Train watching.

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I would like to take my kids out to watch trains go by localy, but the last thing my kids would want to do ( and the fastest way to turn them off ) is to hang around for 2-3 hrs and not have anything happen.

Is there any way to find out when there would be a high point of local activity, so I can plan ahead a bit, and give my kids a real show rather than a dud?

2

I dont blame your kids for getting turned off when there are no trains,I do the same thing…If you have a scanner,listen to the dispatchers …If they are talking a lot to different trains then there is a possibility there may be some traffic in the area,if on the other hand there is little or no conversation ,then I would wait to another day…If you know someone in the bzns,ask them if they could call you you when there are a lot of trains running…sometime they run all day and some time they run heavier at certain times of the day…In my area UP runs a lot at night,and BNSF runs a lot of trains all the time,but usually Sat. am is a good time to catch them…

Good luck and dont forget the camera…

Danny

3

Well, short of having an ‘in’ with an employee, I’d consider getting a radio scanner. It would take some learning to understand the chatter/lingo, but I find it very helpful.

4

Here’s a couple ideas:

  1. Buying a scanner and learning how to acquire information by listening to the discussion between crews and dispatchers is a big step over just heading to the tracks and waiting to see if something will happen. That approach can work well if you happen to live near the BNSF racetrack, or something, but it can be a real time-wasting excercise on lesser used lines.
  2. Call Julie! If you dial 1-800-USA-RAIL, you can have a chat with Julie, Amtrak’s automated agent. After a quick discussion, you can find the status of the California Zephyr pretty easily. Not only will this tell you where the CZ is, there’s a good chance that there will be some freights in sidings waiting for the Zephyr to pass. The scanner can help you figure out exactly which sidings are occupied.
  3. I don’t know what part of CO you’re from but if you’re near the Moffat Sub, you can head over to http://www.coloradorailfan.com/ and check out the ATCS display and see what’s shaking on much of the line.
  4. If you’re around Denver, you can usually find some activity somewhere around town. There’s usually some action in the yards – some of which are kind of convenient to see. There’s a bridge over North Yard, for example, that gives great views of the engine servicing facility. I don’t think I’ve ever been around North Yard when there wasn’t something happening.
  5. If it’s feasible to do so, take an excursion up to Cheyenne. There is lots and lots of action in the yard and on the transcon line, so it’s always humming with activity. Additionally, you could stop for a meal in the restaurant in the depot and still keep an eye on the action while enjoying some pretty good food.

Hope this helps a little bit!

5

I agree with buying a scanner, and listening to the chatter. If you do this consistently you might be able to see an operating pattern which would give you some idea of when trains are likely to be running. Another possibility is to find a local park near some railroad tracks, and let the kids play. Then you might call them to come over near the tracks when a train is coming. You might even do the same thing when visiting a museum or another tourist attraction near the tracks. Again, gather the kids when a train is expected.

6

Rudy

thats what I did with Matt.My old neighborhood has a park and if you go under the clinton st viaduct a place for ice cream.The depot and the switch track are gone but its still a nice place to go.

stay safe

joe

7

All,

Sorry I took so long to get back in touch, I am an Alternate in this years election, and take my civic duties seriously.

It sounds like a scanner is going to be imprtant to this activity, so I now pose the question asto what scanner would be good for this activity? I’m thinking that range and mobility might good things since I probably want to load it in to the vehical for use when we go train watching and since I live several miles from the line with low interveaning hills.

Hanging around a park is a good idea - the only flaw that I can see is that the only park near the main line is little more than a open grassy area, with a few trees and an old steam engine rotting away behind a fence ( just not much in the way to keep kids entertained while waiting ).

8

Figure that I live in the I24 & I25 area. I’ll check out CO railfan and see what they have.

I have thought about Denver - but Denver and I have this agreement - It tries to make me sick, and I try and avoid it ( I already visit the VA hosp there more times in 1 year than I like ).

I know about Cheyenne real well - I lived there for about 5 yrs when I was a kid. I do want to eventualy take them there, but with current medical issues, that may be just to long a drive.

9

America the Beautiful Park isn’t a bad spot (not the best), but there is a nice playground to keep the kiddos occupied while waiting to see a train or two. Plus it is a good place to park if you want to watch the coal trains come into the power plant.

You can also walk to the bridge if you want a bird’s eye view of the yard as well.

10

Try taking ‘em fishing…no don’t!!! I knew the love of my life when I was 3-1/2 according to family history. It was the coincidence of a G-1sa at Reading’ Outer Station and a Christmas gift American Flyer set.

If Dad had known what would happen he wouldn’t have started me (but happily did) on the railroad to perdition!!!

Just do it. Watching, museums, books, videos might help but little railfans can be born but not made. Most important thing… have fun.

RIX