The Milwaukee Road #261 from Green Bay, Wisconsin operated an excursion trip on June 22, 2002 from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg, Illinois and return. Lorrie and I followed the train from Downers Grove to Galesburg, and then back to Naperville. It was a hot, humid, hazy day.
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The 261 is seen here, westbound, whistling for the Belmont Ave. crossing in Downers Grove. 40 seconds.
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Just west of Somonauk, we paced the train at 50 mph. for several miles. Lorrie did the phototography, as I drove and handled the audio recording. Toward the end of the sequence, a plane can be seen pacing the train also. 2 minutes, 49 seconds.
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Here, the train passes through the small town of Meriden, just east of Mendota. 43 seconds.
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The 261 stopped on the east side of town to check for hot wheels. After a few minutes, it departed and was up to speed by the time it came through Kewanne, whisling for several grade crossings. 40 seconds.
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The 261 departs Galesburg approx 1.5 hours late. Here, the train is climbing up a slight grade just east of town. 61 seconds.
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After stopping at the Rt. 59 station, 3 miles to the west, the #261 is backup to speed as it whisles to quite a few people at the downtown Naperville station at about 9:00 PM. 55 seconds.
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Last updated 10:58 AM 3/2/2008
© Copyright 2002, John Rockey
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