Las Vegas Train watching Spots in Downtown.

[conrailman]

I am going to Las Vegas, NV in FEB of 2005 I need some good Train watching Spot in Downtown or near the Strip. I am staying at Ballys Hotel and Casino.[:D][8D]

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Just south of town, there is a grade crossing with Route 160 (to Pahrump and Blue Diamond) that would be a good spot. The UP mainline also runs right alongside the Rio Hotel and Casino.

[conrailman]

Can you sit somewhere near the Rio Hotel and Casino, Where you don't get in Trouble by Cops or other people watching You Train watching for a few Hours?[8D]

[Anonymous]

Are you without car? How much spare time do you have?

[garr]

tabiery,
I am not the original poster, but I am going in January and I will not have a car. Staying at Mandalay and will have a little free time. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Jay

[Anonymous]

You will need a good pair of walking shoes. The mainline is on the west side of the hotel. Ask for a western view when you check in. They might accomodate your wishes.Freqs are 160.515 & 160.290. THis line is light on traffic compared to the BNSF transcon. Trains recrew up around Charleston. That is about 3-4 miles north of the Mandalay. [:(] Your weather could be a tad on the cold side in January. Just north of your hotel is Tropicana Ave. This road goes over the tracks and there are walkways. Personally II would opt for a cheap rental car at the airport which is like almost accross the street.. Rates for a compact are really low in Vegas. It would save you a lot of walking. There is free parking behind every hotel along the strip.
And do have fun. Enjoy a show. The Tropicana still has the old time Vegas show nightly. The Rio is also good in the evening[}:)]

[conrailman]

At Tropicana Ave do the walkways have Seats or bench to watch trains for a few hours is any good spots in downtown to watch trains at? and Where you don't get in trouble by the cops or other people? I am taken cabs or that new train they build long the strip. I am stay at Ballys Hotel and Casino are where tracks at that Hotel?[8D]

[Anonymous]

The tracks are about 1/2 mile west on Flamingo. There are no benches. There will be a lot of traffic on the bridge and pedestrians too. It may be chilly out there. CHeck the weather before you go.
If you like heights check out the Stratosphere Tower. You can see the entire city and surrounding country including the UPRR. Plenty of benches to sit on and spend some time. Dusk to early evening recommended.

[MP57313]

We were at the Rio in September. ok view from the room, but poolside you can hear the trains rumble past but can't see them.

Downtown the Plaza is the location of the former Desert Wind stop; rooms have a view of the tracks.

The Route 160 crossing (mentioned above) looks better if you actually want to get trackside, and it is still 'open' down there; you are not surrounded by parking structures and freeway pillars.

[garr]

tabiery and MP57313--Thanks for the info.

Jay