All Aboard Episode on Illinois Central
Filmed over a 30 year period, from the 1950s to the 1980s, this episode records an active period in the history of the Illinois Central Railroad. Beginning in the late steam era, many of the IC’s massive locomotives are recorded in both freight and passenger service. Scenes of these locomotives were shot on the mainlines, in the yards, and at servicing facilities.
The transition to first generation diesels continues this history. In the mid 1970s the IC merged with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio to form the Illinois Central Gulf. The ICG owned over 9500 miles of track, and began selling off branch lines. By 1987 the railroad had trimmed the track to 3000 miles and it’s name back to Illinois Central. This episode will air on HCTV on Friday May 30, May 31, June 1, June 7, and June 8.
