 3003, 3006, 3007 or 4000) were amongst those that ran in this service. On the Chicago & North Western, none of the numerous 4-6-2's survived but I think some commuter trains were powered by Atlantics and 4-6-0's at one time. Again, of the survivors (4-4-2 #1015 and Ten-Wheelers 175, 444 and 1385) I am not sure if they were ever in commuter service or not. Finally, the last "big" commuter operator (The Milwaukee Road) may have used Ten-Wheelers in commuter service to the north and west suburbs, but whether 4-6-0 #1004 was ever used is uncertain. As for the other Chicago area suburban service "bit" players (GM&O, NYC, C&WI, Wabash and PRR), of the steam survivors from these roads, it is uncertain as to whether GM&O 4-6-2 #425 (ex-GM&N # 580) or the PRR 4-6-0 ever ran in such service. So if you're asking about Chicago Suburban steam survivors in general Skip, the answer is certainly not clear.

Les

Hi, Les,

I was thinking particularly of ICRR, as I used to work for them in downtown Chicago and rode the electric lines, however your info on the other lines was very interesting. They were dieselized by the time I got to Chicago. I also had some good rides on the South SHore back when they still used electric motors in freight service. I guess you know that there are are a few ex-IC heavyweight sub. cars at Ely, Nevada in service on the Nevada Northern. Seeing them a couple years ago brought back a lot of memories.

I seem to recall that ICRR 201 was donated by the Illinois Central to Purdue University,or possibly the University of Illinois, for use in its steam locomotive engineering program at the time of the electrification.

Don't forget Lake Street Elevated RR Forney No. 8, cosmetically restored a few years ago, and under cover at the MOT in St. Louis.

My Dad taught Mech. Engineering at U of Illinois in Champaign. I have a picture someplace of an IC Mogul 2-6-0 in the steam lab test stand, but don't remember hearing about a tank engine.

And I think there is one more Chicago Elevated (South Side?) steam loco in Cuba.

Bob Kutella

Anyone know when were the steam lab test stands at the Univesity of Illinois and at Purdue University were scrapped?

Did any other universities have similar programs?

Les

I was around the lab at U of I since about 1950 and can't remember it being there. They did have a great Corliss stationary engine they fired up for open house every year, though.

Yes, it did. That was the reason that this old locomotive lasted as long as it did - the newer, larger engines wouldn't fit on the turntable at Downers Grove, which was a termination point for some commuter trains and also had a coach yard.

Folks,

besides the commuter locomotives you have been talking about; there is a 19th century 2-6-2 that ran in Oakland before the lines went electric in 1912.

The Central Pacific 1902 was on display in a park in Oakland for many years and now has been given to the California State Railroad Museum.

It is one of two surviving 19th century locomotives that were built in the building that they plan to use as their Museum of Railroad Technology in the old Southern Pacific shops.

Ted Miles

Yes, also pictured on my Surviving World Steam Locomotive CD-ROM; it is on display with a non-original rear truck.

I believe I remember reading that the Purdue test plant and accompanying 4-4-0 were scrapped during World War II. The buidling I believe is still on campus, and was near the old central campus power plant.

The 201 spent most of the 1950's and 1960's at a restaurant called Vonachen's Junction in Peoria, Illinois, coupled to a pair of dining cars, as I remember. When the restaurant was sold in the 1970's the loco was sold elsewhere. I hope that this is reasonably correct. It was still there in 1969 which was the last time that I ate there.