| Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad E8 9975 westbound at Naperville, Illinois on May 23, 1965, Ektachrome by Chuck Zeiler. This is Extra 9975 West (the class lights are lit), a Bicycle Special. The first five cars are former Troop Kitchen cars, built by American Car & Foundry during World War II to provide meals on troop trains. The CB&Q purchased 300 of these cars after the war and sent them through the Havelock, Nebraska shops for conversion to express service. Because these cars had come from U. S. Army surplus, they were known as 'Jeeps' on the CB&Q. The flyer I have indicates this train departed Union Station at 9:05AM Central Daylight Time, stopped at Hinsdale and Aurora, and arrived at Ottawa (Illinois) at 11:30AM. Bicycles were checked and carried in the Jeeps. The fare was $6.10 for adults, $4.25 for kids. The destination was Buffalo Rock State Park, near Ottawa. It was a busy Sunday on the Q, as I also have a flyer for a steam excursion powered by 2-8-2 4960 to Ottawa an hour behind this train. This train used bi-level suburban commuter coaches, the steam trip offered air-conditioned coaches (heavyweights), a baggage car for tape recording fans and an open gondola. The fare for the steam trip was $7.50. |