I’m planning on a day in Chicago and a cousin of mine suggested spending some time in suburban Wheaton, as he recalled seeing quite a few freights among the commuter trains on the North Western’s West Line (yes, yes, I know UP owns it now…and that Metra runs the trains…but the North Western will always be the North Western to me). I was thinking of showing up in the late morning or midafternoon (I want to get back downtown in time to watch the outbound rush hour). Anyone from the area have an idea what part of the day would be best for freight action? Or even what day(s) of the week would be best?
Wheaton’s my hometown. When I get over there in the daytime, it seems pretty busy, with 2 scoots per hour outside morning and evening commutes and a parade of freights: stacks, coal, and others. Many good locations, including from above on the Prairie Path (ex-CA&E) bridge or Wesley bridge.
As I write this, I’m about a half-mile from these tracks, and hearing trains all the time. Plenty of action on that line. I may have to trot (actually hop, or pedal) out toward Wheaton to see how the new crossovers are being put to use.
If you’re taking pictures and want the good overhead views, Wheaton is definitely the place now. But you’ll see the same trains anywhere along that line, and towns like Wheaton, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, and Lombard all have good dining establishments from which the tracks can be seen.
If you’re taking the scoot, I’d suggest Elmhurst…it’s a zone in (lower fare), and you’d gain a good half-hour or more of train-watching time. I understand that good elevated shots can be gotten from the top of the new parking garage. If you prefer your trains moving more slowly, Elmhurst is usually the place, as many freights are entering or leaving Proviso just east of there. The control point for this end of the yard (Park) is not far east of the station; you can see the eastbound signals and determine whether a train is going into or around the yard.
Lombard has a nice park near the tracks, and plenty of dining establishments. Right now the added bonus is that there is construction going on (a new tunnel under the tracks for commuters), so trains have to whistle through…you can’t miss too much. Lombard has the advantage of a universal crossover just east of the station, which tends to make traffic interesting from time to time.
If you have a companion who has interests other than trains, Glen Ellyn is best–lots of neat little
Ah, much good advice! Thanks! I think I’ll stick with Wheaton this trip, since my cousin went to the trouble of pointing it out for me. As for the other suggested places-well, I guess I’ll just have to plan more trips, now won’t I? I made a similar trip last fall and took in the outbound rush at Tower A-2 (Western Avenue) and was surprised at how seemingly unused the West Line was compared to the ex-Milwaukee route, even allowing for the West line to be only one of three from North Western Station (yes, yes, I know…) while both the MILW West and North lines are combined here. Of course, I got kind of spoiled watching the previous day’s outbound rush at Clybourn, not to mention the inbound rush that morning at Brookfield on the BNSF. I was thinking of using the Lake Street “L” platform to watch the traffic at OTC. Think a slightly overweight middle aged white guy will get any security hassle about doing that?
Wheaton…I lived there for a couple of years when I was a very young child (pre-school age).
I still have fond memories of rides to the C&NW commuter station to drop off/pick-up my dad,who worked in Downtown Chicago.
IIRC, the standard commuter power then for commuter trains were F units, seeing them was one of the sparks that led to my lifelong interest in railroading/railfanning…
The L platform at the Clinton station might work out for you. You shouldn’t be hassled (that isn’t saying you won’t be), but I’d also be wary of being rolled. They have security cameras, so that may make things less scary.
Nowadays the old MILW line has three Metra routes, so it should only get better!
I think I’ll be all right. This time of year (and decent weather) should keep the rush hour pretty safe. It helps that “middle age” means (among other things) that I’m halfway between looking shabby enough to appear poor but not shabby enough to appear homeless so people generally leave me alone…
When is this trip of yours taking place? I just realized I have to go into the city tomorrow, but probably won’t be staying until rush hour.
It will probably be in the next few weeks but it is fluid. It will just be the time my days off, the weather and my ambition intersect.