I live north of Seattle, near Everett, WA. It seems like certain times of the day are really dead times for going out and seeing a train. Is it possible to get a timetable or some sort of schedule so I would know when I would be most likely to see a train. I am interested in trains running North and East from Everett.
Unfortunately not really. Yes for the passenger trains, but for freights… no. About the best you could do is get a scanner and a timetable (doesn’t show scheduals but does list locations and mabee train symbols). I suggest picking up a northwest region timetable from Altamont Press, lots of great info and maps, includeing scanner freqs., loco rosters, sideing locations & lenghts, traffic controll, signal explainatins, ect.
I fixed the link:
Thanks James [8D]
For the latest Amtrak timetable, you can go to this link http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage and click on the Schedules tab, and then select the route that you want. For the schedules north of Everett, you would select the Amtrak Cascades schedule. For the schedules east of Everett, click on the Empire Builder schedule.
If you would like a complete Amtrak system timetable and cannot get one locally, go to this link http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&cid=1081794201875&c=am2Copy&ssid=175 and order one to be mailed to you.
For regular trains on a given line, you’ll probably find that they have a fairly consistent call time, but unless they are a particularly hot train, they get out when they’re ready. Locals may have work to do which can alter their times at specific locations rather drastically.
As suggested, tune in to the railroads in your area and start taking notes - train symbols, locomotive numbers, day of week, times. If you live a reasonable distance from the line (close, that is), you can do some of this from home.
Amtrak will always have an effect on freight traffic as well. It’s not unusual on a busy line to get a flood of traffic after a passenger train comes through.
Good hunting!
A better way is to get ATCS for your computer, that way you can see the train activity.
Thanks for the ideas. I plan on ordering the timetable. I can’t see the trains from my house but I can hear them as they go through town. So I’m getting a better idea on the general timing. I have a general idea when Amtrak comes through but I’ll check their schedule. Thanks for the help!