The ICG was formed in 1972 when the Illinois Central Railroad merged with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio.
The scenes in this program were shot at the end of the ICG’s existence, in the years before the railroad reverted to the Illinois Central name. At that time, there were three ICG paint schemes, and all of them make an appearance in this program. Orange and white power lettered Illinois Central and featuring the “Split-Rail” logo also are seen, along with red GM&O SD40’s and GP38’s. The original green diamond paint scheme of the Illinois Central also appears in a pacing sequence with GP40 #3018.
Also making an appearance are passenger trains, as F40’s and Heritage Fleet cars make up the consist of Amtrak’s City of New Orleans in several scenes. The now discontinued River Cities also appears.
Rare power is featured in this program, as Paducah Geeps are seen in abundance. Other Paducah rebuilds including the SD20’s and SW14 switchers are seen as well. Other notable locomotives seen are a former GM&O GP35, former SD40 demonstrator #6071, and SD28 #9450.
Many of the scenes in this program were shot at Centralia and Effingham, Illinois. Other locations include Kinmundy, Edgewood, Tuscola, Irvington, and the Edgewood Cutoff at Bluford, Kegley, and Rust Junction.
This program is a must for any fan of the I.C. and I.C.G.
