I will say I am enjoying this thread. I have one fond memory. My parents took me to Chicago on the commuter from Joliet around Christmas but I think the best part was Marshall Fields at Christmas. My aunt and uncle lived in an apartment by the tracks of the Rock Island in Joliet and I remember everything rattling when a train went by. They moved as soon as they could.
The rest of my memories are not so fond. During college in the early 60's, I worked summers in Chicago and had to take the commuter to work. The coaches (Capone cars as I found out later) were hot and stinky. Motive power were probably RS3's and E somethings. I was much more interested in checking out the girls than the engines so not entirely sure.
I would not say it was a fun experience but it sure beat driving into Chicago. I got to read a lot and occasionally nap. Luckily the job involved a fair amount of field time which helped.
