Steam & Excursion > Old Timer on Parade

The Illinois Central had a small fleet of Forney-type locomotives for use on the railroad's suburban passenger trains prior to the system's electrification in the 1920s.

One of those suburban locomotives, 1880 Rogers-built 2-4-4 #1401, was preserved when she was sold to the Rosenwald Industrial Museum in November of 1928.  Twenty years later, the locomotive was brought back to operating condition and given an older number for an appearance at the 1948 Chicago Railroad Fair.  This photo finds the old-timer getting some love as she operates for the crowd, even as one of the Burlington's Zephyrs can be seen in the background.

Today, this locomotive is preserved at the Illinois Railroad Museum.

Mary McPherson
Dongola, IL
Diverging Clear Productions

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