Your favorite train watching location

[CPRailfan]

Where's your favorite place to watch trains? What kind of trains operate in that location?
Here's my favorite place to go and watch trains. It's UP's Butler Yard in Butler, WI.
Freight trains from Chicago, IL to The Twin Cities stop here, as well as Sheboygan, WI bound coal trains.
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/railphoto/images/butler.jpg

------------------
What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[This message has been edited by CPRailfan (edited 24 October 2000).]

[Maxwell Plant]

Anywhere from...wait a minute. We've talked about this before in the Railfan and Rail Event Forum. Go to the number of days box and click on ALL TOPICS. You'll find our earlier reponces there. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[watash]

My best train watching place is in my easy chair watching TV. After that train has passed, I put in another tape. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[Rappannahock Terminal]

I would say:

Dolton Crossing (Chicago)Ill. Very busy place!!Train after train in all directions.

Rawlins WY. where the UP locomotives are refueled on the mainline, very impressive!


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Paul the 2nd
Paul Van Herwegen
HO Rappannahock Terminal Railway
G Emerald Valley RR
http://users.pandora.be/paul.van.herwegen/

[Alan]

T E H A C H A P I

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[wt&c]

SANDPATCH GRADE, on the WV/MD border

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Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad (http://www.angelfire.com/wv/appalachianatlantic/images/theappalachian&atlantic.html)

"QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"

[DakotaFan]

My favorite place? Anywhere I happen to be when there's a train going by. My preferred place would be Dayton's Bluff in St. Paul, MN. Moorhead Junction in Minnesota isn't a bad substitute 'cause it's only 45 minutes from home.

[watash]

Hey WT&C, I was in Wheeling, West Virg. in 1949. Do you happen to know what RR had trackage going west into the east edge of town, made a left curve, and proceeded south somewhere from there? The engine was an articulated, slowed down to about 10 mph and the boiler was way over-hung on that short curve! She was pulling a long string of empty coal cars with a red caboose. As I remember the engine had a lot of appliances on the smoke box front.

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Watash

[wt&c]

that track may be long since gone, I think itt was a simple Coal Branch line. I do need more info, suck=has Railroad ?? C&O B&O P&WV W&LE,???

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Appalachian & Atlantic Model Railroad (http://www.angelfire.com/wv/appalachianatlantic/images/theappalachian&atlantic.html)

"QUALITY at WORK with SAFTEY in MIND"

[Robin Matthysen]

My favourite spot is the old iron bridge in Georgetown, Ontario.It was built in 1857 by the Grand Trunk Railway. This 768 foot-long bridge is supported on limestone piers, 112 feet in height. It was completed at a cost of $500,000, and for more than 120 years it has carried all the rail traffic passing through Georgetown. This is a CN main line. The old bridge is single track while the rest of the line is double track. What a bottleneck. The abutment looks like it is designed for a double track but to double it now would be way too expensive.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=123788&a=9485549&p=31138364

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.fortunecity.com/mat80)



[This message has been edited by Robin Matthysen (edited 03 November 2000).]

[Maxwell Plant]

Ok, I guess we're not going to reactivate the old topic in the RailFan and Railroad events forum so I'll tell you guys again...

Along the Former ATSF from Joliet, IL., Ancona, IL. on the Curve, Illinois River Bridge at Chillicothe, IL., Holihan's Curve, Edilstein Hill at Edilstein, IL., anywhere at GALESBURG, IL., Cameron JCT. at Cameron, IL. and Fort Madison, IA.

Then There's The Former BN (CB&Q) from Keewanee, IL., GALESBURG-Cameron, IL. (again), Burlington and West Burlington, IA.

Along Lake Peppin (The Mississippi River)
near Wabasha and Lake City, MN. BNSF (BN/CB&Q) on the East Bank, SOO (CMSt.P&P) on the West.

AND!

The Railway Park on the BNSF (BN/CB&Q) and UP (C&NW) diamonds at Rochell, IL.

There's others, but nothing so far that has surpassed these places for me YET!

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 14 November 2000).]

[Jack Doran]

NO FAIR MAXWELL! You took all my spots. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif Oh well its nice to see so many people getting out in the area and railfanning. Maybe I will see you all sometime in my neck of the woods. OH By the way I am from Galesburg for those who don't know. These are all close to Maxwell's railfanning spots in Illinois. My favorites in Galesburg. County 10 bridge. This bridge crosses the railyard right south of the diesiel pit. Get some real good shots there. Another Cameron,IL at the connection.

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Keep on railroad'n

[This message has been edited by Jack Doran (edited 29 October 2000).]

[Maxwell Plant]

Now Jack, you know the Route 10 bridge is know as "The Alter" by all us Galesburg Heads! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 29 October 2000).]

[tunnel88]

I don't know what my favorite spot would be, but on the former Rio Grande Moffet route, i enjoy watching trains as they pass Jim Baker Resorvoir as they near their way into North Yard... It's so neat to watch those long coal trains with 2 units on front, 2 in the middle and 1 or maybe 2 on the rear, as they crest a little slight grade then come drifting by... http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

[Colonel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alan:
T E H A C H A P I

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm hoping in the next few years to come here with Gats and alan and any other trainboard member who cares to join us on a trip. wouldnt it be great if we could all get together for a two week rail trek?



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Regards

Paul Cassar-# Member number 50
http://www.iconbazaar.com/people/sleuth.gif SPAD Investigator #1
ICQ 61198217
http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000

[rhensley@anderson.cioe.co]

Well, I wasn't going to join in this one, but I've changed my mind. I guess that my favorite train watching spot would have to be in front of my house on my street corner. I'm within a quarter block each way of two active lines.

http://madisonrails.railfan.net/image/ns1437s.jpg

Photo credit: NS 1437 ex-CR GP15-1 in fresh NS paint at 31st St in Anderson - Aug. 18, 2000 - Copyright 2000 by rph

Roger

Roger Hensley - rhensley@anderson.cioe.com
== http://madisonrails.railfan.net/ ==
== Railroads of Madison County (Indiana) ==
http://madisonrails.railfan.net/image/tgang_sm.gif

[Jack Doran]

Yes Maxwell your right, It is the alter here. I know I got the railroad fever when I drive a mile out of my way to the bridge just to see whats in the yards. I kind of got the best of both worlds though. I have the railroad run right though my back yard at the east end.It is the double main to Chicago.(former BN) so I don't have very far to go to get to trackside. Or I drive to the "Alter" and set there for awhile. I don't like it there I go set down by the Cameron connection and watch both tracks. I seen twenty trains in two hours at one time out there once. Now thats gets me foaming at the mouth. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif


Now when they get the new park by the Amtrak Station done I will be there to. AS if I am not already at the station too. There putting a second platform in at the station. Gota show the station off when Railroad Days roll around next year!

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Keep on railroad'n

[This message has been edited by Jack Doran (edited 30 October 2000).]

[CPRailfan]

I love Galesburg. I've only been there once, but it's my second home. I went this past summer to RR days, and stoped by the alter Friday night. A great sunset, tons of locomotives,and only six different trains in about thirty minutes http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif I'll be back every RR days from now on! Hope to see ya there.
Hey maybe we could all have a Trainboard reunion at 2001 galesburg RR days http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Drew

http://wcleastdiv.railfan.net/gifs/wctip.gif

Wisconsin Central Ltd.

[Jack Doran]

Maybe so. If thats the case COME ON DOWN!

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Keep on railroad'n

[Maxwell Plant]

Now that's a GREAT Idea! You guys can find Little Giant(Harry Grossman), RoyalBlue(Steve Zink), me and a few other "Trainboard Geeks" at the N-Trak Layouts in the Gym at Carl Sandberg College for the Model Train Show held during Railroad Days! I like heading over to Burlington, IA. to eat at "Big Muddies" during that weekend. It's easier to get into than the places to eat at Galesburg during that weekend. Although, I do like "The Packing House" across the street from the Depot. http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif We went up on the Alter on Saturday night after coming back from dinner. NOW THAT WAS COOL! When taking pics from up there, it's best to set-up on one of the pier joints, less bouncing when trucks go by. But I do enjoy a good "bounce" up there so if I'm just watching, I'll stand between the piers! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif I may do less train running and more socializing and Railfanning next year. But I don't know, I DO LOVE RUNNING MY TRAINS! http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 31 October 2000).]

[friscobob]

Over the years I've had several favorite railfan spots.

In Kansas: in front of the UP depot in Topeka, waching UP, Cotton Belt and Rio Grande freights (running trackage rights KC to Pueblo).

State Line junction, Kansas City, MO/KS. BN,
Santa Fe, Conrail, SP and UP (now it's BNSF
and UP).

Afton, OK, watching Frisco (later BN, then BNSF) action on the Cherokee Sub and on & off the Afton Sub. The one positive thing about the BN/Frisco merger was the increase of traffic and the addition of stack trains
on the Cherokee Sub.

The UP's ex-Rio Grand main line and yard in Grand Junction, CO. Amtrak, UP manifest and coal trains, and BNSF trackage-rights traffic
plus a funky-looking SP SW1500 handling local switching chores.



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Southeast....Southwest..
Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[CPRailfan]

I've always wanted to railfan in Colorado. Hopefully this summer we'll head over there on vacation. Oh yeh, Colorado reminds me, GO BRONCOS! http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Drew

WISCONSIN CENTRAL LTD.
http://wcleastdiv.railfan.net/safety1.jpg

[tunnel88]

Were gonna spank the Raiders next Monday! We showed those lame Jets... http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif

[CPRailfan]

Oh yeh! We beat em' once, we can do it again.
Now it's at Mile High! I'm a rare breed up here in CHeese Land, but always have been, and always will be a Broncos fan, as well as a train fan http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

talk later..

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Drew

WISCONSIN CENTRAL LTD.
http://wcleastdiv.railfan.net/safety1.jpg

[espee2]

Mine is Dunsmuir, CA. it's not bad on weekends, especially when BNSF is detouring through http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif .mainly the surrounding mountains make for some surrine pictures and not so bed while waiting.

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espee2

Home: www.tunnel13.com (http://www.tunnel13.com)¤
layout: SP's Newberg Branch in N scale (http://tunnel13.com/newberg.html)

[Fred]

I've got a ton of favorites but Cajon Pass & Joliet, the Huey Long Bridge, Palmer, Mass, Dale, Wy and Toledo Ohio's CP-285 (Vickers) are my favorites

[CPRailfan]

Hey Fred, thanks for the input. I've rode through Joliet on an Amtrak, but never could find time to railfan there. It's on my "things to do" list though, and I hope to get there sometime. Welcome to trainboard too, you'll have lots of fun here http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[friscobob]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CPRailfan:
Oh yeh! We beat em' once, we can do it again.
Now it's at Mile High! I'm a rare breed up here in CHeese Land, but always have been, and always will be a Broncos fan, as well as a train fan http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

talk later..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You think YOU'RE an oddity?? Try being a Cowboys fan in Broncos country!! Oh well, they forget that Denver has won only TWO Super Bowls, while Dallas has won FIVE. They seem to forget that... http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif
I will be at our local RR club meeting tonite, so I'll miss the game. Even so, I hope Griese has a good game, and Terrell racks up some big-time yards (and Dennis Miller has laryngitis http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif )




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Southeast....Southwest..
Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[Clifton]

Here are my votes for favorite train watching spots.

A) New Carrolton, Md. Metro station. Not the most scenic, but you get the Washington D.C. Metro, Marc, Amtrak and freight on the old Pennsy Line.

B) Savannah, Ill. - BN at the Mississippi and the Soo.


All of the following are in the Chicago area.

1) Dolton, as previously mentioned.

2) Blue Island. CSX, IHB, Rock Island, Iowa Interstate and Grand Trunk - lots o' action.

3) Hayford (sp?) The BRC crosses the Grand Trunk. I love those BRC Alcos.

4) Finally, the Roger Williams Ave. grade crossing in Ravinia (south Highland Park, Ill.) on the C&NW North Line.

That's where I fell in love with trains. All you get are Metra commuters, but I've always had a soft spot for green over yellow.

Besides if you catch the evening or morning rush, the action isn't too bad.



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Clifton
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer of the LaZ & E RR, (known locally as the Lazee Boy Lines)

[CPRailfan]

Thanks Clifton. I was at Chi.Union Station over Thanksgiving. I've never seen so much Metra and Amtrak. Have you ever railfanned in the Milwaukee area?

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[friscobob]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Fred:
I've got a ton of favorites but Cajon Pass & Joliet, the Huey Long Bridge, Palmer, Mass, Dale, Wy and Toledo Ohio's CP-285 (Vickers) are my favorites <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Last time I was in Joliet was in 1971 to 1972, watching Santa Fe (later Amtrak) and
Rock Island passenger trains, EJ&E, RI, ICG
and Santa Fe freights, and Rock Island commuter runs. The night switching job west of joliet had an Alco RS3, and was cool to watch.


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Southeast....Southwest..
Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[Kevin Stevens]

Aw guys, do I really have to answer this question??? http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif
For newcomers who may be missing the joke, click on the link below...

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Kevin Stevens
www.trainweb.org/KernJunction (http://www.trainweb.org/KernJunction)

[DakotaFan]

Another Broncos fan checking in! The first time I answered this question I stayed with places I get to regularly. I'm looking forward to returning some day to Belmont, NE; the portals of Cascade tunnel; and the Iron Cross in Joliet, IL.

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the second reply Dakota! It's great to hear from another Broncos fan.
Here are some more of my favorites: (Maybe not well known across the nation, but great places to catch trains if you're ever in Milwaukee)
1)Wendy's on 100th and Burliegh---Here, you can grab a bite to eat, and catch UP action around the clock. CSX and WC sometimes use these tracks too. UP trains sometimes stop here, and you can sometimes catch the crew having dinner.
2)Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI(Just on the south edge of Milwaukee)---Grab a chair, some food, a camera, and have a picnic just 100 feet away from CPR's hot double track mainline. CPR, WC, and Amtrak are always using the rails, and sometimes, you can catch BNSF and NS with run-throughs.


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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[Ben]

Footbridge just south of Kenton Station

Leagrave Station

Welwyn Garden City Station

Anywhere on the Cambrian Coast Line

Exeter St Davids Station

BEN. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

[Alan]

I agree with Exeter St. David's, Ben. On an August day in 1963, it was so busy with Western and Southern region trains, steam and diesel hauled, that it took us over two hours to drink one of those cartons of Kia-Ora squash!

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://www.trainweb.com/alansamericangallery/)

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the response Ben! If I ever go to London, I'll find time to visit those spots http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[John Whitby]

And did you have one of those B.R. individual apple pies Alan ?......Happy days !!

[Alan]

Certainly did, John! I had forgotten about them http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif Happy days, indeed http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://www.trainweb.com/alansamericangallery/)

[TexChris]

Here goes--Clovis, NM/Farwell TX--fast and many BNSF plus great museum in town. Also, SP (UP) Sunset Route around Alpine, Tx--great scenery including Paisano Pass, featuring an old KCM&O (Santa Fe, then South Orient) branch junction. Also, Dayton's Bluff, MN--never been there, but dispatched it for BNSF.

[fitz]

Other than Kevin Stevens' favorite place, I'll take these: Railfair at CSRM, Sacramento, Steamtown grand opening, Scranton. Maybe I'm lazy, but where else could you sit back in a lawn chair and shoot anywhere from 7 to 20 steam locomotives?

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http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/096.gif
http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/nyc1.gif

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the responses TexChris and fitz! I may have found a new favorite---Springfield, IL. I was just there the last three days, and saw lots of action on the NS and UP lines!
talk later..

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[Rule 281]

My favorite spot? There's quite a few actually. Anyplace there's a crossing and a train when I'm with my 5 and 7 boys will do fine! http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

[Maxwell Plant]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CPRailfan:
Thanks for the responses TexChris and fitz! I may have found a new favorite---Springfield, IL. I was just there the last three days, and saw lots of action on the NS and UP lines!
talk later..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You get down this way alot, don't you! Nice weather we're having, don't you agree? Wind chills last night were almost 50 below 0 F. YIKES! http://www.trainboard.com/eek.gif F4 Tornadoes in Alabama and 60 F in Boston today! What's up with that? I've had many plans to get out of the house foiled by this weather the past week. It looks like things will calm down a little this week. Maybe I'll get some snow shots for my collection! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif



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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners! The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[Jack Doran]

Hey Maxwell. I thought that to until I went outside and busted my kester on the ground. There is a little over 15 inches of snow in Galesburg. as of today with a little more expected. Shoot the way this this winter is going it is going to be known as the winter from H***! So if you get out enjoy it while you can. because the weather may get to you otherwise. Hopefully it will get better though.

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Keep on railroad'n

[CPRailfan]

Hey guys. So I'm not the only one having to wake up and shovel every morning http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif Yep, lots of snow here in Milwaukee, even up to two feet in some areas. I was looking foward to getting out and watching some trains sometime, but I never got around to it. I really wanted to see a rotary snow plow rolling down the tracks, but I'll have to wait until the next big storm. That should only be until Saturday http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif Any of you guys see any plows down in Illinois? Has the weather had any effect on the railroads down there? I know up here, in Oshkosh, WI, a boxcar was leaking some harmful chemicals, and the chemicals were supposed to take all week to burn themselves out, but the snow has somehow helped speed up the process.(There may be a story about this in the Railnews)
Talk soon...

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[This message has been edited by CPRailfan (edited 19 December 2000).]

[PRSLou]

Hi,

As you can see, this is my first post at TrainBoard.com. It looks like I am really close to a lot of you guys. I live in Geneseo, IL, and I always go to the Galesburg show/Railfan day.

As for my favorite spot to watch trains?
Rochell, IL.

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Lou
PRSLou's website (http://204.156.4.220/memberpages2/bymem.asp?Recordset4_Action=Find('siteid','184')&Recordset4_Position=FIL%3A%28member+LIKE+%27%25PRS Lou%25%27%29ORD%3AABS%3A1KEY%3A184PAR%3A&)
Are you a teen interested in trains? Join the T.A.M.R. (http://www.tamr.org)

[JCater]

As an archaeologist, I travel across the country quite frequently. I have seen iron pellets being loaded onto the big ships in Duluth Harbor (DM&IR, very cool), yard movement in places like Memphis and Denver, Amtrak passenger service along the Colorado River, BIG coal trains in Wyoming, taken photo trips on the Durango and Silverton, rode the cab of of an ex DRGW K-47 on the Chama line, and as a kid saw the last of the "streamlined" passenger trains on the B&N line between Denver and Fort Collins.
BUT...my favorite place to watch trains is right here in Montrose, Colorado. Every Friday a freight rolls into town, headed by one or two ex DRGW Geeps. They switch the local candy factory, some wood chip gons, and a lumber yard. This is the ONLY train that comes to town now. When I can, my 4-year-old and I go and watch the train, moving with it to the various switch spots. The crew has become quite friendly with my boy, and seem genuinely happy to see us when we are there. It is simple, laid back, and my boy not only loves it, but he has made friends and is learning something. What more could you ask for in a train watching adventure?? Happy Railroading!!
John

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The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!

[Maxwell Plant]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PRSLou:
Hi,

As you can see, this is my first post at TrainBoard.com. It looks like I am really close to a lot of you guys. I live in Geneseo, IL, and I always go to the Galesburg show/Railfan day.

As for my favorite spot to watch trains?
Rochell, IL.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Rochell ROCKS! But I'd have stick with my list as is. See you at Railroad Days this coming June. By then, all this snow will be gone and we'll be complaining about the Heat and Humidity! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif Welcome to the Boards! Hope you stay around!



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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners! The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[Colonel]

Welcome Lou its always great to see new members. well I have to say i do feel sorry for you guys, I just got out of the swimming pool and tomorrow the temperature will hit over 100 degrees. Now I have to say if I was there rochelle Ill would be a place I'd love to see. Maybe in a few years when maybe we have an inaugural trainboard get together we can all do some railfanning together

------------------
Regards

Paul Cassar-Moderator & Member number 50
http://www.iconbazaar.com/people/sleuth.gif SPAD Investigator #1
ICQ 61198217
http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000

[Maxwell Plant]

You know, we talked about this a few days ago, maybe even getting together for Galesburg Railroad Days in June, but for some reason, Charlie said we can't have any Trainboard gatherings in Illinois http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/confused.gif. I don't know why, lots of great Railfanning here! My guess would be he got a Speeding ticket here on his way to Maine. Maybe he forgot that Illinois isn't Montana or Nebraska where they have no set speed limits. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners! The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[CPRailfan]

Welcome Lou! Trainboard is great, I visit every day and continue to learn so many things about railroading. As for the weather here in MIL, three more inches expected...I'll be out shoveling, talk soon.

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[heracles87]

Marion, Ohio!

[Alan]

Hello and welcome, Heracles http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif You are lucky, I am a few thousand miles from my favourite train watching spots http://www.trainboard.com/frown.gif

Hope I can get over this year http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://www.trainweb.com/alansamericangallery/)

[CPRailfan]

Welcome To Trainboard Herc87! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif !

I'm creating a web page that will eventually have photos from my favorite railfanning locations in Milwaukee. It'll have lots of info on Milwuakee's RRs, hot spots, pictures, news, and of course a link to trainboard http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif I might even get it up this weekend..I'm gonna go work on it now!
talk soon

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[rsn48]

Okay, so I'm a little late for this post. I have said it before, in other areas but I have four favourite areas. First, the top spot goes to the Cisco bridges owned by CP and CN in the Fraser Canyon. Incredible mountain scenery, with great bridges almost next to each other, and top the sundae with lots of trains in each direction, over 50 a day, with long units, over 150 cars per train. Second favourite, Central Pacific station where we watch the Via begin its cross country hall to Toronto (passenger train), watch the Rocky Mountaineer leave (excursion train to Rockies), see the Amtrack train for Seattle, and occassional glimpses of the American Orient Express. Third favourite, the station of BC rail where we can see live steam (Hudsons and Consolidation) lots of RDC's, CN exchange with BR RAil, lots of freight. And my forth, is a local park (Cates Park) where I can look across the water (ocean) and see CP trains coming into vancouver British Columbia delivering intermodal, grain, freight, ect. I walk my dog here a lot. From this location, because of its distance it reminds me the most of N scale.

[CPRailfan]

Thanks rsn48! I love British Columbia. I've never been there, but the beautiful scenery and trains from CN, CP, and BCRail will eventually get me on a trip over there. BC is a long ways form Milwaukee, but taking a trip there is on my "things ot do" list. I hope to see a Canucks hockey game too http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[rsn48]

If you do come here, email me first and I will tell you of a trip you can do on the rails, and if you are willing to go by coach, the cost won't be to bad. You take Via rail from Vancouver to Jasper Alberta, the from Jasper you take the Skeena to Prince George, British Columbia.

From Prince George, you take the BC Rail RDC's down to North Vancouver. This is a many day trip, but you will have almost seen it all. This forms a very large triangle, basically leaving Vancouver and arriving Vancouver. It takes you through the best scenery British Columbia and Alberta (Canadian Rockies) have to offer.

If money is no object, try to stay a couple of days at the Jasper Park Lodge, you will love it. This is an old CN lodge (with over 70 buildings - it is very large) which is famous throughout the world. We stayed there last March (discount season - lol) and took the Via (also discount season) from Vancouver to there and back. It was a wonderful experience. I spent some of my youth in Jasper Alberta - a wonderful rockies town. It was here my grandfather engineered for CN from the day it was formed until his retirenment. He was one of the engineers on the Super Continental Passenger Train (pre-Via) which was famous.

There is another trip my son BCRailKing just told me about, which involves BC Rail, car ferries (mini cruise - couple of hours) over to Vancouver Island and take the E&N to Victoria... (Esquimalt and Nanaimo).

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the tips, I will keep them in mind, and I look foward to the day I visit BC! I probably won't be out there anytime soon, but in a few years, who knows! I will be there! But the question is when. Again, thanks for the info, I will keep all of it in mind!
PS: I love BCRail, do you guys have pictures of any BCRail trains?

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[fitz]

Drew, here's a few year old shot of 2860 taken when my wife and I rode her--1996 I think. Unfortunately she is in need of major overhaul and isn't running for a while. BC is beautiful, and the BC Rail run up along Howe Sound is one of the most scenic routes I have ever ridden. Hey, the Canucks aren't that bad either. They will kick my Kings' butts this year, most likely.
http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/2860.jpg

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http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/
http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/nyc1.gif
http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/096.gif Member No. 508

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the picture fitz! That is one beautiful locomotive! GO CANUCKS! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[milwfreak]

Next time you're in Chicago, go to B12 in Franklin Park. It's where the WC and the CP(owned by Metra) cross. The diamonds are about a mile east of Bensenville Yard. You'll see power from CP,WC,CN,UP,and IMRL to just name a few. Plus, the Indiana Habuor is real close too. Just avoid rush hour unless all you want to see are Metras.

[milwfreak]

Next time you're in Chicago, go to B12 in Franklin Park. It's where the WC and the CP(owned by Metra) cross. The diamonds are about a mile east of Bensenville Yard. You'll see power from CP,WC,CN,UP,and IMRL to just name a few. Plus, the Indiana Habuor is real close too. Just avoid rush hour unless all you want to see are Metras.

[CPRailfan]

Thanks Mil, and welcome to Trainboard! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif
When I'm in Chicago, that is one place I'll go for sure.
-Been to Milwaukee lately? I know a lot of good places to catch a lot of trains.

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[This message has been edited by CPRailfan (edited 08 January 2001).]

[Chessie_SD50_8563]

Marion Ohio, Cuyahoga Falls Ohio, Monroe Falls Ohio, Worthington Ohio (just some of the places I have been I liked)

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Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System
LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!!
LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
LONG LIVE THE TIGER STRIPE!!!
(I am one of those wierd Chessie,CR,BN Fans)
I looked at DCC... and stayed DC!

[rsn48]

There should be a new post called: "if I'd had a brain, I'd a watched...." When I was younger I moved around frequently (father armed forces - Canadian). But I lived in some spectacular railroading places, and they were all lost on me. The "could have beens, but never were..." lol. I lived in Chicago, Madison, Wis, in Elmhurst, where Chicago NorthWestern sent long long freight trains...Louisville, New York...all lost on me.... Well, I can say I am lucky now, and have had my "awakening."

[dave f]

New Brighten, Pa, is where all the action is around here. It is where Conrails(now NS but I still call it Conrail) Chicago-New York and CSX's Chicago-Baltimore main lines cross over each other. Between the two, there are well over 100 trains daily on busy days.

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the response ChessieSD50! Marion, Ohio must be a great place, I hope to go there some time.

rsn, Madison hey. I go there maybe once a year to visit relatives. Never seen many trains though, but I hear it's great for Wisconsin Southern action. WS comes through the north part of Milw. and I've seen a few of their trains.

Dave, thanks for the reply. I haven't seen a lot of CSX or conrail, but sometimes either CSX or NS have power on the UP. I did see lots of CSX when I went to Florida and Wash D.C.

I'll soon have a website, and I'll have all the hotspots in Milwaukee, with lots of info if anybody ever finds themselve in the Mil.
I'll talk to y'all later http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[This message has been edited by CPRailfan (edited 09 January 2001).]

[heracles87]

Thanks for the welcome guys. Also don't forget Crestline, Fostoria and Berea Ohio.

[Marylandrailfan]

I grew up in Northern Virginia and as soon as I got my driver's license, I started making trips down to the Potomac yard in Alexandria.
Southern end of old PRR electrification, I could see GG1's, E44's, Amtrak E's, and a variety of RF&P and Southern equipment. That yard is gone now and now I live Maryland. New favorite spots are the CSX Susquehanna bridge at Havre De Grace, the NS/Amtrak-CSX crossing at Halethorpe, and the Thomas Viaduct in Relay.

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Trails to Rails!

[CPRailfan]

Thanks for the reply, and welcome to Trainboard! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif I'll soon have my drivers license, and the first place I'm goin' is UP's Butler Yard!

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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[CPRailfan]

Hey Maxwell, about Galesburg this year???
We could have a Trainboard booth, and give out little cups of lemonade http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif Should we have a vote?


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Drew

What's that?
A train horn?
Sorry, gotta go!

[This message has been edited by CPRailfan (edited 15 January 2001).]

[milwfreak]

I don't think Galesburg can get here fast enough. Still over five months away and I all ready have my weekend planned out. This year, hopefully I won't spend half my paycheck like I did last year.

If the 261 does make it, hope it goes down the BNSF to Savannah,IL and down the Peavine(Barstow sub) to Galesburg. I'll chase it both ways and get some nice shots.

Eric

[BN9900]

Well ALL of my places are taken.....but I will have to say CP LAGrange... On the IHB/BN Crossing everything but EJE and the kitchen sink goes through there. I lived in Chicago for 18 years, wish I was still there at times

[BN9900]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BN9900:
Well ALL of my places are taken.....but I will have to say CP LAGrange... On the IHB/BN Crossing everything but EJE and the kitchen sink goes through there. I lived in Chicago for 18 years, wish I was still there at times<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Need to rephrase, there probably was a kitchen sink that went through there..along with all the odd ball stuff Alcos (other than the Belt) that were going to scrap. It's changed since I was last there two years ago, but you can still find interesting items running through there.

[Graphite]

For BNSF: Gage, Oklahoma. Mostly container stuff and fast produce. Crews switch there, there is a 2-mile passing track, and the view to the west toward Amarillo in the setting sun is awesome. Also, the Canadian River Crossing and the Belva/ Quinlan/ Curtis Hill (now redone) pull west of Woodward, Oklahoma. The locos still generate a lot of thunder pulling up out of the River Valley, and it's somethin' ta watch.
For my local shortline, Farmrail: 6 blocks east on the old Frisco branchline. Lot of history there. The once Orient line, then Frisco, interchanged with the Rock. All gone now.
For UP- the Wye at Wagoner, Oklahoma. Also in Jenks, Oklahoma, you can sip a cool one and watch the UP sidle by (and very often knock the stuffing out of a wayward automobile trying to beat the "slow freights" to the 5th street crossing) in the air conditioned comfort of a former Frisco Combine turned diner and after-hours pub.
All good pastimes.
And if you're really interested, there are several good spots between Ardmore and Oklahoma City where you can find the occaisional broken-down Amtrak (and they complained about the TRACKAGE in that area as an excuse not to reopen the line from Dallas to OKC!!) 11 times I know of so far this year, leaving passengers stranded on the side.