The C&EI Railroad Infrastructure

Overview of the C&EI Physical Plant (1940s-1950s)

During the 1940s and 1950s, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (C&EI) maintained an extensive and well-developed physical plant. The following sections provide a detailed look at the infrastructure and facilities that supported the C&EI’s operations during this period.

Roadbed

• Track Quality: The C&EI’s track was in top condition, with the mainline generally laid with 115 lb. rail, while secondary lines used 90 lb. rail. South of Salem, Illinois, the rail was primarily 90 lb.
• Ballast: The mainline was ballasted with slag, crushed stone, or gravel, ensuring stability and durability. Cinders were commonly used for sidings and switching yards.

Major Offices

• Headquarters: The C&EI was headquartered in downtown Chicago, with additional major offices for accounting located on Chicago’s near-southside.
• Engineering and Operating Departments: These were based in Danville, Illinois, which also housed other key operational facilities.

Major Yards

Illinois:

• Yard Center (Dolton): Featured two hump operations for the mechanized sorting of freight cars.
• Brewer Yard (Danville)
• Villa Grove Yard (Villa Grove)
• Salem Yard (Salem)
• Mitchell Yard (East Saint Louis)

Indiana:

• Wansford Yard (Evansville): New in 1950.
• Alice Yard (Vincennes)
• Baker Yard (Terre Haute)

Major Depots

Illinois:

• Dearborn Station (Chicago): Also known as Polk Street Station, this was the C&EI’s major passenger terminal.
• Fairchild Street Station (Danville)

Indiana:

• Terre Haute Union Station
• Evansville Union Station

Missouri:

• Saint Louis Union Station

Signaling

• Miller Train Control (1907-1952): All C&EI trains on the Chicago-Danville line were controlled by this system, which automatically applied a train’s brakes if it overran a red stop signal. The C&EI was a pioneer in this system, which was a precursor to many modern automated electrical systems.
• Centralized Traffic Control (CTC): This system was in operation between Clinton and Evansville, Indiana, allowing a single dispatcher to control nearly all signals along a segment of track from a central office in Danville.
• Improved Manual Block: In operation between Findlay Junction and Pana, Illinois, this system required that turnouts could only be thrown if the necessary electrical switches were operated, ensuring greater control over train movements.

Main Shop Facilities

• Oaklawn Shops (Danville, Illinois): The C&EI’s main shop for the repair of rolling stock, including locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars. The shops employed over 1,200 workers and were known for their well-maintained and modern facilities. The diesel shop, in particular, was one of the best in the country.

Roundhouse Locations (Post-WWII)

• Illinois:
  • Yard Center (Dolton)
  • Villa Grove
  • Salem
  • Chicago Heights: Maintained by the Chicago Heights Terminal Transfer (CHTT), a C&EI subsidiary.
• Indiana:
  • Terre Haute
  • Evansville

These roundhouses were used for running repairs on switch engines and the inspection of road units.