Illinois Central Steam Finale, 1936-1960

By Lloyd E. Stagner and Stephen A. Lee

The Illinois Central dieselization program began with its passenger trains in the 1930s. Meanwhile, it began a rebuilding program to beef up its steam locomotives. With an efficient fleet of steam power and an abundant supply of on-line, low-cost coal, the IC was slow to dieselize its freight service, finally beginning in 1952. Dieselization was completed in 1959, and railfan excursions in 1960 ended the steam era. Illinois Central Steam Finale details IC's steam power by type, as well as the wreck of its lone remaining streamlined steam passenger train in 1951.