I’m going to be in the Lombard, Ill. area on Saturday and Sunday (attending the all-night flea market in nearby Wheaton on Saturday night [:o)] ) and wanted to know if there are any good railfan spots in Lombard (in case I’m able to get away for a little bit).
I know UP cuts through town, but are there any good photo-opps? (You know how bad I need material for Trackside with Erik and Mike!)
Thanks!
Bergie
You’d think I’d be willing to help, given my address…but I’m not a photographer, so I really don’t have a clue!
You’re pretty much stuck with grade-level shots (no real opportunities to rise above the tracks).
Stick close to the tracks through Glen Ellyn (between Wheaton and Lombard); you might find opportunities there, too.
If you happen to be in Lombard Sunday morning around 8:30 to 9:30, make yourself identifiable, preferably around the Elizabeth Street crossing.
What’s a Bergie?
Better question: What’s a Mookie?! [:D]
Thanks for the tips. I’ll see what I can do about Elizabeth Street on Sunday morning, but since I’m going to be with the family, if I get any chance at all, it will probably be before they wake up (5:30 to 7:00ish). Plus, it depends on how late I stay at the flea market, since it runs from 5:00pm to 4:00am. [|)]
Also, click on my profile name to see my mug shot.
Thanks again,
Bergie
I believe a Mookie is a Ferengi mother from Star Trek.
Oooh! Sunrise shots! The track is oriented NE-SW through most of town, so you could (maybe) do something with that.
I doubt that I could get up that early, since I won’t be home from work much before midnight.
However, if I do make it, I’ll let everybody know whether this Bergie’s family included a wooden-looking dressed-up kid with a monocle (I’ve clicked on the photo; thanks!).
As for my li’l’ sister, she doesn’t look even remotely like a Ferrengi!
I am sure a Bergie is what I had for supper last nite! Sans fries!
Matt got the fries…
who else would get them??..
Noah
Lombard is pretty devoid of trees along the right-of-way. If you want wide panoramic shots try St Charles Road just east of Main Street. The commuter depot is good too.
For up close or head-on shots try Crescent where it crosses the tracks. Cescent goes south from St. Charles Rd about a mile west of Main Street. There’s a bar with a parking lot right at the crossing. About a mile west along the line is the locomotive holding area where they hold inbound freights until they can run them in without blocking the grade crossings. You can get right next to any locos stopped tthere.
There’s a good mix of power on the line these days. Everything from the latest heavy EMD’s to the old Northwestern SD40’s with the bell on the nose, to Geep B-units. Most have been repainted.
Do you mean that Mookie isn’t the mother of 2 ferrengi males Quark and Rom and not fraternizing with Grand Nagus Zek?[:D][:D]
It might be a bit of a drive but me and my dad are going to Naperville tomorrow on the BNSF, you can get good pictures there, which is what I’m going to do. As far as on the UP Wheaton is a good spot or Winfield which is the next town over, or Glen Ellyn would be good. [:D] Dave
Don’t forget someone who used to pitch for the New York Mets
Hi up829,
Welcome to the forums! Thanks for the info… that was exactly what I was looking for.
Bergie
Mookie Wilson was not a pitcher, he was a left fielder. He was the one who hit the slow rolling ground ball that went through Bill Buckner’s legs in the 9th inning of game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Buckner’s error on the play caused the Red Sox to lose the game, and subsequently the World Series, proving once and for all that the curse of the Bambino lives on!!![:p][B)][:0][;)]
I dont know much about Lombard, but why not run out to West Chicago to the EJE crossing. I believe the tower is still in operation.
ed
It sounds like UP829 has visited our fair village! I’m glad he could help by pointing out the things that I, as a non-photographer, take for granted.
One clarification. Crescent doesn’t cross the tracks; it stays to the north of them. The crossing by Otto’s (the tavern with the good parking lot) is Finley Road, a location known to just about every UP crew as a staging point for eastbound trains. West of the crossing, near the I-355 overpass, you’ll see signs telling crews where to spot their units when holding there.
I usually like Elizabeth Street because it gives my best view of approaching trains in both directions. You can see down the long (over a mile) straightaway to the east, and down the reverse curve to the west.
I’m not sure how early The Grove opens, but you could take your family there for a good breakfast (off a menu, not a board behind a cashier!). It’s not too far from the action, and you might be able to get a booth by a window with a view. It’s on the corner of Main and St. Charles, a short walk from the depot.
Good luck (you should have good weather)! Post some photos somewhere.
As a Red Sox fan, I demand that all talk of Mookie Wilson and the 1986 World Series end now. [B)]
[:D] Bergie
Thank you for posting the clarification. Crescent does come into downtown Glen Ellyn north or the tracks so I’m not sure what I was thinking. Probably too busy watching the trains whenever I visit there.[:)]