Canadian National L557 10-12-23

If given an opportunity, I try not to miss getting the Canadian National local when it is led by unit still adorned in Illinois Central black. The operational merger between CN and IC was 23 years ago, yet the IC vibe remains.

Tonight's local had 41 plastic pellet empties in blocks of 29 and 12 cars. Only four other cars - two tank cars, one loaded and one empty, and two twin-bay covered hoppers containing granulated slag - were in the consist. I can only assume the plastic empties came from the the Illinois & Midland RR. If so, then at least 43 of 45 cars came from them!

As the sun had already set, I tried my new camera's 4K capability and am impressed. I don't think I could otherwise read the reporting marks and car numbers. 


CAPTION: Canadian National Railway train L557 (Local, E. Peoria IL to Decatur IL) rolls along the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's double track main at Hilliards (Creve Coeur), Illinois early evening Thursday, October 12, 2023. IC 1036 and CN 8908 have 45 cars, all but four being empty plastic pellet covered hoppers. 

David P. Jordan

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