Nostalgia & History > TY Tower, crossing of IC, UP and CSX, in 1992

George Redmond is now in his seventies, and as in many cases his kids have little interest in the fruits of his railfan labors. What to do with it? Get in the hands of someone who will appreciate it and wants others to get enjoyment out of it as well. In December he pulled a Vito Corleone and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Fortunately I didn't find any horse parts in bed with me at any time. Since December, I've been working my way through digitizing, breaking down and filing away over 250 hours of video shot between 1985 and 2012. Needless to say, it's been keeping me out of trouble.

On July 17, 1992, George visited the tower at Tuscola, Illinois. The tower was in its last days, as the rebuilding of the plant and replacement of the manual interlocking was looming. Several hours were spent around and in the tower during which numerous trains passed, with multiple movements on each line.

The Illinois Central line needs no introduction, as it was under the name same name it had when the line was constructed in the 1850s. The Union Pacific line was acquired when U.P. absorbed the Missouri Pacific in 1982. Prior to MoPac ownership, the line was a mainline of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois. The CSX line was once a branch of the Baltimore & Ohio, and saw (and continues to see) the lowest traffic volume of the three.

Here's a look back as CSX predecessor paint schemes, rebuilt first generation diesels, and an Illinois Central business car all make an appearance. Also, it's a look back to a time where a friendly tower operator would invite you up for a visit.

Mary McPherson
Dongola, IL
Diverging Clear Productions

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Thanks for putting that together . It was very interesting .

Thanks Mary for processing and posting this video. A very interesting junction with a nice variety. Surprised to see the CSX train. Spent some time at Tuscola the following year (1993) when UP 3985 ran past with an excursion from Chicago to Findlay.

Tom

Very enlightening and a pleasure to see. Thanks for putting this together and showing this.
Brian Stevens

As the others have said thank you for putting this together and sharing.

Great look back at motive power scene from 25 years ago. Thanks!

Mary:

That's some good stuff including interesting photo angles, sights and sounds. I can tell you put some work in editing his material.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

Very interesting to me as well.
Was there in 1980 while on a course at Bloomington Il. Met the one legged tower operator-Bob I believe was his name.
Nice guy-little rough around the edges, spent several hours with him in the tower, was a great time-Thanks for sharing!

Mike Bannon
St Catharines, ON