Passenger Trains > Two Noteworthy Trains

Yesterday afternoon, I caught two worthy photographic subjects passing Noble Street on Chicago's Near West Side. First, Amtrak Train #7, led by Veterans P42 #42, passed, with a near normal consist. A few minutes later, Metra #2121, with Milwaukee Road heritage MP36 #405 came by. Today's #2121 was special, as it was the last run for Metra Engineer John Appel, who was also the last Metra Locomotive Engineer that had originally hired out on Metra predecessor Milwaukee Road, when he was just 17. Mr. Appel served in his railroad career for 52 years. Well wishers could be found all along the commuter route between Chicago and Fox Lake. Here's to a happy and healthy retirement!

Cheers,
aussiehinz

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Beautiful shots.  I hope you print and frame that 2nd shot and make sure it gets to retired engineer John.  I'm sure he would appreciate that. 

Mark,
I read below that the 42 died before it left
Chicago suburbs.

Uncle Joe
Seffner,Fl.

I believe it did, yes.

Posted from iPhone

Great catches Sir ! :)
Congratulations Mr. Appel on your 52 years of service !!! :):):)

Nice to have MILW inspired diesel on last run. Hired on at 17, worked 52 years = 69 years old. Retired on first day of July for RRE purposes. ..and still in mainline road service. Way to go!

rrcaboose (retired and I hired out at 18)

retcsxcfm Wrote:
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> Mark,
> I read below that the 42 died before it left
> Chicago suburbs.
>
> Uncle Joe
> Seffner,Fl.

Yes it did, check my post "Number 7 woes"

Seth- 

Very nice shots but the human story makes it a gem.  
Salute to Engineman Appel.

<<<Highball>>>
 

Great photos!

Posted from iPhone

PossumKing Wrote:
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> Very nice shots but the human story makes it a
> gem.  
> Salute to Engineman Appel.
>
> <<>>
>  
Well said, Possum King, and seconded!
Thanks, Mark, for posting these and honoring John Appel on his final run.
Metra’s a class act for assigning the MILW heritage engine and lettering it for Mr Appel, too!