Steam & Excursion > C&NW streamlined steam (1955) redux

Back in late 2017 I posted a shot of this same engine/train and here's what I wrote at that time:

"Here's a scan I didn't know I had ... searching my text list of C&NW scans for a different C&NW diesel # scan I found 2 #620's listed. I knew I had a shot of a C&NW Alco #620 still in CGW colors, but the second one in the list said the color was yellow so I went to the actual scan file I found this with the following info: it's was near Crystal lake, IL train 681 8/31/55. No idea who shot it though."

Now I've found another one that's similar. Much is the same when comparing the two ... the date and train # is the same, except that this one says '1 mi NW of Genoa City, WI" ....  may have been taken by Bruce Black, but if anyone has any additional info please share it.
 

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Don't see many of these in color! Thanks for sharing. Is this a 4-6-2?

Posted from Android

True steam treasure.
Bob

I would go with Genoa City. Doesn't look like Crystal Lake, as it is running on a single track. Great photo!

Tom

The single-track is the clue here...if it was indeed near Crystal Lake, could it be on the branch to McHenry?

Thanks for the share!
-Manny
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> I would go with Genoa City. Doesn't look like
> Crystal Lake, as it is running on a single track.
> Great photo!
>
> Tom

This locomotive, 620 started life as an E-class Pacific #1620 which remained its number until
the arrival of the 1600 RS Alcos in 1952 or 1953.  It was one of two engines streamstyled for
service on the Minnesota "400" from Wyeville, WI to Mankato, MN.  The 1620 and 1617 were
renumbered to avoid any confusion with the new Alco RSs, easiest way, eliminate the 1.
The two engines were used in Minnesota "400" service until 1950 when they were replaced
with E-series EMD diesels.  They then operated in commuter service and even as yard engines.
I believe 1617 was used in Winona, MN at the end of steam on the North Western in 1956.
Seems a sad end for such a speedster (incidentally, CNW called them Steamliners).
SR2
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/19 05:58 by SR2.

Thank you very much for the detailed history sir!
It's a shame none of these were not saved.

Posted from Android

Great color picture.   My dad worked for the C&NW at their Chicago passenger car shops in the 50s.  He got some really sharp photos of both of these engines as they were pulled from the comuter train service in about 1957.  I'll have to dig out the negatives.

Craig Hanson
Vay, Idaho