I am planning a vacation to Chicago this summer. I want to see all the big freight yards from METRA. Which stations and what lines should I get off at and check out the action? In New York its mostly Passenger action since the yards are in NJ.
Railfan Vacation to Chicago on a 5.00 All day METRA Pass? What RR Freight sites can I see and where?
Your best bet would be to find a post by CShaveRR and use the e-mail option to drop Carl a line- he works at Proviso and should be able to answer all your questions.
Yes, Carl might be able to help, if he knows a little more about exactly what you plan to do when you see a yard–just ride by, or view some of the action, or whatever. Weekends might not always be the best time to do this. By all means, e-mail him with details!
Anything along the BNSF Chicago Sub would be prorably a good line to go on.
If you ride the IC to University Park the Harvey station is across from the north end of Woodcrest but not as safe as going two more to the Homewood station just past the south end. Most of the switching is done from that end any way. The line out the CNW goes right past the yard east of 294 whose name escapes me at the moment.
Yes I have been to the CN Yard and also to Riverdale vie the Electric Line.
I cant seem to find much freight action on NS and I am not sure if NS runs Commuter Service in the area. I will call Cshave. I was hoping to get some good pictures from station platforms or withinn walking distance.
Helpfull I hope…
http://www.dhke.com/CRJ/
So is ex-Sante Fe yards in Chicago still in operation? How is BN routing Sante-Fe trains these days?
Ditto, that line doen’s have the most activity, the Union Pacific METRA West line has more trains, but the BNSF"FAST TRACK" haas a much better display of locomotives and cars. I would go their anyday, and this week, everyday! [;)]
Joliet is a good destination with a lots of action; Metra, Amtrak, BNSF, CN.
You’ll have to leave out of Metra LaSalle Street Station, itself on the old Rock Island line.
Have fun and be safe!
franklin park illinois is my favorite place on metra[:)]