Ex-DRG&W, Big Ben Spread Across the GM&O and Santa Fe Tracks and Serving as a Parlor Car on Chicago-bound CRI&P Tr #6  Contributor's Pick!       
Note, she is unfortunately behind the head-end cars. Scott Schiechl provided the following information on her. Big Ben was originally ordered by the C&O as their #1875 but was actually delivered to the Rio Grande. The D&RGW butchered the observation end to install a diaphram so that it could be used mid-train. Configured as a coach it often ran on the Yampa Valley until that train was discontinued. It was purchased by Butterworth Tours and operated as a private parlor car on the Rock Island's trains between Chicago and the Quad Cities after the RI opted not to join Amtrak. Following the RI's bankruptcy Butterworth traied to operate some kind of dinner train on the Iowa Interstate but gave up after a single season. The Butterworth's still own Big Ben and it is in good condition under roof in Iowa. For pictures of the whole trains see http://railfan44.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=663561 and http://railfan44.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=662262
Date: 3/29/1971 Location: Joliet, IL Views: 4456 Collection Of:   Marty Bernard
Rolling Stock: CRIP JolietTower (Other/Not Listed) CRIP JolietStatio (Other/Not Listed) CO 1875 (Passenger Car) DRGW 1248 (Passenger Car) CRIP 1875 (Passenger Car) Author:  Marty Bernard
Ex-DRG&W, Big Ben Spread Across the GM&O and Santa Fe Tracks and Serving as a Parlor Car on Chicago-bound CRI&P Tr #6
Picture Categories: RollingStock This picture is part of album:  Railfan44's CRI&P Scans
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