The Dinky

The Dinky. . , The story of the "Dinky" begins with the Illinois Terminal Railroad Company. The company was unique in its operation of a combination steam and electric railroad lines under one corporate name. The "Railbus" evolved from steam-powered passenger train service serving the traveling public between Alton and Grafton, Illinois. The scenic line carried workers from the Powder Mill in Grafton and students attending Principia College in Elsah. The Illinois Terminal Railbus, a city bus that was converted for rail service, replaced steam engines. The Railbus was affectionately called the Dinky, but no one really knows for sure where the name came from. In railroad terminology the term is often used for smaller trains and cars because they appear toy-like. The short route between Alton and Grafton may also have contributed to its name., The first Dinky was a city bus converted for passenger use on the line between Alton and Grafton. In 1933, City Bus #204 had its front wheels replaced with a pony truck and a set of flange wheels was mounted in the rear. The 29 passenger coach carried baggage, mail and passengers between Alton and Grafton. The return trip was accomplished with the use of a turn-table. Dinky #204 was retired from service on June 30, 1940 and was scrapped. The second Dinky, #205, was a 30 passenger Railbus that operated as a back-up for #204. , The third and final Dinky, #206, was a 29 passenger school bus that operated from November 16, 1939 until May 24, 1953. Stops included Alton, Clifton Terrace, Elsah, Chautauqua, and Grafton. Tickets were 35 cents., The #206 was saved from being scrapped and in 1954 it was sent to the National Museum of Transport in St. Louis, Missouri. It was completely restored and is currently on permanent exhibit.