Randy Stillwell - Former NKP Site

Randy Stillwell from Illinois sent me the following note and pictures. Many thanks!

I live in south central Illinois, not far from where NKP's St. Louis line once traversed the state. The only portion of this line in Illinois still operated by NS is from St. Louis to Coffeen, IL where a CIPS coal-fired generating plant is located. A shortline, Eastern Illinois RR, operates another portion of the former NKP from Metcalf, IL to Neoga, IL.

The pictures were taken at Ramsey, IL, where NKP crossed IC and the tower that remains is a fledgling museum.

The first picture was taken looking west, the box car is sitting on remains of NKP's main, while the caboose is situated where IC's track was. Notice the unusual 6-sided concrete "telephone booth" in the foreground. I'm not sure whether it was of NKP or IC design.

The second picture shows how the inside of the tower has been restored.

Randy Stillwell