Monon F-3 #203, Chicago, IL, April 20, 1965, photo by Chuck Zeiler

Monon F-3 #203, Pullman Junction, Chicago, IL, April 20, 1965, photo by Chuck Zeiler

Officially the CI&L (Chicago Indianapolis & Louisville), Monon F-3 #203 was delivered as #82A in May 1947 (c/n 4455). It is a bit unusual in that it has three portholes and Farr Aire grills. One of the spotting features of a Phase I F-3 is three portholes on the A units, it certainly was not delivered with Farr Aire grills, so one assumes this was a railroad modification.

Pictured in charge of the daily Train #6, "The Thoroughbred", running between Chicago and Louisville, KY, it is seen here at Pullman Junction, and if it is on schedule, it's around 12:30 PM. It left Louisville at 6:30 AM, and is due in at Dearborn Street Station at 1:05 PM. According to The Official Guide, "Monon Passenger Trains Are Completely Air-Conditioned", and feature Reclining Seat Coaches; sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks served between Bloomington and Chicago. The southbound train of the same name was #5, departing Chicago at 5:25 PM, arriving at Louisville at 2:10 AM, a 324 mile run.

This paint scheme was called the "Purdue" paint scheme, the same colors of the Purdue University football team. Here's a link about the Monon's connection to Purdue:

http://www2.itap.purdue.edu/periodicals/Boilermakers.leg.html