The Classic Midwest Rails series showcases the exciting and diverse railroad action in the picturesque Midwest region from class one mainlines to branch lines, industrials and short line operations.

In the first volume, we’ll tour the mainline action on the Chicago Northwestern, Union Pacific, Grand Trunk Western and more from South Bend, Indiana to Freemont, Nebraska in 1980 through the films of Jonathan Reck.

Jonathan Reck and friends planned a June Midwest trip with the intentions of capturing the last days of the Rock Island, the Burlington Northern E units on commuter service and to chase the Chicago Northwestern Falcon trains and Union Pacific DD 40x units to Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska.

Unfortunately, time ran out for the Rock Island and it ceased operations on March 31st, 1980.

However, Jonathan and friends managed to capture exciting mainline action while evading 7 tornados during the trip.

Narrated with commentary by Jonathan Reck.

Color sound film; approx 59 minutes