Arrivals

39^th ANNUAL MEET TO BE IN HARRISTOWN, IL

Home of a standard tower-style substation, the 39^th annual meeting of the Illinois Traction Society will be held in Harristown, Illinois on April 24^th-25^th 2026, and Duane Shepherd will be your host to welcome you to another excursion of exploring the Illinois Terminal.

That evening the annual informal dinner will be held Friday, April 24^th, between 6 PM and 8 PM, at East End Grill 910 South Airport Rd (located in the north end of the airport terminal building) Decatur, IL. We have a private room to enjoy the comradery of fellow members. Members will be responsible to pay for their meal. 

On Saturday, April 25^th, registration will begin at 8:00 AM at the Harristown Community Center, 185 North Kembark Street, Harristown (217) 413 6605. At 9 AM, (until 2 PM) the day’s event begins with the railroad memorabilia swap meet offer a variety of items for sale or trade, appealing to both collector and modeler. 

At 1 PM, a clinic will be held by Doug Forbes for the use of 3-D printing to make IT models.  At 3 PM, the ITS Annual Film Festival will be held, featuring both electric and diesel operations, system wide.  

The annual social hour will be held at 5 PM in the Harristown Community Center and dinner will be served promptly at 6 PM. The meal will consist of Fried Chicken, Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Salad, Roll, Coffee or Tea. The cost of the dinner will be $25 (gratuity included) per person. After dinner, the State of Society report will be given followed by the evening program “Illiopolis Ordnance Plants: The War Years.”  This is an event that you will not want to miss! 

Looking forward to seeing you at Harristown!

> Meet Itinerary and Reservation Form <

Publication Schedule

The 2026 ITS Monthly Wall Calendar is currently available.

Spring 2026 FLYER available March 2026

Drumhead Sign

A new drumhead sign was made for the use on the rear of a business car when an annual meet is held at a museum.

Help Support the Restoration of the Illinois Terminal SW1200 No. 784!!

The Illinois Terminal SW1200, No. 784 was placed in service on December 19, 1955 and renumbered No. 1210 on May 20, 1967.  With the acquisition of the Illinois Terminal by the Norfolk & Western, it would be deemed surplus and sold to the Sequatchie Valley RR of Jasper Tennessee in March of 1988.  In 2022, the Monticello Railway Museum acquired ownership and it now resides in Monticello, Illinois.  The locomotive is operational but will need electrical and mechanical work to make the engine fully functional.  In addition, new paint will be required to fully restore the engine.  Your help is requested with a financial donation towards this effort.  Your donation is tax deductible (MRM is a 501c3 organization) and can be sent to:

Monticello Railway Museum
P.O. Box 401
Monticello, Illinois  61856-0401

Please make anotation that your donation is to be directed to the IT 784 Restoration Fund.

Illinois Terminal #784 - Monticello Railway Museum

Illinois Traction Society Presentations

One of the functions of the society is the “Preservation and Presentation of ITS History” which is accomplished by presenting custom tailored programs to various groups, free of charge. Here are some of the programs that were presented on behalf of the Society:

Tru-Color Paint

Over the last several years, a new paint manufacturer, Tru-Color Paint, has burst onto the modeling scene.  "Tru-Color Paint is a solvent based paint with an acrylic polymer used as the binding agent which adheres very well to plastic or metal models, when those models are properly prepared."  The company offers well over one hundred different colors in their line, including motive power, passenger, and freight car colors mixed to match those used by a particular railroad.  Of special interest to Illinois Terminal modelers are the following paints:

TCP-199	IT Freight Car Brown	(1944-1960)
TCP-253	IT Mandarin Orange [sic]	(electric era)
TCP-254	IT Terracotta [sic]	(electric era)
TCP-303	IT Light Green	(diesel era)
TCP-304	IT Yellow	(diesel era)

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price per 1oz. bottle is $7.19 and is available from your favorite hobby shop.

For more information, go to http://trucolorpaint.com/.

The IT IN Miniature

N-Scale Hoppers Special Run from Bluford Shops

Illinois Terminal – As Delivered in 4 road numbers. ITC took delivery of these hoppers in 1952, not long after beginning their conversion from an electric interurban line with substantial freight business to an all-diesel regional freight line. MSRP: $32.95 each.

BLU 74170 - Illinois Terminal as delivered - #ITC 4703     BLU 74174 - Illinois Terminal as delivered - #ITC 4849
BLU 74171 - Illinois Terminal as delivered - #ITC 4755     BLU 74175 - Illinois Terminal as delivered - #ITC 4810

Your hobby shop can order these cars exclusively through Heartland Hobby Wholesale.

February 2017
Athearn: has announced the August 2017 release of a four set GP-7: green and yellow nose striped paint scheme (1969-1977) with cab script lettering and body block lettering. The HO models are equipped with DCC and sound and fully detailed. Unit 1501 (ATHG 64276) has the cab script lettering with black shading. Unit 1502 (ATHG 64277) has the cab script lettering with black shading and the offset IT on the body. Unit 1503 (ATHG 64278) has the cab script lettering with red shading and unit (ATHG 64279) has the yellow cab numbers and yellow block lettering on the body.

Bachmann Trains: has released the Norfolk Southern heritage Illinois Terminal SD70ACe locomotive.

January 2015
Intermountain: Updated the release of the 4650 Cu. Ft. Covered Hoppers in the May 1980 ADM logo and the November 1966 Tabor & Co, Decatur, Illinois logo.  Each model features a choice of six car numbers with etched metal roofwalks, sharp painting and lettering, and come equipped with metal wheelsets and kadee couplers. The HO models list for $37.95 and are tentatively due out September 2015.  The N scale models list for $24.95 and will released at a date to be determined.

Built:  NEW  5-80  Car Numbers HO Scale Stock No N Scale Stock No 65002 47080-01 67080-01 65027 47080-02 67080-02 65042 47080-03 67080-03 65058 47080-04 67080-04 65071 47080-05 67080-05 65086 47080-06 67080-06

Built:  NEW  11-66 Car Numbers HO Scale Stock No N Scale Stock No 46678 47081-01 67081-01 46683 47081-02 67081-02 46691 47081-03 67081-03 46704 47081-04 67081-04 46717 47081-05 67081-05 46722 47081-06 67081-06

November 2013
Intermountain: Unions Starch & Refining Co. red tank cars were a common sight in the 1940’s-1950’s as a part of the IT Peoria or Madison bound train consist, as well as being handled by the local switch engine in the Granite City area.  Intermountain Models is producing a set of six cars (GATX: (01)-22351, (02)- 22356, (03)-22364, (04)- 22367, (05)- 22370, (06)- 22375. The car is run in both HO and N and tentatively due out February 2014.

 

ACF Type 27 Riveted 8,000 Gallon Tank Cars Features:  Sharp Painting and Lettering. HO Models equipped with Metal Wheelsets and  Kadee® Couplers. Note: The Terminal Railroad Association Historical & Technical Society has a history of this tank car in its 2010 issue, No. 70. The back issue (also featuring Mail at Union Station, St. Louis and Wabash photos in 140 pages) is available for $35.00 plus $4.00 for shipping. To order: TRRAH&TS, P.O.Box 1688, St. Louis, MO 63188-1688.

Built: NEW 5‑30 Car Numbers HO Scale Stock No N Scale Stock No 22351 46331-01 66331-01 22356 46331-02 66331-02 22364 46331-03 66331-03 22367 46331-04 66331-04 22370 46331-05 66331-05 22375 46331-06 66331-06

May 2013
Bluford Shops: Pre-Orders are now open. For the first time, Bluford Shops is announcing new caboose runs simultaneously in HO and N. Many of the 16 new road names will be available in 2 road numbers (each sold separately.) Pre-orders for this group should remain open at least through mid-Summer but as usual we will send out a two week warning prior to closing the order books. First draft artwork is shown here using the HO car template and is subject to improvement by our development team. HO Caboose Features: Ready-to-run with Kadee couplers, wire grab irons and cut levers, metal wheels and appropriate trucks for the road name. N Caboose Features: Ready-To-Run with operating knuckle style couplers, wire grab irons, etched metal railings, and appropriate trucks for the road name. HO Caboose MSRP: $49.95. N Caboose MSRP: $36.95

For Illinois Terminal modelers, Bluford Shops is decorating their “Version 1” (short-body bay window all-steel) caboose. This should be a nice stand-in for the wood-bodied, steel bay window prototype. It will be available in 2 road numbers. HO Scale: 31090 Illinois Terminal #805; 31091 Illinois Terminal #804. N Scale: 21080 Illinois Terminal #805; 21081 Illinois Terminal #804. Several Illinois Terminal locomotive runs have been produced in both scales in recent years by multiple manufacturers.

For further information, see http://www.bluford-shops.com/bluford_93_035.htm or contact Bluford Shops Sales Office: Ph. 618-822-6833 BlufordSteve@gmail.com or Production Office: Craig@bluford-shops.com or their Mailing Address: Bluford Shops, P.O. Box 152, Bluford, IL 62814

June 2012
Intermountain: HO and N Scale: ITC Yellow & Red 4750 Cu Ft. covered hopper in six numbers to be released in December/January. HO list price of $31.95 and N list for $22.95. Reservations due by June 30, 2012.

45312 side view 45312 3/4 view HO and N Scale models of this 4750 Cu Ft Rib-Side Covered Hopper feature etched metal roof walks with sharp yellow and red painting with dark green lettering. HO models equipped with metal wheel sets and Kadee® couplers. N scale models equipped with Micro-Trains® trucks and couplers. Note: For additional information, see "The ITC 100-ton P-S Covered Hopper" on page 4 in the Fall 1993 issue of The Flyer that also features "Block Signals: IT's Silent Sentries.

Built: NEW 12‑73 Car Numbers HO Scale Stock No N Scale Stock No 1842 45312-13 65312-13 1961 45312-14 65312-14 1980 45312-15 65312-15 2107 45312-16 65312-16 2115 45312-17 65312-17 2133 45312-18 65312-18

January 2012
Athearn: Is delivering the HO IT SW1500 in three roads numbers-December 2011. Script lettering on cab with “IT” on body. Athearn # 96721- IT 1509, # 96722-IT 1510 and # 96723-IT 1514. Each unit has a suggested retail price of $124.98.

Walthers: 56’-Thrall All Door boxcar IT 7811 # 9120-60604. The HO model is a yellow with green script lettering and expected delivery of December 2011 at a cost of $21.98 per unit.

Microscale: ITC 2^nd Generation Locomotive Stripes decal sheet # 87-1355. The sheet of yellow nose/pilot stripes is $6.50.

Imperial Hobby Productions: HO ITC Double-ended PCC kit. Features a one-piece resin body shell with a details cast in place with super resilient wheel covers and dummy couplers. Plastic frame accepts Bowser’s # 125100 traction drive. The undecorated kit is #87169.

Shoreline Decals: IT PCC green and cream decals available in HO #-Illinois Terminal Railroad PCC. Cost $6.00.  For additional information or to order decals, contact Paul Mayer at paul@shorelinedecals.com

June 2010
Athearn: Announces the release of HO ready to Run SW1500 Norfolk Southern 2290. This unit is the former Illinois Terminal 1511. Athearn Number-ATH 96667 has a suggested retail price of $109.98.

Inter Mountain: Available November-December, Modified 1937 AAR Boxcar, lettered Illinois Terminal with white oval emblem. The six car numbers are; 6304, 6327, 6323, 6412, 6459 and 6473. To order; “HO” 45826 ($29.95) and “N” 65826 ($19.95). POB 839, Longmont, CO 80502, phone 800-472-2530 www.intermountain-railway.com

March 2010
Atlas has announced the release of an “O” gauge Illinois Terminal RS-1 locomotive in November of 2008.  The O Master model is in the green/yellow “football” scheme with roman lettering.  The 2-Rail Gold Model 5964-1 bears No. 752 and model 5964-2 bears No. 756.  The 3-Rail TMCC model 6964-1 bears No. 752 and Model 6964-2 is No. 756.

Illinois Terminal Sign Restoration

The St. Louis Museum of Transportation Trolley Volunteers (MTTV) have undertaken the restoration of the Illinois Terminal Central Terminal Building sign which hung over 12th Street for many years. This sign is significant not only as memorabilia from the Interurban Age, but also as an early use of neon in advertising displays.  The Trolley Volunteers will clean and stabilize the sign structurally and restore the neon lettering on both sides of the sign. It will then be permanently displayed undercover in The Roberts Building near the trolley stop at the East end of the Museum grounds with an interpretive sign. In the shadow of the Roberts' Building, the sign will glow warmly even on the brightest days.

It is estimated that the cost of this project, including the electrical to light the sign, is about $4000. Anticipating an enthusiastic response from the local railfan community, we are already proceeding with this project. We expect to complete the work by November of this year. If anyone has information on the history of the sign, we would like to hear from you. We do not have accurate data on when the sign was installed or removed. The Trolley Volunteers would welcome any financial contributions to this effort. Neil Norkaitis is the co-ordinator of this restoration effort and for additional information or to make a contribution, please send to:

Transport Museum Association
I.T. Sign Restoration
2967 Barrett Station Road
St. Louis, MO 63122

Donations Sought for ITC GP7 Restoration

The Illinois Railway Museum, Union, Illinois, is home of the only surviving Illinois Terminal GP7, No. 1605, formerly 1506.  A new traction motor and generator have been obtained to place this locomotive back in service, but funding is lacking to complete the restoration.  All labor is a volunteer effort.  If work can be completed, the unit will be part of the “Take the Throttle” of the 25th ITS annual meet, April 30, 2011.  Please send your donation payable to Illinois Railway Museum and notation marked “ITC 1605” and send to:

Illinois Railway Museum
ITC 1605 Fund
P.O. Box 427
Union, Illinois 60180-0427

IRM a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible.

The Reincarnation of the IT’s 2301

For those in attendance of the Illinois Traction Society 24^th Annual Meet, they were surprised with the unveiling of a replica of the Illinois Terminal No. 2301. This magnificently painted locomotive rolled into a grassy, open area to the delight of the oohhs and ahhhs of the 88 members present. To further thrill the crowd, ITS Secretary and engineer Judy Jenkins revved up the motor, resulting in the sounds of applause and group approval of this revived Illinois Terminal heritage. The event was concluded with a group photo and memories for a lifetime. However, as Paul Harvey would have said, “…and now for the rest of the story”.

Last summer, Terry Respondek, President of the Respondek Short Line Railroad and a member of the Illinois Traction Society, expressed an interest to help commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Illinois Terminal, but in a unique manner. As an IT fan and former employee (engineer), his fleet of locomotives bears resemblance to the Illinois Terminal heritage of green and yellow; with stripes. From this the idea was presented to paint a Respondek locomotive in the original delivery scheme.

Based on company records, the original paint color was matched and lettering decals were created using original IT blueprints. Former Union Pacific/C&NW 3086, an SD40-2, (the IT 2301 was an SD39) was used for repainting.. A crew of volunteers converged on the locomotive and in a short time, had reincarnated 2301. The June 2010 (Number 373) issue of Railroads Illustrated pages 16-17 provides an interesting article with photos about the effort to place this unit in service.

Articles Published in Trains Magazine

The July 2012 issue of TRAINS magazine features an article “From Desk to Diesel: One Engineer’s Story” written by ITS Secretary Judy Jenkins. The 6-page story describes the training and related events for Judy to train to become an FRA Certified Class I engineer. This is a most interesting story to capture the spirit to fulfill a lifelong dream as she puts you in the engineer seat for an experience of a lifetime.

The February 2012 issue of TRAINS Magazine, page 9, features a story covering the Illini Terminal Railroad dedication at Litchfield, Illinois. The article briefly describes the story of the operation of the line and the history of the Illinois Terminal clad paint scheme locomotive.  The Fall 2011 issue of the FLYER, page 46, also offers further insight to this Illinois Terminal revived heritage road with photos and story.

Best described as the misadventures of an Amtrak On Board Service Director, the July and August 2010 issues of TRAINS magazine is publishing an article written by ITS Editor Dale Jenkins. In 1974, this writer resigned his position as Special Agent for the Illinois Terminal to pursue a career with the fairly newly created Amtrak as an On Board Service Director. What followed was series of true misadventures in the performance of his duties. Near the end of that year, reorganization would end the dream/nightmare and return Dale to the home rails of the Illinois Terminal.

Illinois Terminal 277 Runs Again!

Illinois Railway Museum resident passenger motor 277 has once again come to life as her wheels churned over the rails of the museum, pulling the life giving power from the overhead wire to excite every railfan's interest for the first time in 29 years.  On October 4, 2008, 277 with trailer 518 in tow made four round trips on the main line of the IRM.  This special event was the official makeup day for the rained-out Member's Showcase Weekend activities of September 13-14.  Thanks goes to Rod Turner, Electric Car Department Curator, and his talented staff of volunteers whose work started on the 277 earlier in the year and continued throughout the summer with a goal of operating the 277 and 518 for Member's Showcase Weekend.  Overall, the car was not in too bad of shape, but some of the air and electrical components needed to be cleaned and "exercised" to overcome nearly 20 years of "sit-itis".  Contactors were cleaned, fuses replaced, bearings polished and lubricated.  One of the most vexing problems was an air brake problem that caused the 277 to go into emergency application and then make it nearly impossible to "recover" brake pipe pressure.  The problem was found and corrective measures were taken.

While the interior of 518 is in decent condition, much of the interior of the 277 is disassembled from an aborted restoration project that was started years ago.  The original canvas roof is leaky and needs replacement and a proper restoration would entail the inspection, removal, renewal and refinishing of literally hundreds of metal and wood parts on both cars.  If any ITS members would like to support the continued care and further restoration of these cars, a donation can be sent to the Museum and stipulate that it go specifically to the IT 277, 518 or any other IT piece of equipment in IRM's collection.

Illinois Railway Museum
Buck-O-Project
P.O. Box 427
Union, IL 60180-0427

The museum is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  All donations are tax deductible.

For those of you able and interested, please consider donating.  The timing couldn't be better and if anyone is interested, perhaps we could offer our volunteer assistance to help further the project along.  For anyone interested in assisting further, feel free to contact the webmaster directly and I will see that your message and interest are forwarded to the appropriate individual(s).

Illinois Terminal 170 "BosenBirney" Safety Car

Recently an interesting and important development has come to light.  A group in Northern Texas has taken the lead, obtained all important grant funding, to help with the research and pattern work to have new journal boxes cast for the Brill 79E type truck used under many of the "Birney" single-truck streetcars.

They are now ready to have journal boxes cast and have invited all interested museums and organizations to join with them and help lower the unit cost.  It was confirmed that the IT 170 now residing at Illinois Railway Museum did indeed use these journal boxes.  IT 170 was used in service at Galesburg and Alton, Illinois and with its service life over, the original Brill 79E1 truck was removed and the body was used as an office in the Saint Louis, Missouri subway terminal.  There is a cost estimate of $1780 for a set of 4 journal boxes.  All money raised would initially go to fund the acquisition of the journal boxes and anything above and beyond that amount would go toward the further restoration of IT 170.

Quoting from recent messages posted by long time IRM volunteer and IT Society member Bob Kutella,

"Progress and support for this idea has been remarkable, and not just from the friends and members of the electric car department. As of this evening (ed., 11/15/2006), we have donations and pledges for donations from 22 people. You know who you are and a heartfelt thanks. If you have pledged a donation but not yet sent it, please do so as soon as you can. Timing is very tight to draft an IRM check and get the deposit down to Texas.

So the goal is even more likely reachable, but not yet met. If you are considering a donation, please do so right now while fresh in your mind. The funds are needed, and we are already closely examining the next steps and remaining work, including getting truck suspension springs if funds allow.

On a positive note, I can confirm that we have the needed air compressor, a DH 16, and two 25 HP GE 264A motors, in stock; and can confirm that the machining work on the box castings is planned to be done by our volunteers in house.

This is a broad based team effort - please join the team."

For those of you able and willing help with this effort, the immediate need is to GET THE JOURNAL BOXES.  Checks may be made payable to "Illinois Railway Museum".  The funds should be noted on the memo line or with a cover note that they are to be considered a RESTRICTED donation to the IT 170 or to the fund R170, for those accounting types.  The address for IRM is:

Illinois Railway Museum
Buck-O-Project
P.O. Box 427
Union, IL 60180

The museum is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  All donations are tax deductible.

For those of you able and interested, please consider donating.  The timing couldn't be better and if anyone is interested, perhaps we could offer our volunteer assistance to help further the project along.  For anyone interested in assisting further, feel free to contact the webmaster directly and I will see that your message and interest are forwarded to the appropriate individual(s).

By the way, your webmaster concurs with Dr. Harold Cox's analysis in his book, "The Birney Car", available on line at http://www.telcen.com/streetcars/ , that they would be better named "BosenBirneys" in recognition of design and development work of the Illinois Traction System's own J. M. Bosenbury, Superintendent of Motive Power and Equipment.

Go to http://www.irm.org/cgi-bin/rsearch.cgi?estreet=Illinois+Terminal+Railroad=170 to see this car on the Illinois Railway Museum web site  With our help, this car can once again run in the Illinois countryside!

Trail Update

The ITS Trail Committee Inc. is a not-for-profit organization composed of dedicated volunteers from Staunton, Sawyerville, Benld, Gillespie, Carlinville, Edwardsville and St. Louis.  Although the organization only came together in January, 2006 it has already garnered the endorsement of many organizations, municipalities and governmental agencies in the area.  Since the trail from Worden to Staunton is already approved and funded and the trail from Benld to Gillespie has been in existence for several years, this project will provide the key missing link between the two.  It is reported that the Madison County Transit District is planning to connect Worden with the closest trail which ends just southwest of Hamel.

The next major goal is to raise $15,000 to pay for a preliminary engineering study the results of which will be used in a grant application for funds to complete the construction phase of the trail.  As a fund raiser, the group is inviting donors to advertise on a Safety Vest which is bright yellow with reflector strips.  These vests provide excellent visibility for Morning walkers during dark winter morning walks and runs.  They are also a good idea for bicyclists in almost any weather and are available for $35 each.  Polo shirts are also available in sizes S/M/L for $23 and XL/XXL for $26.00.  These tastefully done polo shirts and vests will make great Christmas presents for your loved ones!  For additional information, to join, or to order a vest or polo shirts visit the group's web site at http://www.its-trail.org/.

Sam Nagy Wins State Contest For IT Drawing

Each year the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Coal Development sponsors a contest for all Illinois Junior High School science students. The students are to create poster size drawings of some aspect of history and importance of Illinois coal mining. Thirteen winners are chosen to have their art put on the annual Office of Coal Development calendar.

Sam Nagy, son of ITS member Frank Nagy, was one of the 13 winners out of 1,500 entries to have his drawing put on the 2011 calendar. Sam’s drawing depicts a 1940’s era coal mine in the background with coal hoppers being loaded at the tipple. The tracks lead to the mine are under wire, and an Illinois Terminal Class “D” freight motor sits in the foreground waiting to pick up the loaded hoppers.

The thirteen winners were honored at a reception on May 7^th at the Governor’s mansion in Springfield. Each one received a fifty-dollar savings bond and a certificate of achievement signed by Governor Quinn.

It is fitting that the Illinois Terminal be represented on the coal mining calendar because of the railroad’s long association with the coal industry in Illinois. A tip o’the hat and a hardy slap on the back with hearty congratulations to Sam!!

Announcing the new Illinois Central Railroad Heritage Association

Excitement is building around the formation of the new Illinois Central Railroad Heritage Association!  The ICRHA is dedicated to preserving and disseminating the history of the Illinois Central Railroad, its predecessors and successors including the Chicago Central & Pacific, Illinois Central Gulf, Paducah & Louisville, Mid-South, and IC lines now operated by Canadian National.

Everyone is invited to join and share the benefits of membership which include the Mid-American, an excellent full-color quarterly journal, an annual calendar, an annual convention, and more.  Regular membership costs only $34.00 per year.  Sustaining membership is $65.00 and includes the annual calendar (to be published for 2008).  Members with addresses outside of the United States pay $58.00 and $89.00 respectively.  Join now and the first issue of the Mid-American will be sent to you right away (while supplies last).  Articles in the premier issue focus on the Paducah & Louisville Railroad, the Seminole, and the Dodgeville, Wisconsin branch.

The ICRHA is not affiliated with the Illinois Central Railroad, its successors or parent companies, or any other historical society.  It is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation chartered in the state of Illinois.  Checks or money orders in U.S. dollars should be sent to: ICRHA Membership Services P.O. Box 47 Bucklin, MO 64631.