3985 Chicago-Milwaukee Route

[Anonymous]

I believe UPRR has two lines from Chicago to Milwaukee. I was wondering if anyone knows which line the train will be travelling on-the line through Waukegan or the line a short ways west of there? I'd hate to be at the wrong place and miss it!!! Thank you for any help.

[dknelson]

It will be taking what is called the "new line" or "freight line" of the former C&NW, not the old line that goes through Kenosha, Racine, South Milwaukee. Once you get into Wisconsin the new line is between the old line and the Milw Rd/Soo/CP main. Pleasant Prarie might be a good place, but busy
Yes when the UP's 844 came up a few years ago many fans were waiting on the wrong rail line.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Dave-Thank you for the information.

[dknelson]

Be safe!
Dave

[Anonymous]

Did anyone hear or know where there may be a photo run-by? 844 did one at Tower KO and at Bain.
Any news this time around?

[Anonymous]

If the 3985 will be using the New Line, does anybody have any idea when the train will pass through Techny crossing in Nothbrook, IL?

Thanks for any help!!!

[alangj]

FWIW, I was in Elmhurst this morning (Sat.) to watch it go by (and grab a few pix.) After it left the Elmhurst station stop, it took the farthest-north track that makes a left-hand bend under I290 and the Tri-State (I294). It looks like that "interchange" track joins the one (Proviso yard lead?) that runs along parallel to, and just east of the Tri-State, then crosses over the west end of the Bensenville yard and goes around the west side of O'Hare Airport.

If that's the route, then it's the line that loops around O'Hare, crosses Touhy near Mount Prospect Road, then heads up through Des Plaines.
Am I right in that assumption? If so, I'm going to head up to the Des Plaines area Sunday morning to get some additional pictures without so many warm bodies in the way.

Alan
Evergreen Park, IL

[Anonymous]

Alan,
Looks like that's the route. Des Plaines area may be pretty crowded too-open area and well known. If that helps any. Hope you get this before you head out Sunday

[alangj]

I did, and thanx for the 4-1-1!

Alan

[alangj]

FYI, I took a chance and drove up there from the south suburbs anyway. Got a pretty good vantage point standing on the base of the south support pillar of the I-90 overpass over the tracks near Mt. Prospect Road (I work just north of there on Mt. Pr. Rd., so it's familiar territory). Had a great view (ended up at about cab window level) for about a mile to the southwest back toward where the line comes around the back of O'Hare, so it was well worth the trip (even if they were running about 45 minutes later there than on Sat.)

Thanx again for the heads-up.
Alan

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear it worked out good for you.

[alangj]

Took a few "grab" photos with a digital camera at Elmhurst on Sat. and Des Plaines on Sun. - came out OK, but hoping that the 35mm prints (from the "real" camera) look better. Planning to finish out the roll this coming weekend over on the BNSF line with 261 and then "see what develops." (groan!)

AGJ