IRM 70 for 70: Trolley Parade 7/1/23

This was, chaotic.

One of the new events for IRM's 70th Anniversary came around the time they normally host their annual "Trolley Weekend." This year, in honor of the 70th, IRM held a big parade featuring nearly 72 pieces of Electric Equipment to commemorate the occasion.

While not every single piece of equipment was covered in this video, we did manage to get some of the standout ones were the Electroliner, both generations of the Illinois Central's Highliners, 4 to 6 car sets of Interurbans and "L" Cars for the North Shore Line, Chicago Aurora, and Elgin, and the CTA. But the crown jewel of the event was South Shore Line 803 towing PRR 4927 and Amtrak 945. However this day did not have it's faults, including the electrical grid going out at one point, the South Shore Interurbans going kaput leading to Commonwealth Edison 15 to come and rescue them, the parade starting late due to rain, and the main being clogged.

But aside from those various hiccups, the day was still well enjoyed by all and it was a nice addition to the 70th Anniversary. Also included at the beginning of the video is a Sand Train on the CN in Mundelein with a pair of NS Rebuilds (a C6M and an ACU) and a CN GEVO in the lead. Enjoy!

Taken on 7-1-23