Photo of "backdated" CB&Q 4-6-0 #637, probably taken on a fantrip in the mid-50's:

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi? ... b+q637.jpg

Originally built by Rogers in November of 1892 (s/n 4788), the engine was eventually donated to the City of Aurora, Illinois in 1963, where it was displayed in Lincoln Park. Eventually it passed into a local railroad clubs hands (NRHS Chapter?) and they eventually donated it to the Illinois Railway Museum. IRM began a restoration to service program some years ago, but I believe that has been put on hold for now. Not sure if the eventual plans are to display her as she appears here, or to her last CB&Q in-service appearance.

Les

Someone should outlaw birdbox headlights and fake Radley-Hunter stacks...;-)

Les,
The shot was taken at Aurora, IL, in the old shop complex/suburban train yard, located on North Broadway. The date was September 2, 1956, and 4-6-4 #4000 (Big Alice) had just brought the train from Chicago and turned it over to the 4-6-0 and GP7 #235. The duo would handle the train down the Streator Branch to Streator (and through my parents' back yard making this the first "Q" steam locomotive that I ever remember seeing under steam.)

My grandfather took me to Aurora the day that they shoved #637 into Lincoln Park (1963 or 1964) and we watched her stop in what I certainly thought would be her final resting place. I don't believe that the ownership of the locomotive ever changed hands but the Blackhawk Chapter of the NRHS did paint the locomotive at least once over the years. Thank goodness she moved to IRM which is a much better location for her than along the old NIFA branch on the west side of Aurora.

Don C.