Being born and raised on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, I have always had a lifelong fascination with the former Illinois Central Railroad.

I lived approximately one mile north of the Illinois Central R R Iowa Division Mainline, and the close by former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad wich ran just south of the I.C line, across the south side of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Prior to 1967, the Illinois Central EMD locomotives were painted in a plain but attractive and utilitarian black, with a white frame and green diamind logo on the side of the locomotive cab. In an all out attempt to modernize their image, the Illinois Central began painting their locomotives in this orange and white image with black block style lettering. It was an attractive color scheme when introduced in 1967, but eventually would prove to be quick to fade and weather quickly.

Still, it was a nice experience being able to witness locomotives in this color scheme back then.