Conductor's cab-ride view SD-45 Eastbound at IRM

This is the Conductor's view over the hood of ex WC SD45 7525 on Saturday, 9/4/2010 at the Illinois Railway Museum.. The coach train had to back out of Track 2 down to the West station switch before proceeding East on the main to Kishwaukee Grove. The IRM is somewhat unique in the fact that the entire mainline is both fully signaled and is completely under overhead wire. The reason that the "yellow flag" isn't applicable to this train is that in this case, the speed restriction is to 30mph, which is the maximum revenue limit for "regular" railroad equipment. Electric urban and inter-urban equipment has a 40mph maximum speed limit.

This video starts on the main at West Station Switch. The 7525 was the last of the SD-45s removed from service on the WC, and still sports her 20cylinder prime mover. Interesting "rock and roll" video artifacts are due to the camera's image stabilization.

[daylightbigboy]

Wow that prime mover sounds great! Love that 645E-20!

[cuzinitr]

wow, that prime mover just thunders when you throttle up, well done!

[desnort]

@Barnaby504 Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[desnort]

Actually, I'm a qualified operator at the museum, although I don't get out there much any more due to health and time issues.

[PanekAttack]

How did you manage to get a cab ride in that engine. EVERY time I go to IRM, I always wanna get a ride in that particular loco. Its a special engine to me because I used to watch those WC trains go through my town all the time. Even caught this engine on some freights. By the way, if you ever buy the decals of the 7525 from Microscale, my dad is credited with sending in the photo's on this engine so the decals could be made. Awesome video and I'm EXTREMELY jealous.

[WhiskeyCentral]

How Did You Get A Cab Ride, Are You The Conductor?

[Island_Line_Rail_Productions]

nice! just wondering...is the track on the left a freight line? that would be some cool railfanning there

[BNforever]

I will volunteer there this year too, will learn to be  a conductor there too, later, engineer

[BNforever]

hey should have that FP-45 running there too, and repainted into Santa Fe

[thespwillliveforever]

Do you have any plans for AT&SF 92 or UP 6930

[desnort]

@WhiskeyCentral I'm a qualified operator at the musuem, 'dead heading' for the video.