How long is Franklin Park Railroad Dayz? Is it Friday/Saturday/Sunday?
The engines will be on display tommorow only. They will be open until 3PM and you will be able to walk through the cabs of various engines and also be able to walk through vintage passenger cars (If CN sent the business train cars this year). UP’s E9s and the CNW heritage engine will be there. IHB 4018 will also most likely be there as it was sitting by itself at Bensenville today. There will be more there then that but I am not sure exactly what.
Exactly where will the Engines be? Is there an age requirement for Kids?
Thanks beforehand.[bow]
Thanks. Asfor the age, last year their were grandpas, and grandkids! 0-200 is the age limit! 
For real though, their is no age restriction.
I would like to try to make it up there next year.
The event was a huge success as always this year! The highlight of the displays was that four Es, UP’s A-B-A set and CN E9 103 were all their, as well as the CNW heritage engine. Plus, Metra 411, a Metra Cab Car, IHB 4018, a CP ES44AC, and a Belt Railway SD40-2 also showed up.
It was a great experience for sure. A tip of the hat to Franklin Park,Railroads and
volunteers.[yeah][tup]
My bride was a real trooper yesterday, agreeing to drive to Franklin Park with me for about an hour of looking at and climbing all over the equipment mentioned above. The big deal for me was the three U.P. E-9 units that I had wanted to see for years. They were just about as clean as one could expect from active railroad locomotives but had a little bit of rust evident coming through the Armour Yellow paint (I guess none of us approaching fifty years old or more are without a LITTLE bit of rust, hey?). I was also very impressed with U.P. 1995 which was just about as clean as the E units. We were allowed inside the cab of Metra 411 and even back through the engine compartment…it had been there for about 3.5 hours when I visited and the engine compartment was still VERY HOT! My wife was particularly impressed with the CN private varnish…she said “this would be a great way to travel”. Thanks to all who made this a special day. (Note: Photo below not mine…thanks to the photographer for a wonderful shot)
I’m gonna have to go next year. That sounds awesome! Where can people get more info?
The City of Franklin Park, IL town web site has information on this event every year. Since the event is held in May each year I suggest you check their web site beginning in late April.
Here is a link to my photo of the E9s. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=187785. It was a very nice time and I can’t wait until next year’s railroad daze.
EJE818 – Nice photo. The spring switch in the foreground – has to be hand opened to get the red signal to go green, yes?
Yep, those switches were hand thrown. In fact, CP threw the wrong switch and sent the train down the wrong track, so they had to back up again and then head in to the yard. That photo is of them departing down the correct track. CP also didn’t know how to start the Es and had to get someone to come up from Proviso and help.
Another item of interest I forgot to mention, the Es are not going to be heading by to Cheyenne just yet! They will be pulling OLS specials in Illinois and Wisconsin. Locations that will be seeing them are Belvidere June 1-2, Janesville June 4, Momence June 6th, and Altoona, WI June 9th.
Where in WI will they be?
Janesville June 4th and then after the Momence trip, Altoona June 9th.