A former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad Alco RS 1 diesel locomotive acquired through merger in 1972, pulls a mid 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad grain extra past the scrap yard.

 

I took this photograph last week Wednsday night, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois. I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's...and I fondly remember the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

 

My Atlas model of a Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad Alco RS 1 roadswitcher, is viewed pulling several 1970's era covered hopper cars. The ICG was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroads. Like most mergers, it took several years to get around to repainting several locomotives, cabooses and various freight cars.

 

The former G,M & O Alco diesels acquired through the merger, lasted in ICG service until retirement which took place sometime around 1977 or perhaps 1978 even. Although many received the official orange and white ICG colors, several rolled around to the end of service in original G,M & O colors and markings.  My train represents a mid 1970's era ICG grain extra train, with a former and yet unrepainted ex G,M & O diesel locomotive, operating during it's final few years of ICG service.

 

My train is shown here, passing the scrap yard along one of the wide sweeping mainline curves.

 

Thanks.

Eddie K.