Preserved Nickle Plate Road 2-8-4 type steam locomotive # 765. Chicago Illinois. September 7th 1985.

Preserved Nickle Plate Road 2-8-4 type steam locomotive # 765. Chicago Illinois. September 7th 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back on September 7th, 1985.

I was one of many passengers aboard a mainline steam locomotive powered fantrip excursion from Chicago to Sterling Illinois.

The trip was sponsored by the 20th Century Railroad Club of Chicago, and utilized preserved Nickle Plate Road 2-8-4 Berkshire Class Lima Locomotive Works engine # 765, from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society in Indiana.

The locomotive is shown here prior to departure, at the former NorthWestern Station site in downtown Chicago Illinois, wich was recently renamed "The NorthWestern Atrium Center."

Unfortunately...this excursion trip was on the HOTTEST day of 1985. The outside temperature topped 100 Degrees Farenheight, and the air conditioning in My coach wasn't in working order at all. I rode in the vestibule standing up at an open dutch door to catch some wind.

It was My first mainline steam excursion, and believe Me...It was a HOT one at that.

Thanks.
Eddie K.