I’m wondering what interchange quadrants exist at CN EJE Leithton Jct in the NW area of Chicagoland.
In looking at some maps and ariel photos, it appears that a southbound CN train (i.e. Fond du Lac to Shiller Park) could go West on the J.
Does anyone know if that quadrant is still in place and if its used?
Thx
Stack
That happens, but very rarely. I have photos up somewhere. I say it is a once a month affair.
I know just what your talking about,and yes its used alot. Sometimes a CN freight will run south on the " J " ,but what I see more of is UP coal stoping on the siding,having a crew change, and going down to west chicago to head out west. And it goes the other way just the same. About every 2-3 days i’ll see something there.Hoped this helped
Thanks much for the replies,
I am not positive about this, but I believe there is a regular CN train that routes CN/EJE/CN at Munger.
It might be train 348, which is a Fond du Lac to Toronto daily manifest. This train goes thru Valparaiso and is usually a pretty big train. The CN usually changes crews at Hawthorne, as I have heard the dispatcher ask the crews about the time they left and any delays.
My thinking is the routing would be faster than coming down the CN (ex WC) to the BOCT then the Belt and finally back to the CN (ex IC).
Any comments on this?
ed
The UP coal trains that Eanstrains is refering to are coal trains to/from Waukegan, IL. The normal routing now is the “J” between W. Chicago and Waukegan.
I agree with MP173 in thinking that there is a train that uses CN/EJE/CN routing. I’m not sure of the train number, but the obvious reason for taking the long way around would be Metra/N Central Service.
Unless the routing has changed, there are UP Green Bay coal trains go north on the “J” from W Chicago and use the connection to the CN at Leithton to continue north. There was a news story going back @ a year regarding a UP Green Bay coal train that had stopped shortly after connecting to the CN and then couldn’t get restarted without assistance going up a hill in the Libertyville/Mundelin area. I’m not sure what route empty Green Bay hoppers take.
CC
Well the coal trains I was talking about do go up north on the CN,and return empty the same way. I’m not sure where they go because i never really wanted to figure that out.I have never seen one go up the J to waukegan,but i’m not saying that doesn’t happen. I Thought they came up on UP’s own rails .???
According to the Norh Western Lines (CNWHS), 2005, Number 4, the UP Waukegan coal trains began using the “J” in 2003. Had to return to the Proviso route in 2004 because there no place on the “J” between W Chicago & Waukegan where two coal trains could meet. The “J” extended their siding at Sutton in June '05 & most Waukegan coal trains returned to the “J” route. DPU is used for this routing.
CC