| CB&Q GP7 251 pictured in the lower coach yard at Aurora, Illinois, June 20, 1965, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. It is seen here in charge of the consist for a steam fantrip. The trip began in West Chicago, and was pulled down the branch line through Batavia to Aurora, where the 251 was cut off and steam locomotive 4960 (a 2-8-2) took over for a trip to Ottawa, Illinois and return. The trip was advertised as a Fathers Day Outing, and the price was $6.00. The Geep was used on the Batavia Branch because 4960 was too heavy for the branch line rails. The Batavia Branch was significant because it was the original railroad that became the CB&Q, chartered as the Aurora Branch Railroad. Some but not all of the CB&Q GP7's were equipped with steam generators, and the 251 is so equipped. However, it is not active in this photo, and was certainly not needed in June. The CB&Q had large steel caps fabricated to cover the steam generator's intake and exhaust vents, and they are in place on this locomotive. The purpose of the caps was to keep the rain out and prevent rust. This locomotive was built in November 1952 (c/n 16712), became BN 1607, and was retired in November 1981. |