Illinois Junctions

Producer: Greg Scholl

Timeframe: 2003

Locations: Watseka, Gilman, Tolono, Sidney, Tuscola

Length: 2 hours

Sources: Greg Scholl, Lee Jarrett

Five hot spots located in Central Illinois. Crossing trackage is the key. Maximum train action. Some names are familiar. Gilman, is a well known location, from Illinois Central days. Others, might be new.

Chapter Menu. Accessible via the five locations.

Narrated by Greg Higgensberger. Script is on the basic end. Lightly narrated. Favors train sounds. Enough detail to maintain interest and basic information.

Watseka

Canadian National travels through the town.

Gilman

All locations include a map. Gilman.

Known for Illinois Central. That paint can still be seen here!

Canadian National has taken over.

Tolono

Not much here. Except a bunch of trains! Norfolk Southern dominates.

Sidney. Singular, with this old Wabash bridge.

A former Wabash line. Norfolk Southern runs many trains here.

Several Union Pacific moves underneath.

The second camera is minimal throughout. Only shows for the last train at Sidney. Breaks the monotony.

Tuscola

Another busy place. CSX has a former B&O route.

Amtrak has a crew change point.Union Pacific also appears on the other tracks.

A busy show, at the featured hot spots. Smooth running production. Feels strange, with only Illinois Central as a traditional roadname, on these lines. Amtrak, as well.

That is indicative of changing times. Canadian National, Norfolk Southern and Rail America, a part of that changing face.

If you like this modern era. An enjoyable two hours at these locations.

Still, a good program for those who prefer the good old days. Enough variety and plenty of action.

Rating: 4 Stars