Forums

[Anonymous]

Every year I go to Nashville to railfan, and I stay at the old Union Station, now a Wyndham hotel. The tracks you can view, I'm told, are Kayne Yard. Does anybody have any specific info on Kayne Yard?

I also notice a lot of BNSF, NS, and UP. Do any of these railroads have trackage rights, or am I just missing something? Are there any other good railfanning areas in Nashville where I won't get shot? (hehe) I am from another part of the state and know little about where CSX runs through Middle and Western Tennessee.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Dear uspscsx: Even in these security-mad days, I have a feeling that if you initiate conversations with trainmen you can learn a lot. Don't climb right into the yards, of course, but is there perhaps a semi-public venue that crews pass thru on the way to/from a run? (For example, in Ft. Madison, IA, a division point, crews wait out their train's arrival at the old Santa Fe depot which is still the Amtrak depot). Or a tavern of cafe trainmen frequent?

The other route is a little more academic: find yourself a local fan club or even a general historical society. Nashville has had an interesting history, even pre-Ryman Auditorium and Opry. It was built with largely northern capital after the Civil War and has had a bit of the "efficient Yankee" kind of reputation.

If that magnificent Union Station tower is still standing, you know just what I mean--that was designed by Henry Richardson, I believe -- certainly the style is (was?) "Richardsonian Romanesque."

Very interesting cross-currents in Nashville. And the southern part comes out in the fact that you will encounter some first-class talkers!

Enjoy your vacation.
allen
al-in-chgo

[Anonymous]

Allen,

Helpful info...thanks![tup] Yes, the Union Station tower is still standing in all its splendor. Last I heard they were thinking about making a couple of guest rooms up there. Hopefully they won't. Also, I believe it was a couple of years ago that they tore down the Union Station Shed, and there was a big uproar about that. At least that's what any website I can find tells me.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, fella, it's always good to know my posts are appreciated.
allen

Write me if you like about the experience in Nashville, especially if it's good! --
[e-mail]