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Drew’s Trackside Adventures, Episode 9 - Tower A2 in Chicago
Very cool to see the inner workings of a busy tower … and how about that vintage interlocking machine, still in use. Thanks, guys!
Another great show. Good use of hi-vis shirt nears rails. Looking forward to more shows. As always, railfans need to precoordinate with RR personnel as much as possible. Kuods to the Metra gang, not all are as nice. In today’s crazy world, precaution is most important. Drew, The Sunset Route awaits!!!
So many trains! Nice catches I love this series. Although what did the cafe have to do with it?
Very interesting, thanks for another cool video, Drew! Makes me think of all those Kato N scale possibilities!
Thanks guys. Good points all around. The Metra team was fantastic and we owe this great footage to them. Truly a special show!
Vianney, we are seriously considering a Metra N scale project in the near future. You’re on the right track!
Nice video! That would be a cool place to hang out and watch trains, I’m jealous of your access 
I liked the opening sequence at the cafe!
Thanks for the up close, inside look at running a railroad. How do they maintain all the turnouts in the snowy, icy winters of Chicago? I spent the first 24 years of my life there and remember how bad the winters were. Thanks for the video - great job!
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and remember riding those trains to get to my job. Chicago south side has more tracks then roads I think. In winter they would light fires on the switches to keep them moving and freezing up. Were I lived we had the Chicago, Burlington, Quincy at that time go threw La Grange. I loved watching these trains.
I really like Drew’s videos. It allows me to go railfanning many places without actually driving there.
Great video! The crew in the tower was very down to earth and friendly. My question is where can I get a shirt like Drew was wearing? I’m serious, I want one! Please let me know something.
I’m sorry, I forgot to do the 5 stars. Getting old ain’t for sissies!
you found a real hot spot for train watching. thanks for another awesome video.
Drew, a Chicago suburban layout with Metra trains in N would be a great project!
Not enough information about the amazing crossovers and slip switches and too many pictures of the same Metra trains over and over again. Its a poor job that seems that it was just phoned in and no one thought about what your viewers would be really interested in learning about,
Thanks for the comments guys, as always! Garry is right, they light fires to keep the switches warm and toasty. Steve, right now we don’t have shirts available for sale. When we do, I’ll be sure to let everyone know.
This has to be my all time fave Drew video. I grew up in Chicago (not all that far from this tower), but left in '79. As kids, we sat and watched C&NW trains a block from home, probably trespassing to do it. Kids, you know.
I’m just amazed at the age of the ‘gear’ that still works and keeps the trains running safely
It barely looks to be a step better than guys running out in the frigid Chicago winters to hand-switch the tracks. Kudos to Drew and company for a fascinating look into Chicago train management!
Tom, I’m glad we could help take you down Memory Lane. I will look back at this visit years from now and never forget the memories myself. I’m sure I won’t remember the trains as much as I will the great people who shared in the moment.
Allen, thanks for the four stars and, most of all, the constructive criticism. Although, I can assure you that we didn’t “phone anything in.” Would you mind sharing some more about what you would have preferred seeing? It will help us put together even stronger shows in the future.
Hi Drew,
Having ridden through those interlockings and past those towers many times, it was a treat to go inside A-2and see something of how it worked. It was a great Trackside Adventure. But I was also hoping to see more of that cute blonde from the open!
See you,
Andy
Thanks Drew for your comments. I realize that the title of your series is “Trackside Adventures” but all those crossovers are so interesting that adding a graphic showing how the different trains are routed through this maze would be very informative to your viewers. Perhaps this could be done in simple power point. Keep up the good work and you deserve 4 stars.