This year, the Homewood Rail Committee will be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Illinois Central Railroad Green Diamond, which was the first diesel powered passenger train operated by the Illinois Central.
Additionally, the 40th anniversary of Amtrak occurs in May.
On Saturday, there will be an Illinois Central Railroad History Symposium at the Homewood Public Library from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., free admission. Saturday evening the annual Multi-media Rail Photography Show will be held at St. Joseph's Church Parish Hall from 7-10 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Rail Show will be held at the Village Complex, Auditorium, Village Hall and Fire Station.
In addition to the vendors, layouts, and equipment display, "Lil Obie" from Canadian National will be giving rides to kids of all ages.
Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The "World's Largest Mobile Model Railroad Layout" will be on display, featuring more than 400 feet of track and housed in a 47-foot trailer. There is more than eight miles of wiring, 800W theatre audio system, interactive accessories and much more. Multiple Lionel and MTH O gauge trains run continuously and automatically. The lighting simulates 24 hours going from day to night with a fiber optic star show designed by Walt Disney Designs.
Also on Sunday, a hosted rail fan train watching and photography event will be held at the Rail Watching Platform. The caboose will be open at the Rail Park.
The Committee will host a rail photography display and contest, railroad model contest, and will be raffling off a HO scale model railroad layout.
For information on this year's event, contact Dan Gunderson or call (708) 957-7944.
