RAILFANNING ROCHELLE ILLINOIS

[JOHNKLUFT]

I AM PLANNING A TRIP TO ROCHELLE SOON AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE CAN SUGGEST OTHER LOCATIONS NEAR BY THAT MIGHT ALSO BE GOOD FOR RAILFANNING? HOW FAR AWAY IS THE BNSF TRANSCON MAINLINE AND WHERE WOULD BE THE NEAREST AND BEST PLACE TO SEE TRAINS ON THAT LINE?

[Anonymous]

Nearest place to see the Transcon would be in Mendota, about 25-30 miles south on IL 251 or I-39.
Other places might be the Rock River bribges on BNSF's C&I line (through Rochelle) out at Oregon. I can't say it from experience but many people have told me that the whole line west to Savanna is very nice. Basically both the UP and BNSF lines through Rochelle have many good spots both east and west from Rochelle. Just head out and find some that you like. Some of my favorites are the ex-CNW bridge over the Fox River at Geneva, the coaling tower at Dekalb and the Spring Valley branch south from Dekalb. You'll find somewhere you like, I guarentee it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the foregoing, but don't discount the "head over heels" phenomenon that hit me at Rochelle. This place is train-movement heaven! And the small town of Rochelle must have a great deal of civic pride in knowing how to create and market its RR park. I know there's a platform in southern Georgia, but would that Galesburg, Blue Island and other Illinois towns would do the same!

Rochelle has numerous motels, most on the north side of town (follow Rte 251) or east, out by Interstate 39 (the north-south route).

Lots of good family restaurants, too. I particularly like the "Sunshine," a block north of the 38/251 junction on the north side of town. It's also across the street from a Wal-Mart with good prices on film and/or batteries.

Once you can pry yourself away, you might consider that Rockford, IL (40 mins. north, tops), has a functional trolley that should be operating 3-4 times a week now that summer's here.

John, you're a bit coy about your region of origin, but if you're looking for Chicago (and near suburban) action, check out TRAINS' earlier article of ten hottest viewing spots and readers' eight extra favorites online. Aurora, for example, is only about 45 mins. east of Rochelle on the Reagan Tollway, a/k/a/ Interstate-88.

Al

[JOHNKLUFT]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smalling_60626

I agree with the foregoing, but don't discount the "head over heels" phenomenon that hit me at Rochelle. This place is train-movement heaven! And the small town of Rochelle must have a great deal of civic pride in knowing how to create and market its RR park. I know there's a platform in southern Georgia, but would that Galesburg, Blue Island and other Illinois towns would do the same!

Rochelle has numerous motels, most on the north side of town (follow Rte 251) or east, out by Interstate 39 (the north-south route).

Lots of good family restaurants, too. I particularly like the "Sunshine," a block north of the 38/251 junction on the north side of town. It's also across the street from a Wal-Mart with good prices on film and/or batteries.

Once you can pry yourself away, you might consider that Rockford, IL (40 mins. north, tops), has a functional trolley that should be operating 3-4 times a week now that summer's here.

John, you're a bit coy about your region of origin, but if you're looking for Chicago (and near suburban) action, check out TRAINS' earlier article of ten hottest viewing spots and readers' eight extra favorites online. Aurora, for example, is only about 45 mins. east of Rochelle on the Reagan Tollway, a/k/a/ Interstate-88.

Al

[JOHNKLUFT]

QUOTE: Originally posted by smalling_60626

I agree with the foregoing, but don't discount the "head over heels" phenomenon that hit me at Rochelle. This place is train-movement heaven! And the small town of Rochelle must have a great deal of civic pride in knowing how to create and market its RR park. I know there's a platform in southern Georgia, but would that Galesburg, Blue Island and other Illinois towns would do the same!

Rochelle has numerous motels, most on the north side of town (follow Rte 251) or east, out by Interstate 39 (the north-south route).

Lots of good family restaurants, too. I particularly like the "Sunshine," a block north of the 38/251 junction on the north side of town. It's also across the street from a Wal-Mart with good prices on film and/or batteries.

Once you can pry yourself away, you might consider that Rockford, IL (40 mins. north, tops), has a functional trolley that should be operating 3-4 times a week now that summer's here.

John, you're a bit coy about your region of origin, but if you're looking for Chicago (and near suburban) action, check out TRAINS' earlier article of ten hottest viewing spots and readers' eight extra favorites online. Aurora, for example, is only about 45 mins. east of Rochelle on the Reagan Tollway, a/k/a/ Interstate-88.

Al

[northwesterner]

The action at Rochelle can be awe-inspiring. If you have assistants with you, you might try following some of the UP trains as they head towards Chicago. Over Memorial day, i caught an East-bound stack train coming across the diamonds at Rochelle. I then drove east on Ill-38 and caught it at Creston, then again at the depot in Dekalb.

[joegreen]

Savanna is nice.The BNSF double track crosses the IC&E double-track. Only a couple ICEs a day though but the few that come do a lot of switching.BNSF has quite a lot every day.The Bakersfield Sub joins the Aurora Sub at Plum River this is why you will see more BNSF trains in Savanna than in Rochelle.