I'm going to Dallas May 20 to 23 on business and should be able to sneak away for several hours of train stuff. Any recommendations on railfan spots or, better yet, any TrainBoarders with a layout to visit?
Two things I know about. 1) you'll be somewhat close to Watash. He is in Fort Worth or Dallas. Somewhere in the suburbs up there. 2) If you get to go to the stockyards in Fort Worth they have an old train station there with anactual steam engine that operates each day. If you need more info let me know and I'll try to find the web link. Scot
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by my UP: ...they have an old train station there with an actual steam engine...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I think I remember hearing about steam engines. Those are those big black ones with all the smoke right? Seriously, thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can check out the yards...
I'm sorry to say that "Puffy" the Stockyards steam engine is out of commission, probably for good. The train, however, still operates with a diesel on the point. I think it is an E7 or F7. What part of Dallas are you visiting and do you have access to a car? Probably the most famous (or at least the most active) railfan site is Tower 55 located just South of downtown Ft. Worth. That is where the UP crosses the BNSF. Good sized yards for both railroads are located around the diamonds. If you can't get to Ft. Worth and are stuck near downtown Dallas, go to Union Station. There the UP and BNSF come back together to share trackage. Plus, the Trinity Railway Express and DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) all come together at different tracks of Union Station. There are a few short lines around DFW also, namely, the DNGO (Dallas & North Garland) and the FWWR (Fort Worth & Western) that operate in different places in the Metroplex. I could go on but, I will leave some for Watash and others to add. We'll make sure to order some good weather for you while you are here.
Also while in Dallas a little off topic but well woth the time is The Kennedy memorial and alot of Texas history all within several blocks of Union Station. The book depository adn several old historical buildings are right in the area.The old courthouse is a great looking building directly across the street fro Union Station almost. If you remember some of the conspiracy stuff about the puffs of smoke from behind the fence and the infamous "grassy noll(sp?)". Anyway the UP and DART (Dallas area Rapid Transit) are on a overpass that the motorcade goes under. Its all seriously within 2 or 3 blocks of the station. Also right in the neigborhood or at least right across the tracks is Reunion Arena.I believe its a Hyatt hotel but they have a very large tower there that for like 5 bucks you can ride up and get a great arial view of all of this as well. Get to Reunion by going downstairs at Union Station,under the tracks and the elevator ticket booth is right where the tunnel comes out before you enter the actual hotel part of the building.This again is a walking tunnel and again only a block or two from the station. I have never had time for railfanning in Ft Worth but it is a very big junction there with almost constant action of some sort. I have only passed through there on the AMTRAK on the way to Dallas but there is always something worth watching out the window or from the backside of the passenger area. Also FOrth Worth has a great looking "old time Station". It unfortunately is a bit run down but the architecture and interior work is very interesting if your into railroad structures at all. Well My 2 cents worth any way. And Watash I might be back in Dallas before the summers over.My Mom lives there. Are you visitor friendly? I usually make the Amtrak trip at Thanksgiving but I think we are hosting Thanksgiving here in Austin this year. And lastly Watash have you seen the New Roller Coaster at 6 Flags yet?give me a reference of how tall in relation to the tower or the Texas Giant if you've seen it.\ Later All
I'll be at the Doubletree Hotel. I'll be making my presentation at the conference on Monday afternoon (the 21st). My train-time will essentailly be Sunday night and all day Tuesday. I won't have a car, unless I'm really compelled to rent one to get to a highly recommended site that I can't get to by public transit or taxi.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mopartex: And lastly Watash have you seen the New Roller Coaster at 6 Flags yet?give me a reference of how tall in relation to the tower or the Texas Giant if you've seen it.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The new coaster, the Titan, is 245 ft. tall. I think that is about 20-30 ft. shorter that the oil derrick tower. The first drop on Titan is 255 ft. because you actually go under ground through a tunnel. Top speed is 80 - 85 mph. Looks like fun. Can't wait to ride it.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ten87: I'll be at the Doubletree Hotel. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> There are two Doubletree Hotels in Dallas. Both are not that close to downtown (Union Station) but could be easily reached by taxi. Like Mopartex stated, there is a lot to do in downtown Dallas. All within walking distance once you get downtown. You can eat lunch in the West End which is just a few blocks North of Union Station.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mdrzycimski: There are two Doubletree Hotels in Dallas...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I'm staying at the Lincoln Center Doubletree. I'll take your advice and head into Union Station. It looks like Discount Model Trains and Trains and Toys aren't too far from the hotel. Are they worth the taxi fare?
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ten87: It looks like Discount Model Trains and Trains and Toys aren't too far from the hotel. Are they worth the taxi fare?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I haven't been to Trains and Toys but I have been to Discount Model Trains. It is definitely worth the trip. Lots of inventory and all discounted at least 20%! Another stop you might consider is Bobbye Hall's Hobby House just East of downtown on Bryan St. I can't believe how much stuff they can pack into that little store. They are also Hallmark Models if you like brass.
