I just read this article in the August Trains magazine and found it very interesting. The CB&Q changed the name of an abandoned wye at Burgess Junction, IL to Catherine, IL. Based on the old CB&Q timetable in the article, Catherine is 2.1 miles southwest of Sheridan, IL on the branchline that runs through there. The line currently has 4 to 6 trains a day hauling silica sand unit trains.
Art
Replies sorted oldest to newest
When I read this I realized that this is on the branchline that goes through my neighborhood. I have to go see if there is still any signs up for Catherine. I will post a picture when I do.
Illinois Railnet runs the trains on this former CB&Q branchline. The line goes from Montgomery IL down to Streator, IL.
Art
Yes that was a good read, and a great story. I like heading over to those tracks from time to time as they are so close to my home as well. I'm amazed that Railnet gets anything through there with the condition of the track in places.
I think they have raised the speed limit a little, but it's still pretty slow. I am still amazed that they are running 6 former BNSF engines on the end of one of their trains lately. I have counted well over 100 cars on these trains. Apparently the fracking business is being very kind to this railroad. I have never seen a single type of car other than covered hoppers carrying silica sand on this line.
Art
Oh I agree, the fracking business is putting some $$ in the company coffers...so as long as the money is there we will keep getting treated to trains running through. I haven't been through downtown in the past couple months because of all the road construction on Rt47 so I try and get down towards the Millington/Millbrook area when I have the time.
Explain/elaborate please.
Thanks,
Simon
This is the name of the article in the Aug Trains magazine on page 52-53. Ellis Waller in 1968 was on a chartered trip on the CB&Q and proposed to his wife at this location. He had 250 guests including his future wife on a fundraiser to benefit Michael Reese Hospital. He was flying a kite with her when he proposed and she accepted. A few days later he called the CB&Q public relations officer and told him of the proposal. He asked if they could change the name of Burgess Junction to Catherine. They thought it was a great idea and the rest is history as they say. There are more details to the story, but that is the gist of it. I thought it was interesting and especially so since it is very close to where I live on a branchline railroad that runs through my neighborhood.
Art
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
