Exploring the Chicago & North Western in Iowa and Illinois with Randy J. Williams

Softcover, 86 pages, 8.5 x 11 in., color photos.

Growing up Lisbon, Iowa, Randy Williams was fascinated with trains. After watching and photographing the Chicago & North Western in his hometown, Randy secured a job with the railroad. Working as an engineer, Randy ran trains on the Iowa Division and the coal lines in Wyoming.

Randy never lost his love for railroads. He diligently traveled around the country photographing railroad operations. Though the generous cooperation of his family, we can explore with Randy C&NW's train operations in Iowa and Illinois during the 1970s and 1980s. The book includes many photographs of mainline train operations between Cedar Rapids and Clinton, as well as trains running on the West Chicago to Chicago mainline.

Included are Falcon TOFC trains, coal trains, long manifests, and a special section covering commuter trains with E units and F units. There is even a visit to the Oelwein Diesel Shops.

James E. Lewnard, SilverLake Images 2024