47-year journey by rail comes to a close

Union Pacific engineer Eugene "Gene" Picchiotti of Palatine hired out on the Chicago & North Western Railway in 1961, just five years after the last runs of steam locomotives on the railroad.

Picchiotti had his own last run April 25 on Metra train 640 from Harvard to Chicago, ending nearly 47 years of service to the C&NW and the Union Pacific, which took control in 1995. The UP operates Metra trains on three former C&NW lines from Chicago to the suburbs.

The decision to retire was difficult for Picchiotti, 65, but eventually he decided the timing was right.

"There's times you get mixed emotions," he said, adding a bit later, "You have to own up to the fact that you're getting old."

Growing up in Des Plaines, Picchiotti developed an interest in railroading at an early age.

"I grew up at Deval there, right by the tower (controlling the Wisconsin Central and C&NW track crossing). I watched trains all my life. I've been watching trains since I was old enough to crawl to a window. So I kind of studied everything from day one."

Starting his last day as any other, Picchiotti leaves his home in darkness at 4:20 a.m. for the drive to Crystal Lake. After quickly purchasing a cup of coffee in the depot cafe, he meets with the rest of his crew and prepares train 606 for a 5:36 a.m. departure for Chicago.

Many of his regular passengers, aware of his retirement, wave from the platform as Picchiotti, operating from the cab car, slows the train to a stop at the Crystal Lake depot.

Upon arrival at the Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago, Picchiotti descends to find a crowd of nearly 20 passengers waiting to congratulate him.

Then he prepares for a run to Harvard on train 609, departing at 7:30 a.m. Picchiotti moves to the head end, and 609, led by Metra locomotive 128, departs on time. On the way to Harvard, he meets 15 inbound trains, getting waves and occasional horn blasts from fellow engineers.

"The railroad is a lot like the military. It engulfs your life. You spend more time with the people you work with than you do with your family," says Picchiotti. "The days are long and drawn out, and if you're in freight, you're away from home every other day. So you spend all your time away from home with all your buddies from work."

After the train arrives in Harvard, it becomes number 640 for the return trip to Chicago. Three retired railroaders, Roger King, Joe Nolan and Dennis Savage, are waiting in the depot to shake Picchiotti's hand, but because he had to wait an extra five minutes for a green signal, he makes the visit quick, grabs a cup of coffee and heads to the train for his last trip.

During a two-way radio conversation, a crew on a train approaching Harvard from the north wishes him well. Conductor Jack Weber, who had been counting down Picchiotti's days to retirement, shows "zero" with closed fists while boarding at Barrington. Maintenance crews give friendly greetings on the radio.

Upon arrival at Chicago, he receives greetings from a handful of co-workers, then heads to the basement break room for a reception. Kind words cause Picchiotti's eyes to tear. Funny stories turn tears to laughter.

Then Picchiotti catches the 2:30 p.m. train to Crystal Lake to pick up his van for the trip to Palatine. He rides in coach with the rest of the passengers.