By M.T.Burkhart

SANFORD, NC – Illinois Railway Museum’s latest acquisition – a rare EMD RS1325 – has been readied for shipment from short line Atlantic & Western for preservation in Union, Ill.

Donated by Genesee & Wyoming, the locomotive has been stenciled “IRMX” and was awaiting inspection and pick-up at the CSX interchange, according to the museum. It had remained in service until fairly recently.

Designated “RS1325” (road switcher, 1,325 hp) locomotives 30 and 31 – the only ones built – were fixtures for years on the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway. They were designed with a switcher-style long hood and GP-style short hood that could house a steam generator for passenger duties. The two continued in service even after Genesee & Wyoming acquired C&IM (renamed the railroad the Illinois & Midland) and repainted them into its orange and black corporate scheme.

In 2016, 30 moved to Atlantic & Western Railway.  Number 31 was acquired a few years ago by the Monticello Railway Museum with plans to return the 1960-vintage locomotive to green and red of the C&IM.