MetraF40C607 wrote:Lets also remember that the UP line past Union DOES still go to Rockford and is used.
The line past the IRM in Union is indeed still used several times a week by UP, primarily by local freight jobs with crews originating from West Chicago. Fairly light traffic overall, and I get the distinct impression from scanner chatter that very little of it actually goes all the way to Rockford. Still, it's a fortunate coincidence that this line, more commonly known as the Belvidere sub, has a direct CNW heritage, meaning that 411 will eventually return to the IRM in its original colors on the trackage of its original owner. I just hope it can actually make its return to "home rails" under its own power, that would really be special...