Sometimes the Amtrak trains on the former IC main line back out onto or in from the former IC Iowa line via the 21st st. interlocking and the PRR/GM&O lift bridge.
When I have ridden Amtrak's Chicago-New Orleans train, it backed out of the station and backed in--because of the connection to the former IC track. Going south, it backs out until it is able to run forward on the St. Charles Air Line, and coming in, it heads on to the St. Charles Air Line until it reaches the connection to the station.
Johnny
rcdrye, thanks for that info. As a lifelong Chicagoan and model railroad enthusiast, I never knew that any passenger train backed into a downtown Chicago station. So, this was news to me. As I look at a map, I see the wye at 17th Street that you are referring to. Thanks again.
Rich
Alton Junction
CB&Q (and BN) Zephyrs headed in. Inbound Amtrak trains (Zephyr, Chief, etc) often reverse by turning onto the south approach (PRR, GM&O) from Union Tower and backing in from 17th St.
Deggesty Yes, I know of one exception to the heading into the Chicago station--on my last trips to the east, the Californina Zephyr was backed in.
Yes, I know of one exception to the heading into the Chicago station--on my last trips to the east, the Californina Zephyr was backed in.
BaltACDWhat coach yard the B&O used when they moved the Chicago station to the CNW Station, I don't know.
B&O/C&O used C&NW's California Avenue coach yard after 1969. Robey Street is today's Damen Avenue (2000 W) which whould make it about 2 miles directly west of Grand Central. Probably closer to 3 track miles.
When B&O used Grand Central Station as their Chicago station, Robey Street was the coach yard. I think Robey Street was 3 to 5 miles from Grand Central. Trains pulled into Grand Central power first, in the process of cleaning and servicing trains at Robey Street the trains got turned and were backed into Grand Central for their Eastward departures.
What coach yard the B&O used when they moved the Chicago station to the CNW Station, I don't know.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Jones1945 I heard that there were at least 35 roundhouses, turntables and a countless number of turning wye within Chicago's city limits. The steam engines changed their direction by using these facilities.
I heard that there were at least 35 roundhouses, turntables and a countless number of turning wye within Chicago's city limits. The steam engines changed their direction by using these facilities.
Jones 3D Modeling Club https://www.youtube.com/Jones3DModelingClub
The back-in move (from the south side only) is relatively new for Amtrak, and doesn't seem to be universal. The only trains that consistently back in/out are the ones going to the former Illinois Central, either via Union Tower and the St. Charles Air Line, or via 21st Street and the ex-IC Iowa line.
Yes, I know of one exception to the heading into the Chicago station--on my last trips to the east, the Californina Zephyr was backed in; I did not see anyone to ask why.
As to the Metra trains coming into Chicago with the cab car first, riding in the cab car can five you a wonderful view of what is up ahead--almost as good a view as found in a real dome car--you can see the signals.
During the era of steam locomotives, all Chicago terminals were approached engine first. Even today it's the normal practice for long-distance trains with a couple of exceptions. Most commuter trains in Chicago have operated push-pull for decades. The normal practice there is to have the cab car on the Chicago end.
how did the steam engines run in to Chicago? Would they arrive engine first? Or back in?
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