The Rock Island line at Joliet's Union Station

Sometimes I will look at an old building and just find it fascinating that 100 years ago life went on around that same building just as it does today. It is a completely different time, so many changes to everything, however there the building stands just as it did long ago. History is what makes Joliet special to me. I look at photographs like the ones shown below and can see a world that is familiar to me as it appeared to family members long past. Today if you stand at Joliet's Union Station, there is constant freight traffic moving north/south being pulled by Union Pacific and BNSF diesels. On the east/west tracks you will most likely see a Metra passenger train or a CSX freight train.

Flash back as recent as 62 years and you would see this. A Rock Island Lines 4-8-4 steam engine pulling a freight load eastbound. This shot is taken standing on the south side of the station facing west, looking toward the DesPlaines river. Today only the tracks closest to the platform pavers remains.

Posted above is the Rock Island 4-8-4 #5114 heading west. If you click on the picture above and open the larger version, you can clearly see the bell on the front of the engine swinging away. This picture is taken looking east, standing in roughly the same location described above. The switch tower seen in this picture still stands today, however its future at this time is uncertain.

It is always a treat coming across photographs like this. Special thanks to Lance Wales who gave me permission to repost photographs which are in his collection, original photos by Bruce MacDonald. You can view Lance Wales collection here.

The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil

I will admit that in all of my years of running trains, usually just at Christmas, I have never oiled an engine or a car. I know, I know, but that is all changing now that I am fully diving into the hobby instead of just walking around in the infant pool. I guess this is a testimate to the quality of product that Lionel produces. Or maybe I am just lucky that the few trains that I do have still roll forward when I apply the power. Anyways, I just got my Christmas tree layout going this week and started to break in my brand new MTH Lionel Corporation Tinplate 255E (amazing engine, some photos and a review will be coming soon). After about 5 minutes of running, one of the tinplate cars began to screech something awful. Comet, my siberian husky, even jumped up and froze in place, with his ears pinned straight back. Needless to say caring for my new purchases is now a priority.


Unlike most people I do read the manuals, but sometimes the BEST answer is not always there. So like everyone else with O gauge trains, I did find the best answers on the O Gauge Railroading forums. As usual, I opened the forum and the exact topic I was going to start was already in a full discussion swing within the top 10 newest posts. So, at the suggestion of the "experts" today I picked up some Labelle 108 Synthetic Oil.

9 bucks for roughly 1/2 fl oz. but it got the job done. I am not sure how expensive or inexpensive this stuff is, but I took some advice taken from Ives1122 who said  "I'm going to chime in with a third nomination for Labelle. Regardless of what anyone else may tell you, insist on using the best lubricants for your trains. The peace of mind is well worth any additional costs you may incur over other brands."

The oil came with a needle for application which made it really easy to apply.

I placed 1 drop on each axel at each wheel, where shown above. Just like that, no more screeching. Comet is now a much happier assistant and can go back to concentrating on getting his hair all over everything.

As I continue my layout construction and possibly get another engine or two out for the holidays, the first thing I am going to do is make sure to add some fresh oil to each piece. They are probably thirsty for it, even though they are not making any strange noises.

On another note, I am going to make an effort to make some more frequent updates during the upcoming fall, winter, and spring months. I hope you look forward to seeing my progress as much as I look forward to seeing yours!