IC Freight Trains

Contributed by Bill Strong

IC freight on the freight line passing Binghamton Station along L&N tracks.

Phil Gosney Photo

The IC was extremely short of freight locomotives in 1969. Here is Train 50 a Memphis to Markham, IL fast overnight Intermodal train, also known as the "Fastback", seen at Johnston Yard in June, 1969. The unusual power was an E-8 and three F units from the Rio Grande. The latter units were being leased for the interim period from EMD Corporation. While the E units were fast handling a passenger train, they did not have a very long duration in freight service. After several months, and many blown traction motors, this train was replaced by new GP-40 locomotives. Also this train was routed via "the Passenger Main" via Central Station through Memphis and also ran via Cairo and Centralia, IL north to Chicago.

Phil Gosney Photo

Train 50, known as the "Fastback" operated via the Passenger Main once it left Johnston Yard in Memphis. (This trackage is now known as City Main 1 and City Main2). Here is the train leaving East Jct and heading north toward Central Station, and eventually Chicago via Centralia, IL. June, 1969.

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