Yes indeed. Chicago commuter service in later years, though I do have a photo (June, 1986 Trains Magazine, perhaps?) of a BL2 in a consist of F units pulling a freight across Iowa. I'll go out on a limb and say I actually LIKE the look of the BL2s. Your mileage may vary, ha ha.
That makes at least two of us. They're much maligned, but I rather like their honest appearance, internal truss evident, steam generator stack rising between the windows and clean-sided carbody. Neither fish nor foul, I like the amalgam of period design and engineering.
To answer my own question... From Trains Magazine By Robert S McGonigal | July 29, 2021: "The BL2 was not a good seller. Its complex carbody was expensive to produce, access to the engine and generator were difficult, and its lightweight frame kept it from heavy-duty service. Although carbody doors gave access to the end platforms, the arrangement was cumbersome compared to true road-switcher units."
Late in the Rock Island saga they even painted an old wood caboose in the 'Bankruptcy Blue" paint. Somewhere in the Chicago area. Larry Anglund Rock Island Collection.
Lookin' GOOD!!! Although I model the Rock Island in the early 1950s, I do also love the "Chicago Red" scheme. That's the Peoria Rocket in the photo, correct? I ask because of the dome car.
Okay, what's wrong with this photo? Just past the Blue Island depot outside of Chicago in 1977. Anglund Rock Island Collection.
