One Chicago railroad that I fondly remember from the 1970's and early 1980's era, was the now long gone Illinois Central Gulf.

The Illinois Central Gulf, was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central Railroad, and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad. For many years after the fact, one could see former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio EMD roadswitchers, that were still wearing their original 1960's and early 1970's era G,M & O color schemes and markings in to the 1980's.

This railroad suffered from slightly less than profitable former G,m & O lines, and decided to reorganize by the mid 1980's. The original Illinois Central name was resurrected, and the original 1950's and early 1960's era Illinois Central black and white freight locomotive color scheme was used as well. A "New" A,T & T style version of the 1960's and 70's era Illinois Central "Split Rail" logo was utilized. Several former G,M & O routes were sold or "Spun Off" to new upstart regional and short line railroad companies.

The Canadian National had began noticing the "New" Illinois Central with great interest, and purchased the company through merger in 1999.