Engineer D.S. on the CN 2417 eases UP train MCHPB slowly back into Villa Grove yard to make a setout/pickup.

UP 1963, a patched Cotton Belt GP60, leads the LSB50 north over the Embarras River and out of Villa Grove.

Right on the tail of NS 20T, NS 146 coasts east through Philo "The Center of the Universe" with a C40-9 and SD40-2 pair.

The UP MPRPB eases it's way diagonally across the horizon at 142.3 with an MP15AC, lettered for NREX, third out in the consist. Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/HAYrsL

UP 1440 and a HLCX unit lead the LSB50 local south into the setting sun and over the last crossing of the day.

A KCS De Mexico AC4400 and KCS SD70ACe lead the UP MYCAS south past the signal at West Ridge, IL after doing yard work at Villa Grove.

With a trio of GEs on the point, Norfolk Southern intermodal train, 21T, gets up to speed out of the Dawn siding at Tolono, splitting the endangered searchlights. Not only is there Wabash-era sear... (more)

"Local 50" The UP LSB50 local pulls into it's home base, Villa Grove, with a 2 car train. Trees are starting to transition into their fall colors, making shots a bit more interesting.... (more)

"Relics of the Past" An old Wabash searchlight signal that used to protect the N&W/WAB and IC diamond just north of Strawn, IL, stands dark. This trackage is now part of the Bloomer L... (more)

"Next Stop... The TP&W" UP's LSB50 with UP 1945 and 1494 pulls north out of Villa Grove with a big train consisting of transformers, hoppers, and tank cars.

"Perfect Timing" Just as the sun pops out, UP 1996, the Southern Pacific heritage, unit rolls into Villa Grove with the MPRAS past an old, unused Chicago and Eastern Illinois/Missouri... (more)

BNSF 940 and a UP GE lead train V-BLUBEL under the Santa Fe searchlight signals in Edelstein, IL. - 10/13/13

UP LPG04 with a trio of UP GP15-1s, coasts west out of Rochelle, IL under the original CNW searchlights after working the industries on the east end of town.

After hitting a truck along the Villa Grove sub near Goodwine, IL a month or so ago, UP 7464 sits in Villa Grove yard for another evening. There is also a boxcar on a flatcar behind it..

UP 8169 brings up the rear of northbound coal train CWEKS-15 (West Elk Mine, CO - Blue Island, IL)