information

What is the Railroad Club of Chicago?

A not-for-profit organization of railroad enthusiasts, founded in 1934. It is one of the oldest such organizations in the country and is the oldest such organization in the City of Chicago.

What is the Club's Main Activity?

Our main activity consists of monthly meetings held on the third Friday of every month (except July and August), beginning at 7:30 PM at the Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington - Pierce Hall (lower level auditorium, located in the basement of the building). For nearly seventy years, we have provided the finest in rail movie and slide presentations, guest speakers and newscasts.

Is There a Publication?

Our publication, The Railroad Capital (issued four to five times annually) dates from 1952. Beginning with our fiftieth anniversary of 1984, it has been upgraded to a Special Feature Issue, giving in-depth coverage to various aspects of railroading. It is especially noteworthy for its detailed rosters and hard-hitting book reviews. It arrives on-time via First Class Mail with notices of current meetings and activities of not only the Railroad Club of Chicago, but of other Chicago-area rail and transit enthusiast organzations as well.

How About Excursions?

We respectfully submit that no other organization can match our record of railfan excursions. Always a chamption of steam, we became famous for our Iron Horse tours in the 1940s and 1950s, including CB&Q 4000, both streamlined and non-streamlined in fantrip service. Our personalized fan trips of the 1960s (the Chico Chief, Danville Flyer and Sterling "400" have become classics of the by-gone pre-Amtrak era), and our trend-setting trips of the 1970s (Golden Rocket and Southern steam locomotive 4501, plus participation in the Chessie Steam Special). Today, we feature many one-day outings such as "ride-in" photo excursions and trips to various rail museums in the Chicago area.

Are New Members Wanted?

New members are the lifeblood of any organization, and we actively seek your participation as we celebrate th great pageant of railroading. Your presence at meetings and on trips and presenting programs and newscasts - as we strive to make rail enthusiasm an even greater hobby for an even greater numer of people.

Can I Get More Information?

Certainly! For further information on The Railroad Club of Chicago, call us at (847) 251-2262, Fax us at (847) 251-2511 or E-mail us at TrainGG1@aol.com or write us at: The Railroad Club of Chicago, P.O. Box 8292, Chicago, IL 60680.