James Ballowe, who operates Choo-Choo Restaurant at Des Plaines, Ill., loads a catsup car of "Hamburger Limited" which bears food to patrons from kitchen.

The original Choo-Choo location on Miner Street in Downtown Des Plaines

Polaroid of diners at the Miner Street location

Against the background of a huge photo-mural, Jessie Palmer, one of the Choo-Choo's waitresses, draws a coke for a customer as the miniature Santa Fe diesel hauls a load of "empties" back to the kitchen for more orders.

Waitress Cynthia Black loads up a flatcar alongside the "roundhouse" with its array of power in the kitchen. The transformer for the rolling stock is shown in the foreground.

All ages, makes and models of food 'lovin rail fans are evident in this counter shot of the Choo-Choo's interior, as they watch the food-train come rolling down the track with their orders.

Two young "rails" — Philip and Dale Benziger watch the diminutive diesel as it noses out of the simulated tunnel entrance of the kitchen on its counter itinerary.

James and Marilyn Ballowe loading the cargo

These custom retro menus were designed by Orange Propeller for the re-grand opening of the diner

Diners at the Miner Street location anticipating what will be on the train this time

The diner has always been enjoyed by the young and the young at heart

The train whistle would announce the train’s departure from the kitchen

James Ballowe in front of his new, larger, modern location on Lee Street in Des Plaines

James and Marilyn Ballowe at the Choo-Choo on Lee Street