I hadn’t seen movie “The Fugitive” for many years - this time round noticed RR name on the locos in the train pile up scene where the freight train slams into the bus transporting prisoners.
Locos had the name Illinois Southern. Was that a made up name by Hollywood, or a real RR that they used?
What a pile up[:0] I guess that train was expendable?[:(] One loco looked like a GP30…
Might need you mid-west guys for a hand with this one???
Kozzie
The railroad was ficticious and the GP30 was an old Ex-SR highnose hulk that was just scrap metal. As I recall there was a second unit shoving the consist that did the real work. A real “Hollywood” stunt.
[;)] Ahh! Thanks Limitedclear for the explanantion.[:)]
Certainly seemed realistic. One is reminded of the huge momentum trains have.
Movie certainly shows plently of Chicago L trains.
Kozzie
Where would we be without the internet…?
…there’s always someone out there with the answer, thanks Limited Clear. [:)]
AND…the crash scene took place on a tourist line! they replaced the track a few feet over, and left the wreck for people to go see. It should still be there as far as I know, but I don’t know where
[;)] Thanks trainheartedguy! [:)] I was wondering where it was done, even if was a stunt.
So they left the wreck…once the line is repaired I guess it becomes part of the tourist scene…“and on the right hand side you can see what’s left of the train used in the movie…”
A few good shots of the Chicago L trains as well. Sure have some tight curves to get round those city blocks. Once out of the inner city area they would pick up a lot more speed[?]
Kozzie
The wreck was staged on the Great Smoky Mountain RR. I have taken the excursion many times, though not the route where they filmed the wreck. The wreck was stage outside of Dillsboro, NC.
This is from the FAQ’s page of their website:
Which one of the trips will go by the wreckage from the “Fugitive” movie"?
Any of our trips which originate in Dillsboro go by this site near our shop. Daytime trips like the Gorge Combo and the Tuckasegee River excursion, as well as the Santa Express trains allow passengers to get a good view of this wreckage.
If you are ever in North Carolina make a day to ride the GSMRR. You won’t be disappointed. Dave
Hey Dave9999! [:)] Thanksfor the info and solving the mystery!
I’ve briefely checked out the GSMRR website.
Looks like a 2-8-0 Consolidation Dave?
Kozzie
Correct !! Class S-160 2-8-0 Consolidation.
Last year the steam loco was in for maintenance, so we had to take the diesel excursion. Still had fun. I’ll be going back in May, and hopefully the steam will be running. I plan on taking the ride from Dillsboro to Natahala Gorge. This will take me by the site of the Fugitive wreck. Dave
I find that www.imdb.com has a lot of neat info, too, if you can wade past some of the user comments [xx(]
The morning after the wreck: those scenes were filmed in Chester, Illinois http://www.chesterillinois.com/ . I’ve actually been there. It’s the birthplace of “Popeye.” Took a picture of the Popeye statue but didn’t come out because it was the end of the roll of film [:(]
[:)] That’s also a good area to watch trains. [tup] It’s on the east bank of the Mississippi R., right along side a huge bluff. Trains don’t move too fast and a highway parallels the tracks in some places so you can “ride along” with the trains. I think it’s a UP-SP line along there. Have to get my pictures out to remember. Been a few years since I been there. The Mississippi R. area has some great scenic views. Especially up in the area north of Alton, can’t think of the name, some French name, Perre Marquette? Some one correct me on that. Highly contrasts eastern Illinois which is __________________. (and I thought western Kansas was flat! [;)] )
The wreck was still there a year ago when I took the family for a ride. It is starting to look a little overgrown, maybe they can cut back the kudzu so you can see it better.
Well, here’s a link that gives a whole explanation of the filming of the scene in The Fugitive. I think it pretty much tells you anything you could want to know about it. http://www.spikesys.com/Trains/fugitive.html
Thanks Sask_Tinplater![:)] you’re right - it does give a lot of info.
The web site mentions the train crash was a once off. Just as well it went right the first time!
Kozzie
Hi ironhorseman[:)], you are correct on the area north of Alton,IL., it is Pere Marquette State Park. The Illinois Terminal had a line run north to Grafton, It ran where the road is now, some areas you can see right of way. There is a place called Cliffton Terrace where there is a little park with history of the line. As far as the line along the river in Chester, it is the UP line from St. Louis to Little Rock, about 20 miles south of there is a place called Gorham where the UP Chicago Line joins this line, It is a very busy area for watching trains. It is worth a trip down there.