I am heading down to the Streator, illinois area and was wondering the best time of day to catch a few (i mean a lot) trains. Based on watchin the Fort Madison train cam, i wouldnt catch but a few all day. If anyone knows this line real well, or at all even, please help me out.
Thanks a bunch.
Looks like the outbound intermodal trains (ie. Chic - LA) have cut offs late in the day and depart in the dark (after 8PM) See the BNSF website
http://www.bnsf.com/cgi-bin/cws/schedintrmdl/cwsSchedIntrmdl
Inbound intermodal also seems to be early and late. That would make sense to be available very early in the day for same-day delivery.
http://www.bnsf.com/cgi-bin/cws/schedintrmdl/cwsSchedIntrmdl
I’ve been on the Santa Fe at all odd times and have had great luck, followed by long dry-spells.
The SW Chief (westbound) should hit Streaor about 4:30pm.
The Eastbound Chief should be there about 2:00 pm.
I’m sorry but the SW chief goes by Naperville & Mendota now. Streator is a freight only line since BNSF made their Galesburg connection.
[:)] Thanks for the correction. When I rode the Chief a while back, it was still on the Santa Fe.
Thanks