Vandalia, IL: Vandalia Railroad

Vandalia Railroad is a 3-mile remnant of the original Illinois Central route that gave meaning to the "Central" part of the name. It appears that the junction tower with the CSX/Pennsy has been preserved as their office. I noticed the Google road map is incorrect concerning the IC abandonment. Looking at a satellite image, there is an industrial spur running north to a quarry at County Road 1800 N. It passes All Steel Products just north of I-70 and other industries along this spur, for example a plastics factory(?). Since Class 1 railroads hate non-unit train traffic, I tried to determine if a shortline operates the IC remnant. From a 2012 IDOT map I learned it is VRRC. It uses an EMD SW9 that was built in April, 1959 (TheDieselShop).

These are two of several photos posted by Eric Berger.

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Satellite

When this satellite image was taken, they were using their northern end to store tank cars. Google's road map doesn't show any of the track, but a study of a satellite image indicates they have quite a bit of siding/yard track. Three tank cars were on the connector with CSX. A Street View of the connector shows MoW equipment. It is good to know that they are maintaining the track. Turning that Street View west shows the CSX tracks on the left. The railroad cross bucks should be removed. They are now a false warning.

The engine is an EMD SW9 built 4/50. The serial number of 9786 is the first 4-digit serial number I remember seeing. It was L&N 2271. [TheDieselShop]

Update:

Illinois Railroad Pictures posted
Side View of Vandalia Railroad offices and locomotive 2017

Illinois and Missouri Railroad Pictures added
2022. Vandalia IL Rail Yard

John P. Kohlberg posted
Looking west on the PRR at Vandalia, Ill., circa mid-1950's, Red Border Kodachrome, no name on the slide.
IC depot and diamond; as well as PRR crossing tower and interlocking tower are in the distance.
[Note the three horizontal yellow lights of Pennsy's positional signal indicating "Stop."]