Show Posts

1

General Discussion / Southside Switching?

« on: January 28, 2021, 04:52:41 PM »

Hello all, hope everyone is staying safe.

Just wondering if there is any update on a southside switching section to the website?
I remember it being discussed a couple years back.

2

General Discussion / A couple interesting shots from Ello

« on: July 03, 2019, 11:57:10 AM »

This photographer is currently scanning old photos. A couple for the group...

Sun Times: https://ello.co/ellorailways/post/6girblzm36-fxnktbjnvlq
Can't place this at all, maybe IC lakefront: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/dqf3xcsx303wrxmdr3omxq
Illinois Center?: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/nbxbmfhkaoum_2x4iskrag
IC Loading Dock: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/lmel5gngy4ro-ipcqvh-hq
IC Loading Dock: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/pmixyd6af1wujklx7h4iwq
Navy Pier Line?: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/clxc8rz40n2itejugewp7a
Navy Pier Line Tear Down: https://ello.co/capnvideo/post/r2h0---bqcdynxmjj5uztg

Check out his main page for various Chicago shots: https://ello.co/capnvideo

3

General Discussion / RDC's by Tribune Tower!

« on: June 05, 2018, 09:23:56 AM »

Never saw this photo before, for those on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivingHistoryOfIllinoisAndChicago/permalink/1843859639008136/

Any ideas why they would have been down there?

4

General Discussion / Blommer Switching

« on: April 26, 2018, 12:35:01 PM »

I was a couple of blocks away and couldn't get close, but the UP was pulling the tank cars out of Blommer this morning.

5

General Discussion / The Lyons Belt - A Little OT

« on: January 29, 2018, 01:53:09 PM »

Hey everyone, Happy New Year!

Things are a bit slow so I thought I would ask about something just a bit outside of Chicago... The Lyons Belt.
I have noticed that slowly much of The Lyons Belt around Lyons and McCook is vanishing. I believe this was an actual railroad called "The Lyons Belt" that later was taken over by the Santa Fe.

Does anyone have any information, photos or track diagrams of this line? I know it went along first avenue to the quarry, but it branches off towards the former Reynolds Plant and Pilet Brothers. I always remember seeing the IHB switching those industries, so not sure where that branch went.

Just wondering about a local switching branch I grew up around but know nothing about!

Thanks,
Chuck

6

General Discussion / Forest Park Branch Track Diagram?

« on: May 04, 2017, 12:55:08 PM »

Hello all,

Sorry a little off topic...

I want to model a small shelf layout based on the IC/CCP/CN Forest Park branch from 16th Street to 12th Street. Kind of curious what the track layout may have been over the years. Does anybody know where I can locate a track diagram of this area or possibly Sanborn maps?

Thanks,
Chuck

7

General Discussion / Lumber District Activity

« on: July 22, 2016, 02:17:36 PM »

I was heading down Ashland this morning and saw something odd!
There was a crew looking around the crossing. Just west of Ashland was a large MOW hi-rail pushing two flat cars with about 6 pieces of panel track.

I assume they were checking the crossing for any obstructions.

Does anyone know what is going on with the line? The scrap company that used to get all the gons has been completely removed. The street and track have been as well... Are they possibly laying this track there?

Have a good weekend,
Chuck

8

General Discussion / The End Of Finkl

« on: December 29, 2014, 11:41:14 AM »

Drove by Finkl over the weekend and noticed the Heneghan Wrecking signs all over. My guess is it will be coming down very soon!

9

General Discussion / North Ave Yard Rebuild

« on: August 14, 2014, 11:01:20 AM »

Saw 6-8 centerbeams in North Avenue Yard. Thought business was really up for the CTRR!! Passing by again I noticed that the loads seem to be concrete ties. Looks like they are totally ripping out the yard and rebuilding.

As a bonus there is an orange UP (MoPac) MOW caboose down there!

10

General Discussion / Southside Switching - Ashland & 36th Street

« on: March 19, 2014, 06:07:41 PM »

Been a little slow here... Lets talk about these pictures I found on my hard drive. These are from April 2006 and are in the area bordered by Ashland to Iron and 36th to 38th.

I would embed here, but probably easier for everyone to view in Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mzdgpwai2fxbb0n/QQaeS12AEI

Does anyone know anything about this area? I am pretty sure all of this track is gone now. What is the deal with the siding going next to the cement wall in the first couple shots? Doesn't appear to be the remains of a building.

11

General Discussion / Forest Park Branch

« on: July 18, 2013, 10:02:59 AM »

Kind of OT... The IC/ICG/CCP/CN Forest Park Branch has been completely pulled up. It was originally just pulled up from the main to Cermak. Sometime in the past month the line has been completely removed. Only rail left are two sidings which I assume are owned by the industries.

12