Click here to help a railfanning newbie

[CSXFan]

Good morning all,
This is my first time posting on this forum so please tell me if I’m doing something wrong. I just got back from railfanning on the NS line by my house and guess what I saw... nothing.[:(!] This is the third time I have been to that same spot without seeing a thing. Oh well, I had a couple issues of Trains magazine to read while I sat there.

Anyway, my question is, is there a way to get a schedule of trains on the NS line from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo MI, or the CSX main out of Holland? Could somebody point me to a website or something with this information on it? Any help would be appreciated.

[rrandb]

[#welcome] Someone cleverer than I can answer your question but I do know the answer is Maybe?

[Anonymous]

Hello Jordan

First, I would check with other railfans in the area who might know something about the movement of trains in your area.

Also, if you do not have a scanner, I would get one. They can be helpful.

If you have AOL AIM or MSN Messenger then add people from the forum to your addy list and chat with them. They could also be a source of info for you. Also try some of the Yahoo groups.

I would think that some of the railfans here reading your post might also have some info for you.

Is there a terminal (large railyard where trains terminate or originate) in your area. That also would be a good starting point.

I hope these ideas are of some help to you.

[eolafan]

Patience is an absolutely vital virtue of any true railfan...you can go for hours without a single train and then...WHAM, lots of trains. Happens all the time out by me, but will happen more often if frequency on your line is lower than most. Keep trying and you will be rewarded.

[CSXFan]

Thanks for the replies.
The nearest terminal is in Grand Rapids, 25 miles away from where I railfan. I have thought about getting a scanner but I don't know anything about them and they are pretty expensive. There are usually 3-4 trains per day and I use to be able to catch one at about 8:30 AM but not today.

[Anonymous]

Maybe part of the delay has to do with the 4th of July Holiday, today. I do know the CSX Main out of Holland has 2 Amtrak Trains, and like 6-8 Freights one or two of the Freights are CP Run-Thru Trains.

[CShaveRR]

Hi, Jordan! I'm a native of Grand Haven, so I know a little--precious little any more--about your area.

CSX isn't nearly as busy as it used to be, unfortunately. I believe that the block signals along that line are approach-lit, though, so if you see that they're lighted, stick around!

Can't help on the GR-Kalamazoo line, except to say that I think there's only one daily round trip. Don't be surprised if it's at night.

If you have a reasonable amount of mobility, I'd suggest that you'll find better hunting around Kalamazoo and Schoolcraft.

[Poppa_Zit]

If starting this topic this morning was your first posting, how did you get a post count of 183-plus?

[NS2591]

I have a friend (4884bigboy) That lives over there and from what i have seen the couple times we've been out there, CSX or NS it sucks. If you want good railfanning you need to come to Eastern michigan, or Detriot. Eastern Michigan on the CN line sees about 60 trains a day (although most come at night) Detriot is just busy becuase its a big city. There is a schedual but i don't know where it is. Its on a site about railfanning Michigan

[CSXFan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Poppa_Zit

If starting this topic this morning was your first posting, how did you get a post count of 183-plus?

I just type really fast [:D][:D].
(I usaually post on the Model Railroader forums, that was my first TRAINS Magazine post)

I know the Amtrak Pere Marquette makes a daily round trip to Chicago on the CSX line. The signals are approach lit so I sort of know when to stick around but sometimes they are dark all day long while other days there are trains every 1/2-hour. Most of the time its hit and miss and that's why I want a rough schedule so I know when there is a chance of seeing something and when I should just stay home.