I recall seeing the "Ford train" (auto parts boxcars and auto racks, presumably empties) bound for a Ford [truck?] plant in the twin cities, or at least the train I am thinking of was) in the very early afternoon here in the Milwaukee area. So unless it was taking nearly 3 hours to go those 90 miles or so it must have run "late" plenty of times. It was a fast train. The timing might have been chosen to minimize interference with Metra's morning commuter trains.
The train disappeared (I think the Ford plant was closed or maybe the particular truck was discontinued, or both) before "Precision Scheduled Railroading" had a chance to slow it down with dead freight and too-few locomotives.
Dave Nelson
It seems to me that the OP never got any replies, so after 3 weeks he found the answer to his question and decided to post it for the benefit of others.
Rich
Alton Junction
7j43k 7j43k wrote the following post an hour ago: You just don't see people answering their own question all that often. Sorta like borrowing $100 from yourself. Ed
That's true, Ed, but if I were thinking about modelling that particular train, I now know that I wouldn't bother...to be prototypical, I'd have to get up much earlier than I prefer, just to be sure that the train left at a truly prototypical time.
Wayne
You just don't see people answering their own question all that often.
Sorta like borrowing $100 from yourself.
Ed
The #213 left Chicago at 0945. Gary
When did the Milwaukee train #213 Ford fast freight leave chicago. Gary