One of my fondest memories from my childhood was a 1959 trip from Omaha to Chicago on the Burlington to spend Christmas with my grandparents. I had just turned 8 the prior month. After spending Christmas in Chicago, my family took a side trip on the North Shore to spend New Year's with my Dad's family in Milwaukee.
My curiosity has got me wondering just what trains we rode on the various legs of the trip. I have tried to locate a Burlington timetable from that era with no luck. I do remember on the trip to Chicago, we left Omaha early in the morning and arrived near dusk. On the return trip to Omaha we arrived after dark.
The trip to Milwaukee is another mystery. For years, I had believed we rode the Electroliner cars which I have seen in many photos. I believe we left Chicago either late morning or early afternoon and arrived late afternoon in Milwaukee. I do remember we took the Chicago El trains to the station where we transfered to the North Shore. I remember the El trains were trimmed in green but the North Shore cars were trimmed in red but similar to the El trains in appearance. The Electroliner cars were salmon and green colored but I just picked up a copy of Interurban Trains to Chicago by John Kelly and he mentions there were also Silver Liner cars that were painted crimson red and silver and now I am wondering if those were the cars we rode on. Can anyone offer any information that might help me determine which set of cars I might have ridden on back then.
At least once a year we would ride from Ottumwa, Ia. to Chicago and back via Amtrak in the 70's... It was great fun for me and my sister. Our parents would often send us off to our grandparents all on our own for a few weeks visit every summer. It was a huge deal for me. I loved seeing all the trough freight roll past as well, them huge trains just thundered! I once got a tour from the Conductor! And then rolling into Chicago.... at night no less. Well, it’s something I can never, ever forget! Ah, the memories!
jecorbett wrote: I do remember on the trip to Chicago, we left Omaha early in the morning and arrived near dusk.
Thirty-five years ago, I purchased a copy of a 1958 Official Guide so I could try to answer your question.
I do not find ANY train from Omaha arriving Chicago near dusk. #12 Nebraska Zephyr left Omaha 11:20am, arrived Chicago 8:20PM. California Zephyr left Omaha 4:50AM, arrived Chicago 1PM.
jecorbett wrote: On the return trip to Omaha we arrived after dark.
#11 the Nebraska Zephyr left Chicago at 10:30AM and arrived in Omaha at 8:30PM. Had reclining chair coaches, dining car and parlor-lounge.
I was able to find the burlington section easily by leafing through the book. However, I can't find Chicago North Shore, a much smaller railroad, without the index and at the beginning of the Guide it has disintegrated. Sorry.