“Mystery” Conductors’ Classes

Veterans’ Association of the Chicago & North Western Railway

Conductors’ Classes

Here are several Conductors’ Class Photographs from as long as 35 years ago. We’ve done the best we can with the identifications but by no means have them all. If you recognize anyone, know the dates and/or location of these photos or have any other information about them please let us know by clicking here.

1971 Conductors’ Class

Dave Hawley sent us 3 photos and others have come up with some of the names. Dave Parent (4^th from the left, back row) and Immanuel Swikert 2^nd from the right, back row. Thanks to G. Cira for these names. Jim Yanke checked some old seniority rosters and determined this is a 1971 class. Thanks, Jim!

Fall 1973 Conductors’ Class

Another one from Dave Hawley. Ken Larson tells us that this picture dates from the Fall of 1973 and he’s identified the tallest man in the picture – Ron Lagon whose seniority date is 08/03/1973. Tim Deneen tells us that’s Mike Johnson on the far left. Mike is currently working as an engineer out of Janesville. Thanks, Ken and Tim; try and “get” some others!

Dave Wells has “caught” some more – First row: second from the right – Sal Cali

Middle row: second from the right – Rich Eli, far right – Art Zalud

Back row: second from the right – Craig Roth, far right – Paul Johnson

These five men are all from the Wisconsin Division. Thanks, Dave!

Summer 1979 Conductors’ Class

08/08/08 - We’ve had lots of help on this one from Dave Hawley, Bob Fisher, Cliff Lenover, Dave Martin and now Mary Estrada! Sitting second from the left is Michael Wirtz, later Trainmaster at Bill, Wyoming and now with the BNSF. Middle row – Jim Lenny, Iowa Division Engineer, now deceased (1^st from the left), Paul McGhee, Illinois Division Engineer (2^nd from the left), Cliff Lenover, Illinois Division Conductor from South Pekin (5^th from the left) and Steve Miller from Des Moines, Iowa (2^nd from the right). Steve left the UP in 2004. Back row – Randy Williams, Wyoming engineer originally from South Pekin (3^rd from left).

The people in the front row in suits were officer candidates being put through the conductor class at West Chicago. Several were said to have been Iowa trainmen and one may have been from Altoona. Thanks, everyone!

Revised: 08/13/08