Favorite railfan locations and/or railroads

[CG9602]

Well. . . . . let me list off a few quickies, as long as I'm here: The pedestrain bridge over Campus Dr. in Madison, WI ( when the WSOR is making the run to Prairie Du Chein), Prescott, WI, down by the Mississippi, and Grand Crossing, in the middle of La Crosse, WI

[CG9602]

Well. . . . . let me list off a few quickies, as long as I'm here: The pedestrain bridge over Campus Dr. in Madison, WI ( when the WSOR is making the run to Prairie Du Chein), Prescott, WI, down by the Mississippi, and Grand Crossing, in the middle of La Crosse, WI

[brilondon]

I agree with eolafan, there are no bad train watching spots as long as there are trains to watch. My favourite is on a bridge at the end of the Denfield sideroad just west of London, Ontario. The CN and CP mains pass under this bridge. This location has the main CN and CP lines from Toronto to Chicago pass under it. On a good day you could see up to 50 trains during the day. Amtrak and Via also pass under this bridge. Before railways cut back, you could see during the spring up to 80 trains per day!!!

[brilondon]

I agree with eolafan, there are no bad train watching spots as long as there are trains to watch. My favourite is on a bridge at the end of the Denfield sideroad just west of London, Ontario. The CN and CP mains pass under this bridge. This location has the main CN and CP lines from Toronto to Chicago pass under it. On a good day you could see up to 50 trains during the day. Amtrak and Via also pass under this bridge. Before railways cut back, you could see during the spring up to 80 trains per day!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by powhatten

Would have to be Wayne Junction in Dayton Ohio. Plenty of CSX, and NS come through...

Say, powhatten - I live in a Dayton suburb and my grandson and I would love to visit a good spot - where in Dayton is Wayne Junction?

Thanks.

- Chuck Somerville

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by powhatten

Would have to be Wayne Junction in Dayton Ohio. Plenty of CSX, and NS come through...

Say, powhatten - I live in a Dayton suburb and my grandson and I would love to visit a good spot - where in Dayton is Wayne Junction?

Thanks.

- Chuck Somerville

[CP5415]

My favourite railfan spot is Lovekin on CP's Belleville Sub. There's an old wooden bridge that's still in use over CN's Kingston Sub that allows for good photography & video of both lines.

Gordon

[CP5415]

My favourite railfan spot is Lovekin on CP's Belleville Sub. There's an old wooden bridge that's still in use over CN's Kingston Sub that allows for good photography & video of both lines.

Gordon

[wcaudle]

Croteaudd is definetly on the mark here. I have rail-fanned old US 30 several times and absolutely love Kearney. There are plenty of nice smaller and less-expensive motels there, all within walking distance of the downtown area. Very friendly college and farming town of around 30,000 people. [8D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by croteaudd

Kearney, Nebraska. Pronounced car-nee. UP's triple-track main sometimes averages a train every 10 minutes for 24-hours. Nice parking lot trackside. Eating nearby.

[wcaudle]

Croteaudd is definetly on the mark here. I have rail-fanned old US 30 several times and absolutely love Kearney. There are plenty of nice smaller and less-expensive motels there, all within walking distance of the downtown area. Very friendly college and farming town of around 30,000 people. [8D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by croteaudd

Kearney, Nebraska. Pronounced car-nee. UP's triple-track main sometimes averages a train every 10 minutes for 24-hours. Nice parking lot trackside. Eating nearby.

[wcaudle]

Let me offer my dittos to those that say anywhere that trains roam is a great spot. I have seen Tehachapi Loop and Cajon Pass in CA, Hinkle to the Blue Mountains in OR, Vancouver WA junction, the Powder River Basin in WY, almost anywhere in Nebraska, Rochelle IL, Fostoria OH and Amarillo TX. Each location has a bundle of trains per day with very few, if any, disappointments. I have been able to visit several large yards, Hinkle OR, Barstow CA, and North Platte NE. America is covered by rail and, mixed with the seasons, can provide almost any setting for you.

[wcaudle]

Let me offer my dittos to those that say anywhere that trains roam is a great spot. I have seen Tehachapi Loop and Cajon Pass in CA, Hinkle to the Blue Mountains in OR, Vancouver WA junction, the Powder River Basin in WY, almost anywhere in Nebraska, Rochelle IL, Fostoria OH and Amarillo TX. Each location has a bundle of trains per day with very few, if any, disappointments. I have been able to visit several large yards, Hinkle OR, Barstow CA, and North Platte NE. America is covered by rail and, mixed with the seasons, can provide almost any setting for you.

[Anonymous]

Temple TX yard and shop
Ogles TX 2 mile strech of track
Haven't gone but, Dublin TX

[Anonymous]

Temple TX yard and shop
Ogles TX 2 mile strech of track
Haven't gone but, Dublin TX

[RAILFANUSA]

1. The Keddie Wye
2. Williams Loop
3. Tehachapi Loop
4. Cajon Pass
5. Amtrak Station in Martinez & nearby Ozol Yard
6. Stockton Tower
7. Horseshoe Curve
All of the above are in California except for Horseshoe Curve which is near Altoona, Pa., of course. ;^)

[RAILFANUSA]

1. The Keddie Wye
2. Williams Loop
3. Tehachapi Loop
4. Cajon Pass
5. Amtrak Station in Martinez & nearby Ozol Yard
6. Stockton Tower
7. Horseshoe Curve
All of the above are in California except for Horseshoe Curve which is near Altoona, Pa., of course. ;^)

[Anonymous]

I'm also a Californian and enjoy all the spots you mention.I'd like to add:
the Borders Coffee shop across from the Emeryville Amtrak station--UP, Amtrak, Amtrak California and ocasional BNSF
Point Pinole Park--there are .2 places where the UP (former SP) and BNSF mainlines come close together, possibilities of many double train shots--plus it's a lovely park--bring the family.
I live not far from Martinez, it's a great place another park to give access to great shots.
Point Richmond is a nice old railroad town, the farhest point west on the old Santa Fe. Lots of BNSF switching and industrial shots

James

[Anonymous]

I'm also a Californian and enjoy all the spots you mention.I'd like to add:
the Borders Coffee shop across from the Emeryville Amtrak station--UP, Amtrak, Amtrak California and ocasional BNSF
Point Pinole Park--there are .2 places where the UP (former SP) and BNSF mainlines come close together, possibilities of many double train shots--plus it's a lovely park--bring the family.
I live not far from Martinez, it's a great place another park to give access to great shots.
Point Richmond is a nice old railroad town, the farhest point west on the old Santa Fe. Lots of BNSF switching and industrial shots

James

[JPowell]

I have to agree with George23, but also have to add, just about anywhere's in the East Syracuse (Side Streets on the N side of the tracks) / Minoa (Central Ave area) where you will NOT be on CSX property (I like the pedestrian bridge at the East end of the yard)!

[JPowell]

I have to agree with George23, but also have to add, just about anywhere's in the East Syracuse (Side Streets on the N side of the tracks) / Minoa (Central Ave area) where you will NOT be on CSX property (I like the pedestrian bridge at the East end of the yard)!

[Anonymous]

Flatonia, Texas. Major E-W, N-S Union Pacific Interchange there. There's a really nice covered photo pavilion, and a nice long yard. I love it when the gravel trains come south, and make the turn west towards San Antonio. When they're loaded up, the flanges scream and bawl like a two year old. Engines and loads are so heavy the ground shakes. One train was so long and heavy that it had a helper on the back. Don't see that much around here.

mike

[Anonymous]

Flatonia, Texas. Major E-W, N-S Union Pacific Interchange there. There's a really nice covered photo pavilion, and a nice long yard. I love it when the gravel trains come south, and make the turn west towards San Antonio. When they're loaded up, the flanges scream and bawl like a two year old. Engines and loads are so heavy the ground shakes. One train was so long and heavy that it had a helper on the back. Don't see that much around here.

mike

[Anonymous]

Anywhere on the BNSF ractrack, Rochelle and Joliet

DOGGY

[Anonymous]

Anywhere on the BNSF ractrack, Rochelle and Joliet

DOGGY

[Anonymous]

Here is my list: Well, here in Chicago i like 18th St. overpass by Amtrak's yard, Franklin Park (usaully here every Sunday after work), BNSF racetrack, West Chicago, Fox River bridge in Geneva, and my birthplace of railfanning DeVal in Des Plaines. Other locations in IL are Rochelle, BNSF C&I Line (Oregon, Burke, Savanna), Woodland Jct., Galesburg. Leaving IL i like Bellevue, IA, Kate Shelly Bridge, LaFayette, IN, Twin Ports, and the MN iron range. And the list goes on...

[Anonymous]

Here is my list: Well, here in Chicago i like 18th St. overpass by Amtrak's yard, Franklin Park (usaully here every Sunday after work), BNSF racetrack, West Chicago, Fox River bridge in Geneva, and my birthplace of railfanning DeVal in Des Plaines. Other locations in IL are Rochelle, BNSF C&I Line (Oregon, Burke, Savanna), Woodland Jct., Galesburg. Leaving IL i like Bellevue, IA, Kate Shelly Bridge, LaFayette, IN, Twin Ports, and the MN iron range. And the list goes on...

[tree68]

The parking lot of Carousel Center mall, Syracuse - right next to the Chicago line, and RDC's to boot.

[tree68]

The parking lot of Carousel Center mall, Syracuse - right next to the Chicago line, and RDC's to boot.

[Anonymous]

I have several favorites:
1. Wyalusing State Park where the Burlington Northern crosses the Wisconsin River right before the Wisconsin jions the Mississippi. The photos taken of trains crossing the river at sunset are too numerous to count and have even appeared in international travel magazines! Best train count: 9 trains in 30 minutes!
2. Grand Junction in La Crosse, Wisconsin (and from the top of Granddad Bluff) has the heavy use transcon BN Line crossing the old Milwaukee Road (now CP). BN's yard is right there and there is always at least two trains waitng to cross the diamonds. Traffic includes BNSF, CP, Amtrak, UP, CN, as well as interchanging for DME, IMRL which are nearby. Best train count: 23 trains in 58 minutes! (Not including locals or yard traffic)
3. Laurel, Montana! Awesome mountain railroading. BN hands over transcon traffic to Montana Railink in the yard that runs parallel to the Main Street for miles! There's helper service and loco servicing, 1st generation Geeps, fuel tenders, and the Beartooth Mountains as a backdrop!
4. Naperville, Illinois (Not Rte 59!) The California Zepher, the busiest Commuter Line in the country, BNSF intermodal. A train every 15 minutes even at 3AM, and 15 trains in 15 minutes during afternoon commute!
5. Proctor Grade in Duluth watching 140 car ore trains struggle up a 2.2% grade from the docks! Also great because you can see ships bigger than the largest aircraft carriers (1,150ft long) being loaded with ore and coal over 1000 miles from the nearest ocean!
6. Maiden Rock, Wisconsin on Lake Pepin. (The location that inspired Longfellow to write "Song of the Hiawatha." This is a sentimental favorite because I grew up just up the hill. I remember hearing the loneful howl of the "Big Green Giants" echoing off the bluffs as they rumbled through the night. I especially remember standing in the park on the shores of the lake and waiting for those freshly painted Cascade Green engines to appear around the end of the bluff. And once one would appear, waiting and watching for 6 minutes (an enternity for a 6 year old) until suddenly the whole village would shudder and BN would announce her presence with a rush of wind, a blast of the horn, and air thick with diesel fumes! A scene once acted out by S4s and 05As, repeated over 50 times a day for over 100 years!
7. Red Wing. Milwaukee Road and the Hiawathas. Winding between the bluffs and the shores of the Mississippi here meant speeds of 127 mph across Wisconsin to make up the time! OF course that was the 30's and with jointed rail! Now the Empire Builder still manages to kick up the dirt at 90!

[Anonymous]

I have several favorites:
1. Wyalusing State Park where the Burlington Northern crosses the Wisconsin River right before the Wisconsin jions the Mississippi. The photos taken of trains crossing the river at sunset are too numerous to count and have even appeared in international travel magazines! Best train count: 9 trains in 30 minutes!
2. Grand Junction in La Crosse, Wisconsin (and from the top of Granddad Bluff) has the heavy use transcon BN Line crossing the old Milwaukee Road (now CP). BN's yard is right there and there is always at least two trains waitng to cross the diamonds. Traffic includes BNSF, CP, Amtrak, UP, CN, as well as interchanging for DME, IMRL which are nearby. Best train count: 23 trains in 58 minutes! (Not including locals or yard traffic)
3. Laurel, Montana! Awesome mountain railroading. BN hands over transcon traffic to Montana Railink in the yard that runs parallel to the Main Street for miles! There's helper service and loco servicing, 1st generation Geeps, fuel tenders, and the Beartooth Mountains as a backdrop!
4. Naperville, Illinois (Not Rte 59!) The California Zepher, the busiest Commuter Line in the country, BNSF intermodal. A train every 15 minutes even at 3AM, and 15 trains in 15 minutes during afternoon commute!
5. Proctor Grade in Duluth watching 140 car ore trains struggle up a 2.2% grade from the docks! Also great because you can see ships bigger than the largest aircraft carriers (1,150ft long) being loaded with ore and coal over 1000 miles from the nearest ocean!
6. Maiden Rock, Wisconsin on Lake Pepin. (The location that inspired Longfellow to write "Song of the Hiawatha." This is a sentimental favorite because I grew up just up the hill. I remember hearing the loneful howl of the "Big Green Giants" echoing off the bluffs as they rumbled through the night. I especially remember standing in the park on the shores of the lake and waiting for those freshly painted Cascade Green engines to appear around the end of the bluff. And once one would appear, waiting and watching for 6 minutes (an enternity for a 6 year old) until suddenly the whole village would shudder and BN would announce her presence with a rush of wind, a blast of the horn, and air thick with diesel fumes! A scene once acted out by S4s and 05As, repeated over 50 times a day for over 100 years!
7. Red Wing. Milwaukee Road and the Hiawathas. Winding between the bluffs and the shores of the Mississippi here meant speeds of 127 mph across Wisconsin to make up the time! OF course that was the 30's and with jointed rail! Now the Empire Builder still manages to kick up the dirt at 90!