With the Christmas eve gift to Canadien National by the STB on the approval of the impending take over of the EJ&E I thought it was only fitting to post some shots of the "J" before it disappears.

Last Saturday my son Patrick and I decided to hang around West Chicago, Illinois at JB tower where the J and UP cross each other. There is also a cut off into the UP's West Chicago yard where the UP gains access to eastbound J trackage for run through traffic to Joliet, Dolton and Indiana.

As we were waiting for trains to shoot luck would have it and we were able to get some shots of UP traffic on the J and a eastbound J local from Waukegan heading to Joliet. This was a very cloudy day and for some odd reason the clouds seperated for a short spell right when the trains were moving (thanks dad).

This first shot is of a westbound (running compass north) Union Pacific coal empty about to cross the UP and enter the West Chicago yard.


This is the J train that had to hold short of the UP yard lead to allow the UP train to clear.


The third shot shows the J approaching JB tower and preparing to grab orders from the order post next to the tower.


Finally the shot I have been waiting for for years as the SD38-2 notches forward after the grab and heads for Joliet. Note the towerman giving the J a runby inspection from the upper stairs.


Oh, those normally aspirated SD38's sure do sound sweet in run 8.

Long live the J................

Hookay Tom... we sort of got your idea after the first few copies of the above reply.

I have left the one, and deleted the other eight. But fear not, we still get it. We promise.

Sorry. Yes I was having internet troubles. I see though that the multiple copies got deleted. I was not intending to post that many. --dunce--

Actually, it's not so CN can get into Chicago. It's so they can avoid it like the plague.

Great photo's
The J is special to me as I work in the Chicago Heights area, and get stopped by many a freight. These switchers were constently being transfered from one point to anotherin the 70s 80s, as power in freights or to be serviced. The giant Alco center cabs were unique to the EJ&E. Hope to see more shots
And thanks
Dejoh

Not my photo

That's an interesting looking locomotive. You say those were GEs? They look strikingly like big Baldwin AS-616s. I'd like to find some photos or even scale drawings of these. Sure would be nice to see in MSTS

They were Baldwins, in the late 50's the J sent them to EMD for repowering with 567's, hence the angle on the bottom of the hoods.

Welcome aboard Dejoh, always nice to see another local member

I'm sorry Kevin, really I am. I know how you feel about thoes SD38s. I have nothing against the J, and I enjoyed that 1993 Dennis the Menace movie....I'm changing my Avatar.


Well now, I wouldn't say that...

(Not my picture, eitrher)

Do I see another "Mind" member in the making, Kevin ?

Ron K of Rockford

HEY! I recognize that railroad.

It should be soon, if the UP is unsuccessful with there filings to hold the take over the start up date is the end of January

and yes Ron, I see another candidate for the Chicago group

Just a few more from the collection,
SW1200, one of many the J likes to use for yard goats

a shot at the table of a UP SD70ACe being ready for a turn around with mixed EMD's in the area

SD38-2 654, one of three left with the J Ball logo

side shot of 654 and the classic EMD lines

another shot of 654 and 662 also with the J Ball logo


The shots taken this day were rainy hence to poor lighting, but still becoming priceless in some eyes.....

Thanks Zartok

Very nice shots. Thanks for sharing. I probably hear the horns from some of those units as I live about a half a mile from the Western Ave. crossing. I have also noticed a good increase in traffic lately.

The STB is just a rubber yes stamp. At least the ICC had teeth and actually looked into all sides. Of course thats why it was elliminated. Kevin thank you SO much for spreading info and pictures of the J. At least when its gone, it will remain alive because of people like you that preserve it for all time. Most of us in denial allow stuff like the WP to evaporate right in front of us with little to remember it by but memories and nothing on film. I wish I had take more pics of Oroville Yard in its hayday before the UP tornado removed everything but a few tracks. The plow trains ideling at keddie, the green power heavy fast freights, 1st gen power on the main.
Kevin, you cant post enough of the great J, keep em coming, all weather all kinds.

When I was a kid, a few years ago These monsters would shake the ground at a crossing in the Chicago Heights area, and you could hear em coming from a long way off. I know change is coming to the J but thats life. Just have an alternative route to get to where your going, like a road with an under-pass if you have the choice.
Here's a site with some good info.
www.ejearchive.com
Thanks for the great shots

Anyone remember this thread?
Member Numbers
Dejoh ended up with a great number if you drop that middle zero. Lucky stiff... ('Course, you DO have to be a "Basic Black" fan)

It seems as all the great railroads will be gone soon! Tell me how is the Wisconsin Southern still hanging on, it sounds like they're doing great!

Alex

Keep it on the Elgin Joliet and Eastern

[quote name='trainmaster55' date='Dec 31 2008, 7:06 AM' post='128414']
It seems as all the great railroads will be gone soon! Tell me how is the Wisconsin Southern still hanging on, it sounds like they're doing great!

Alex
[/quote
What makes the Wisor different is much of there trackage is owned by the state of Wisconsin and that would make it a difficult partner to aquire

I see! Well I didn't know that so thanks for the info!

Alex