Uncovering Hidden Gems: Finding the TP&W and Cargill Alco Switcher CLCX 9698 hidden in Illinois

On a overcast and windy day in Illinois, you never know what you'll find when you follow the train tracks. I was thrilled to see this interesting rebuilt Cargill switcher, an Alco S2M built in 1948 for the Houston Belt & Terminal Railway. Normally it is hidden at the Gilman grain elevator (private property) but today was out on Crescent Street.
And the TP&W, that was a hard find! The shortline was doing track work and maintenance, so we knew we wouldn't see any engines running and that was disappointing. Just before crossing the border out of Illinois, we found 4 engines "hiding" in the bushes!
#railfanning
#illinois
#shortlines
#alcos

[@MikeG42]

The Cargill Alco switcher was cool. I like the exhaust stack on them and those TP&W SD40's were a pleasant surprise. It is fun discovering locomotives in remote locations like this. Excellent video ! 😁👍

[@bn13814]

Some of the TP&W power at Effner was likely on an eastbound road freight (M-EPEF) which ran overnight from East Peoria.