I am going to Lafayette IN to see family over a weekend in a couple of weeks, and I was wondering if anyone can give me some information on some good places to train watch.
Whatever information anybody has.
Thanks
J C Beard
Hanging out at the Amtrak station always is a good use of time. Lots of freight action as well.
Where they consolidated the NS and CSX lines is always a good start.
However, my favorite railfanning experience is following the KBS northwest out of Lafayette. It goes along the highway for quite a ways. I have always found it an interesting shortline.
Gabe
What are your interests?
If it is big volumes of trains, probably the downtown area.
Shortlines? Follow Gabe’s advise.
Semaphore signals? Go down the CSX line towards Romney and Linden and catch antiques in action.
If it were me, I would follow a CSX train south and get the semaphore signals, particularly if it was a sunny day.
ed
B, D,and E are my favorites
All of your suggestions sound great, thanks for the advice. I would especially like to see the semaphores.
J C Beard
Take US 231 south out of Lafayette, go through Romney to CR 1200S to get a good view of semaphores at about MP132. CR 1150S is another possibility. Go farther south to Bennet Road, go west to CSX crossing to get closer to S end of semaphores (although there are a few in Crawfordsville). The Monon historical society (not sure of correct name) is in LInden, also the RR museum next door. Lots of construction in that area-new ethanol plant being built.
There are 2 nice pedestrian bridges over the CSX and NS mains in Lafayette-one is near station, other one is about 1/2 mile south. There is a highway bridge with wide shoulders over NS Muncie line-go southeast on SR38 to get to this. It is last light before Subaru plant, go south to bridge.
No more Alcos on KBSR though.
Many good restaurants, Purdue University, coffee shops, etc available.
I have watched trains on old Monon line since the days of BL2’s and F3’s.
PR