Dallas at Xmas

[Anonymous]

I'm a Brit coming over to stay in the Dallas/Forthworth area for a couple of weeks over xmas and was wondering if anyone from around there can give me some pointers for taking photo's of freight action?

[Anonymous]

My home is about 3 hours north in Oklahoma City, when I come to Fort Worth for some railfanning I will go to Saginaw a suburb in north Fort Worth where 3 rail lines come into town (1 UP and 2BNSF) next to a couple of grain elevators. You can follow to BNSF(Santa Fe) line to Oklahoma hiway FM156 to Haslet and Gainesville or BNSF(BN) on hiway US81/US287 to Decatur. In Fort Worth you may have heard of tower 55 but with the construction of the new hiway over it ,it is just not worth it anymore. I stay out of Dallas for the most part because of the traffic on the roads but if you do go stop by the Age of Steam museum at the fair grounds. Remember we are on edge after Sep. 11 and some train crews have been calling in anyone they see around the tracks so take care, beware, wave friendly to the trains, and keep your ID on you.

besafe and have fun
gwl
http://photosbygreg.20m.com

[ronsmith]

Colin,
Tower 55 in Ft Worth is a great place on Sundays.
There will usually be from 10 to 25 people there.
Usually about 15 or more freights and three passengers trains. I think you will find this a good spot as well as those mentioned by Greg.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Greg and Ron.
I think tower 55 will be worth checking out, even better if there are local people there to explain to me whats what.
I visited the steam museum in the park last time I was over, but it was only for a short visit. This time is for 2 weeks so I should have more time to get out and about.
I was already aware, from reading a article on here about the hightend awareness of every one over there now, so I'll be careful.
Any other tips?

Bcnu
Colin

[Anonymous]

Seabiscuit in the third race. Sorry American humor. Happy railfanning! Gerald

[Anonymous]

Glad to see there is still some American humor knocking about!
Can anyone tell me anything about the "North Texas Railroad" I think it was one of their locos I saw around Plano(?)
And yes I know it run's on rails before any one says o'wt. (Thats Lanacashire for "anything")
Colin

[dandreas]

Colin,
First of all, I want to welcome you back to the great state of Texas! I have a couple of things to add to what the other gentlemen have mentioned.
1. The railroad in question in the Dallas, Garland, and Northeastern, a.k.a the "Dingo". The DGNO operates almost 200 miles of track in the D/FW, Texas area and also has trackage rights with the various interchange roads like KCS. For more information, check out Wes Carr's DGNO site (and the rest of his site, it is a VERY good resource!) at http://www.trainweb.org/southwestshorts/dgno.html and also http://www.railamerica.com/html/dallas__garland.html which is RailAmerica's DGNO site.
2. North Park Mall has a Christmas-time Lionel rail exhibit, Trains at NorthPark. It's very..."smart" :) For more info, http://www.rmhdallas.com/gwe.html
3. The Trinity Railway Express http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org is a commuter rail line running from downtown Dallas to Richland Hills (NE suburb of Fort Worth) It was supposed to have opened all the way to downtown Cowtown by now, but I digress... Anyway, it's a different perspective on things if you're interested.
Enjoy!
Doug A.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that Doug
I've checked out the websites you suggested. I'm learning more all the time and looking forwards to the trip.
I'm going to be staying in Richardson which is'nt far from you is it?
Is there a good book shop somewhere handy that sells train stuff? I remember finding one in a mall as we where on the way out to the airport for the flight back:-( last time but I can't recall where it was.
Any suggested titles for uptodate operations in the area?
The Trinity express had just started last time I was there but it was only a quick visit so didn't get to go for a ride, maybe this time.
thanks Colin

[Anonymous]

Looks to me like you have figured out all about our "train-spotting" here in TEXAS. Just remember your not here just to see the trains! There is lots more to see in Texas, you know (besides me! xoxo)Since we are headed down to San Antonio, you might want to check out information regarding trains on the way down south as well. We will check out all the info you've received so far. bw xoxo

[Anonymous]

Hi Colin, Another site you might want to check out in north San Antonio. It seems to be an engine repair facility,and there are some real old rolling stock. I was poking around there last Sunday taking pictures of facility and an old tower. I never thought of the railroads being so paranoid of terrorist attack and I guess I`m lucky I didn`t get arrested. I`m sure if you check it out on a weekday and check with the employees first,you will be able to get some great pictures and maybe a private tour. There are many model railroad hobby shops in Dallas,and nearby in Farmers Branch. If you`re going to be in town November 24-25th,there is a Great American Train Show in Fort Worth that weekend. You really would enjoy that. Guaranteed! By the way,what kind of boat do you have,motor or sail. When I moved from Seattle I had to give up a thirty eight foot sailboat,which really jumped started the model train hobby again. I still miss sailing Puget Sound. There I go getting sidetracked again,or is that spur track again? Hope you enjoy your stay in Texas this winter! Railfan and boatnik, Gerald

[Anonymous]

Gerald
As you can see from Barbara's posting we're due to go down to San Antonio, so any ifo from that way is good as well.
I am aware of the situation with your higher state of alert. I'm used to this, we've had it over here for years.
The majority of our tracks are fenced off and there is know way members of the public can go wandering around loco sheds, or depots.
We wouldn't consider doing it unless it was a organized visit through a Railway enthuiasts club.
There is security on all the depots.
The only time you can go round is if they have a public open day.

I'm due in Dallas on the 16th December and back home again on the 3rd of Jan.

The boat is a narrowboat for use on our canals.
It has it's own diesel engine.

Bcnu
Colin

[Anonymous]

There is always alot going on at the KCS Zacha
intermodal yard in Garland.You just have to find the right place to see stuff and stay out of traffic.The main yard is on the SE side of NW
Highway and Garland Rd (TX 78), behind the Caddy
dealer,but it spreads out all over the area,so
there's always something coming in or going out.

[Anonymous]

Thanks David

I was under the impression from my last visit that that area had possibilites, but it was the weekend that time.
May be more luck this time.

What will be the situation regarding running of freight between xmas and new year? does the country slow down?