Santa Fe 2903's Excellent Adventure
In March 1995, Illinois Railway Museum (and contractor RJ Corman)
orchestrated the movement of Santa Fe 4-8-4 2903 from display outside the
Museum of Science and Industry to the Illinois Central Railroad so that
the engine could join IRM's collection at Union, IL, west of Chicago.
This involved moving the engine about a mile and a half across a park and
through the streets of the Hyde Park neighborhood to the most practical
point to connect with an active rail line. This was done using
sections of panel track leapfrogged in front of the engine and lots of
back and forth movements to effect turns in minimal space.
None who were there will ever forget the week-long
spectacle.
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Turning West towards Hyde Park Blvd. (Larger
version of above)
Entering Hyde Park Blvd
On Hyde Park Blvd
Moving Panel Track
Another view on the street
Front of separated tender
2903 parallel to IC embankment
Track prepared for tender
Tender almost reunited with engine
Once 2903 was safely on the IC main it was towed south to Pullman Junction
where the Belt Railway took over. The C&NW moved it to IRM at Union, IL.
The IRM crew documented each step along the way in chalk on the boiler
backhead.
Backhead diary (Large!)
2903 at IRM
(from IRM web page)
Visit the IRM Web Site
