Chicago Southwest – Suburban Rail Action in the 1970′s . The Films of Roger 
Koenig Volume 2
Green Frog Productions
Format: DVD Length: 68 minutes
Locations: Joliet, Blue Island, Homewood, Sterling, and more…
Time Period: 1970′s
Source: Roger Koenig
The first Roger Koenig I reviewed was ‘ This was the Rock Island’, a really good one. Let’s find out, if this one is that good..
Joliet is the 1st city. 1970. Gulf, Mobile & Ohio’s F3A led ‘ The Plug’ is shown. This once daily to Chicago was classic! A long Quad Cities Rock Island, a Santa Fe Texas Chief and Super Chief are viewed. Joliet station is a busy place. 1971 continues here. Another GMO Plug led by F3A 880B.
Homewood, in 1971, is next on the Illinois Central. Amtrak exists now. A random assortment of US passenger equipment, too early for repaints. Blue Island and back on the Rock Island. By opting out of Amtrak, original passenger trains still exist on the RI. The film continues around Chicago and Joliet, too much time is spent on passenger trains.
A fascinating segment of a 1971 wreck. Classic 40′ boxcars, a large workcrew, and he wouldn’t get that close to the area now! There are early Amtrak ordered locos and cars, some were quickly pulled from service. Rock Island freights of that time, were still pulling some wood cabooses and steam era freight cars. The heavily weathered locomotives were a sight! I would have liked more freight trains. Keep the boring RTA and modern Amtrak on this film.
A 1970 trip to Northwestern Steel and Wire, showcases the last steam fleet in daily operation, in the US. The end.
Quality. Super 8 and 8mm film is shot well and does look good. Sound is excellent. Narration is solid.
This volume has some good moments. It lacks balance and the focus strays too much. Overall, it feels like too much filler was used. Not a train video that I will look at much. Also, Joliet and Sterling have never been considered ‘southwest Chicago’. Homewood is a far south suburb. The title is even slightly off target.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars.
