Favorite Michaelckelly.net Welcome! Order Here–>>>

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Welcome to michaelckelly.net, home for railfan, author & podcaster Michael C Kelly. On this blog you’ll find information on published books, videos, podcasts, railfan experiences, plus info on upcoming projects.

As of May 2026, my next book, Rails Around Northern Illinois, is in production with an expected release in October 2026. It will cover the true northern part of the state from Chicago to Joliet, Galesburg (BN), Rockford, Savanna, East Dubuque and the Wisconsin border. Look for a presale announcement in July.

My current book, Rails Around Central Illinois is out and on sale now. This is the first of a two-part series on Illinois north of the I-70 boundary of my previous book on southern Illinois. Central Illinois covers the state from I-70 north to Galesburg (ATSF-side), Peoria and Streator, including Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Kankakee, Pontiac, and Springfield. See the Central Illinois page for more info.

In January 2024, I launched The Rails Around Train Guy video podcast. The show focuses on railroad history; encouraging the younger generation to learn about and preserve it. I interview museums and historical societies, up and coming younger railfans & making that crossover from fan to historical society.

So be sure to check out the various pages on my site using the links on the header, and welcome to michaelckelly.net!

Rails Around Northern Illinois update!

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My 7th book, Rails Around Northern Illinois, is through the writing phase! Next is design and layout, then final edits before the printer deadline of August 1, 2026. The goal is to have the book released late October, early November 2026, in time for Christmas! Meanwhile, the Central Illinois book is 70% sold out, and I anticipate a complete sellout by the time the Northern book is released. Don’t miss out!

Rails Around Central Illinois now on sale!!

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My latest book, Rails Around Central Illinois, is at the printer and now available for presale! Expected delivery is October 1-7, and I am taking pre-release orders now. All copies will come signed by me, to you unless you specify someone else to sign it to. Order your copy today!

This book is the first of two volumes that will cover the half of Illinois north of the I-70 boundary of my previous book. Central Illinois includes the territory from East St Louis to Streator, Galesburg (ATSF) to Champaign and Effingham. Notable locations include Springfield, Decatur, Danville, Mattoon, Kankakee, Bloomington, Lincoln, Peoria/Pekin, Jacksonville and Roodhouse.

Hardback, 296 pages filled with over 800 all-color photos from 1950 to 2000, with the majority being late 1960s to early 1980s. Railroads covered include the B&O, C&EI, C&IM, CB&Q/BN, Conrail, GM&O, IC, IT, L&N(C&EI), Milwaukee Road, Missouri Pacific(C&EI), NYC, NKP, N&W, Penn Central, PRR, P&PU, TP&W and the Wabash. Order your copy today!

Central Illinois almost ready for the Printer!

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Rails Around Central Illinois is almost ready for the printer! All writing, layout and design is complete, and the book is being reviewed by editors for grammatical and historical accuracy. I anticipate that this book will make it to the printer by the end of June, which puts delivery into early October!

The book is 296 pages filled with over 800 all-color images and maps covering the ATSF, B&O, C&EI, C&IM, C&NW, CB&Q/BN, CM&W, GM&O, GWWR, IC, IT, MP, N&W, NYC, NKP, PRR, PC, RI, SP, TP&W, and the Wabash. Cities/towns covered include Alton, Bloomington, Champaign, Chillicothe, Clinton, Danville, Decatur, Effingham, Galesburg, Gilman, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Kankakee, Lincoln, Litchfield, Mattoon, Normal, Pekin, Peoria, Pontiac, Quincy, Roodhouse, Streator and Washington.

The next announcement will be presale information

Major update – April 2025

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Major updates! I have completed the writing of Volume 1! Now it’s on to design and layout. IF I can get this book to the printer by August, it will be in stock by November in time for the Springfield and Collinsville train shows! Fingers crossed!

2- Volume 1 has been renamed to Rails Around Central Illinois, as it will cover everything north of I-70 only to Peoria and Streator; essentially Central Illinois. The Chapters and lines are:

Chapter 1- Springfield, Chapter 2- Decatur-Effingham, Chapter 3- Champaign-Kankakee-Bloomington, Chapter 4- Peoria-Pekin, Chapter 5- West Central Illinois, Chapter 6- All Santa Fe, Chapter 7- depots & towers. Railroads covered include: ATSF, B&O, C&EI, C&IM, CB&Q, CNW, GM&O, IC, IT, MP, N&W/NKP, NYC, P&PU, PRR, PC/Conrail, Rock Island, TP&W, and spin-offs such as Gateway Western, Peoria & Western and others.

I will post design & layout updates as well as open pre-ordering when the time comes.

As previously planned, Volume 2, now simply Rails Around Northern Illinois, will cover everything north of Galesbug & Joliet to Wisconsin, including Chicago. I still hope to have that book out end of 2026. More to come! Thanks!!