Trains.com

Railfanning Info about San Antonio

2049 views
1 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Railfanning Info about San Antonio
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 2, 2001 9:54 PM
I will be in San Antonio next month for several days and need updated info to "Hot Spot" article in Oct 94 TRAINS. Where's a good place(s) to railfan San Antonio? I thought about the Amtrak station but the article suggest the "tower" locations. Also, how many freights now use the old SP line? And the old MP line? I will have transportation. Thank you for your assistance.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 13, 2001 4:08 PM
James, I believe most of the info in that issue of TRAINS is still current. The old SP depot (just north of the Alamodome, east of downtown) is definitely worth a look-the new Amtrak depot is immediately adjacent. Check out the I&GN depot on the west side of downtown (it is now a credit union). The last standing tower in SA was about a mile north (timetable east) of the SP depot, but it may be gone now. The interlocking of the old SP and MP is just southwest of downtown-this is not a great area of town, especially at night-but it is the busiest as far as rail traffic. The southbound Texas Eagle (#21) comes down the MP at night. The north bound (#22) backs out of the depot and then pulls ahead on the old MKT which is about a mile south of the Amtrak depot. Trains #1 & #2 use the old SP main. BNSF has track rights through San Antonio-I think they come down the MP headed south and go west on the SP to Eagle Pass. Lastly, check out the Texas Transportation Co.-they switch the Pearl Brewery just off of hwy 281 north of downtown and are the last traction railway in Texas (if they're still operating.)

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy