Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad #4978. Ottawa Illinois. August 1986.

The 1920's era steam freight service locomotive, seen here at it's "Original Display Location" in a city park in Ottawa Illinois. This locomotive from the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was used in freight service until the late 1950's. After retirement, it was donated to the town of Ottawa Illinois. This locomotive is a 2-8-2 Mikado type locomotive. In recent years, this locomotive and wooden caboose were removed from this display site and towed to Mendota Illinois. The engine and caboose are now the "Centerpiece" of the Mendota Railroad Museum in Western Illinois.
The Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad was one of the last lines in North America to use steam locomotives in everyday service, retiring their last in freight service after the fall grain harvest of 1958. from 1955 to 1966, the Burlington used a number of these in chartered excursion service and special events. several CB&Q steam locomotives are preserved today in the United States.