Inspired by Matt Van Hattem's top 10 railfan spots (Trains Oct. 2014) I visited #6 Downers Grove IL. since I'm only about 1 hour away. Saturday 1/3/15 was cold and wet but I still headed out, it was worth it. It was overcast and I could only stay 2 hours before my feet were cold and wet. Saw 12 Loco's total. 2 BNSF/ Santa Fe Warbonnets went by 677 , 4719 with a CP 1415 EMD MP15AC bringing up the rear. Coffee shops and a small book store close by. Recommend DG on your next outting, hope you have better weather.
power58 Inspired by Matt Van Hattem's top 10 railfan spots (Trains Oct. 2014) I visited #6 Downers Grove IL. since I'm only about 1 hour away. Saturday 1/3/15 was cold and wet but I still headed out, it was worth it. It was overcast and I could only stay 2 hours before my feet were cold and wet. Saw 12 Loco's total. 2 BNSF/ Santa Fe Warbonnets went by 677 , 4719 with a CP 1415 EMD MP15AC bringing up the rear. Coffee shops and a small book store close by. Recommend DG on your next outting, hope you have better weather.
I enjoy watching trains at the Old Santa Fe Station( now housing the local Historical Museum) area at Mulvane, Ks. It is adjacent to a Junction area which hosts the BNSF's Southern Transcon and the Ark City Sub as well. I was unable to find the TRAINS Traffic Map that was published ( I think in 2014(?). It sees not only BNSF traffic, but trackage rights trains from UPR and SK&O. On busy days there is plenty of traffic to observe, from the parking lot to the South of the building, to the picnic bench on the North side of the building( on WARM days.
My favorite spot these days is in my office with webcam and webscanner. Not sure if I will ever go out again to watch a train (in the winter at least).
Ed
Keep in mind, Power58, that Downers Grove is only one of many great spots along that line. Depending on what you like to do while railfanning, you can have great experiences at LaGrange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, and Naperville as well, as well at at the end of McClure Road in Aurora (ask "Eolafan" about this one!). Not all have the same amenities, but all will give you the same assortment of trains.I prefer LaGrange, for a number of reasons: a downtown hobby shop, good restaurants that have windows from which the tracks can be observed, and just a short walk to another main line: that of the Indiana Harbor Belt, which will have lots of surprises and afford opportunities to see motive power of nearly every major railroad that serves Chicago.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Not on the list, but a favorite of mine is Utica (NY) Union Station. Right on the CSX "Chicago Line" it sees a lot of traffic of all sorts. The station is open 7 days a week, with rest rooms and vending machines (and a restaurant, although I'm not sure of the hours).
With CPs a mile from the station in both directions and a defect detector several miles to the west, there's plenty of notice of oncoming traffic.
One of the best spots to be is on the covered walkway over the tracks. Weather is not a factor.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Bayview Junction, Burlington, Ontario. Not only for the trains, I've spent many a warm evening and weekends there with my kids watching trains and hiking/biking along the adjacent nature trails and beautiful gardens.
I agree with Matt that his #1 pick, Bear Mtn, is a very scenic spot to watch (and ride) trains.
Another spot he does not include is the La Posada hotel/Amtrak station in Winslow, AZ. The restored hotel is the last Fred Harvey built, and its lobby now also serves as the Amtrak station. The platform sits besides the East yard leads. It is the bnSF hub of Arizona operations, where all Transcon trains pass thru, and they build trains for Pheonix. There were usually the head ends of multiple trains waiting to get on to the main line. The hotel has several chairs and rockers under a shade screen for guests and passengers to watch trains.
I agree utica central terminal is a great spot. CSX, Amtrak plus the Adirondack scenic railroad uses the terminal.
Also the northeast railroad museum in northeast pa uses the old NYC station on the CSX mainline and sees a lot of action.
Horseshoe Curve is just OK anymore - too much vegetation obscures the approaching / leaving views, esp. to/ from the west (upgrade). Plus, since the "improvements" about 15 years ago (Railroader's Museum of Pennsylvania building, fence , fee for access, funicular car up to the track level, etc.) it's not open in the evening, at night, or early in the morning, which is when most of the train activity occurs.
Instead, hang out around the station downtown, or one of the nearby road bridges over the tracks. Some are not in the best neighborhoods, and it may be a longish walk from a parking space to the bridge, but pick your place and time carefully and you should be alright.
Or, go west about 15 - 25 miles, and watch the traffic from Gallitzin, Cresson (helper engine base there), Lilly, Portage, Summerhill, Johnstown, etc.
Sadly, a former "Top 10" is now merely mediocre.
- Paul North.
Fostoria Ohio has a new railpark as does Bellevue Ohio.We prefer Deshler where 2 CSX lines(former B&O) cross.
stay safe
Joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
Thanks for the info on the Chicago sub. I have been looking over Eola and how to get there and where to park. I will ask Eolafan for info. I will also check out Naperville. The Barnes & Noble in naperville is just down the road so I'll check out the books and then head over. Thanks for the reply.
Let's not forget Galesburg Illinois. It has a great museum with an excellent collection of back issues of Trains as well as a great place to watch trains.
The old Southern Pacific passenger depot at Tucson is also a nice spot to watch trains. You can get a sandwich and brew from the market that occupies the old waiting room and sit outside or enjoy the view from the restaurant's patio seating.
Sam, have to agree with you on Mulvane. My company had me in Wichita for two months last year.I spent my weekends chasing trains in the area. Loved Mulvane. Augusta was my 2nd favorite spot. That whole area from Mulvane north to Newton is a great area.
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