Trains.com

Favorite railfan locations and/or railroads

12178 views
78 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 4:55 PM
Tower 55 great place in Fort Worth Tx
also Aliance Yard in Haslet TX just a cuple miles north of Fort Worth
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 4:55 PM
Tower 55 great place in Fort Worth Tx
also Aliance Yard in Haslet TX just a cuple miles north of Fort Worth
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Terre Haute IN
  • 199 posts
Posted by robscaboose on Thursday, April 8, 2004 11:46 PM
Haley Tower in Terre Haute Indiana. You can sit in the tower & watch trains go by all day long

Rob
Haley Tower & Technical Society
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Terre Haute IN
  • 199 posts
Posted by robscaboose on Thursday, April 8, 2004 11:46 PM
Haley Tower in Terre Haute Indiana. You can sit in the tower & watch trains go by all day long

Rob
Haley Tower & Technical Society
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 11:19 AM
1. Dalton, IL
2. LaGrange, IL (the the IHB and the BNSF cross)
3. Hinsdale, IL
4. Rochelle, IL
5. Burlington, WI (CN line, former WC chicago mainline)
6. Fostoria, OH
7. Joliet, IL (Amtrak station)
8. Sturtevant, WI (CP chicago mainline, not terribly busy, but it has it's moments)
9. Elmhurst, IL
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 11:19 AM
1. Dalton, IL
2. LaGrange, IL (the the IHB and the BNSF cross)
3. Hinsdale, IL
4. Rochelle, IL
5. Burlington, WI (CN line, former WC chicago mainline)
6. Fostoria, OH
7. Joliet, IL (Amtrak station)
8. Sturtevant, WI (CP chicago mainline, not terribly busy, but it has it's moments)
9. Elmhurst, IL
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:35 PM
Here's my Top 10:

Altoona, Pa (across from the Amtrak station)
Macungie, Pa
Port Clinton, Pa
Casandra, Pa
Johnstown, Pa
Easton, Pa/ Philipsburg, NJ
Topton, Pa
Alburtis, Pa
Reading, Pa

All but Port Clinton are on NS, Port Clinton is on the Reading & Northern
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:35 PM
Here's my Top 10:

Altoona, Pa (across from the Amtrak station)
Macungie, Pa
Port Clinton, Pa
Casandra, Pa
Johnstown, Pa
Easton, Pa/ Philipsburg, NJ
Topton, Pa
Alburtis, Pa
Reading, Pa

All but Port Clinton are on NS, Port Clinton is on the Reading & Northern
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
  • 1,251 posts
Posted by coalminer3 on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:50 PM
Not in any order of preference

Providence RI
Cumberland, MD
Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale, MA (Yes, there is such a place)
Washington, MA
Spokane, WA
Essex, MT
Clarks Gap, WV
Prince, WV
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Clifton Forge, VA
Readville, MA
New Haven, CT
Smiths Falls, ON
Brockville, ON
Horseshoe Curve area
Pittsburgh, PA
North East, PA
Cheyenne, WY
McCook, NB
Charlottesville, VA
Russell, KY
Huntington, WV
Bluefield, WV
Pembroke, VA

work safe


  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
  • 1,251 posts
Posted by coalminer3 on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:50 PM
Not in any order of preference

Providence RI
Cumberland, MD
Hinsdale, IL
Hinsdale, MA (Yes, there is such a place)
Washington, MA
Spokane, WA
Essex, MT
Clarks Gap, WV
Prince, WV
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Clifton Forge, VA
Readville, MA
New Haven, CT
Smiths Falls, ON
Brockville, ON
Horseshoe Curve area
Pittsburgh, PA
North East, PA
Cheyenne, WY
McCook, NB
Charlottesville, VA
Russell, KY
Huntington, WV
Bluefield, WV
Pembroke, VA

work safe


  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Abbotsford BC Canada
  • 300 posts
Posted by athelney on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:59 PM
When in Canada - Mission , British Columbia, - westbounds loaded CN /CP , eastbounds mty CN /CP , plus VIA and Rocky Mountaineer . Also local CN and CP wayfreights . Also get them crossing Fraser river bridge. Bring your scanner for sure to be able to get the best position.
2860 Restoration Crew
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Abbotsford BC Canada
  • 300 posts
Posted by athelney on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 12:59 PM
When in Canada - Mission , British Columbia, - westbounds loaded CN /CP , eastbounds mty CN /CP , plus VIA and Rocky Mountaineer . Also local CN and CP wayfreights . Also get them crossing Fraser river bridge. Bring your scanner for sure to be able to get the best position.
2860 Restoration Crew
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 2:13 PM
Anywhere along the old Rock main line to Peoria Illinois. Been alot of ex-NS,Conrail,CSX SD50's heading for NRE comming up this line lately and its neat to watch those big six axle locos on the rickety track. Long Live the rock!!!!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 2:13 PM
Anywhere along the old Rock main line to Peoria Illinois. Been alot of ex-NS,Conrail,CSX SD50's heading for NRE comming up this line lately and its neat to watch those big six axle locos on the rickety track. Long Live the rock!!!!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 3:47 PM
For me i'm a local railfan only staying around the Kingston area (riverline) the rondout bridge is one of the fav's however it kind of hard to get to. I dont have any transportation except county bus to get to my far-away-from-home location: Suagerties.... [V] bike coming soon..... [sigh]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 3:47 PM
For me i'm a local railfan only staying around the Kingston area (riverline) the rondout bridge is one of the fav's however it kind of hard to get to. I dont have any transportation except county bus to get to my far-away-from-home location: Suagerties.... [V] bike coming soon..... [sigh]
  • Member since
    September 2001
  • From: US
  • 92 posts
Posted by therailnut on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 8:29 PM
Favorite railroad is the BNSF and favorite railfan spot. Anywhere within 15 miles of Galesburg, IL. This includes Cameron connection west of town. But most of the time is spent around the yard and peck park where the Mendota crosses over the chilli sub.

Although I have taken several trips to Clinton, IA. to watch the UP, And travel within 15 miles either direction of there as well.
  • Member since
    September 2001
  • From: US
  • 92 posts
Posted by therailnut on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 8:29 PM
Favorite railroad is the BNSF and favorite railfan spot. Anywhere within 15 miles of Galesburg, IL. This includes Cameron connection west of town. But most of the time is spent around the yard and peck park where the Mendota crosses over the chilli sub.

Although I have taken several trips to Clinton, IA. to watch the UP, And travel within 15 miles either direction of there as well.
  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: St. Louis Area, Florrisant to be specific!!!!!!!!!
  • 1,134 posts
Posted by bnsfkline on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 8:31 PM
Kirkwood, Missori
Jim Tiroch RIP Saveria DiBlasi - My First True Love and a Great Railfanning Companion Saveria Danielle DiBlasi Feb 5th, 1986 - Nov 4th, 2008 Check em out! My photos that is: http://bnsfkline.rrpicturearchives.net and ALS2001 Productions http://www.youtube.com/ALS2001
  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: St. Louis Area, Florrisant to be specific!!!!!!!!!
  • 1,134 posts
Posted by bnsfkline on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 8:31 PM
Kirkwood, Missori
Jim Tiroch RIP Saveria DiBlasi - My First True Love and a Great Railfanning Companion Saveria Danielle DiBlasi Feb 5th, 1986 - Nov 4th, 2008 Check em out! My photos that is: http://bnsfkline.rrpicturearchives.net and ALS2001 Productions http://www.youtube.com/ALS2001
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 10:14 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

There are some places--Horseshoe Curve; Russell, Kentucky; Durand, Michigan; Griffith, Indiana--that I consider to be "hallowed ground" because they were the sites of memorable experiences during my formative years as a train-watcher. None of these are probably what they used to be, and it might actually be painful to go back to some. One of the most heartbreaking things to befall me was the loss of Porter, Indiana, as a railfan haunt (it may not be as great in the post-Conrail era, anyway).

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite spot: Elmhurst, Illinois, on the UP. I get the same trains that Eolafan gets in Geneva, but more slowly (great for close observation of the rolling stock, which is important to me), and there are nearby places to grab a meal or a snack, and one of the best hobby shops in all of Chicagoland is just around the corner. I'm lucky enough to be able to put it on my route to work by detouring perhaps a mile off the shorter route. I could watch the same trains by going about six blocks from home, but the six or so miles to Elmhurst makes for a better experience for me.

For a change of scenery, LaGrange is also a great place, not too far from home. I also like Blue Island or Dolton, but don't get across town to see them very often.

Favorite railroad? Whichever one is providing the entertainment at the moment (or the pay, when I'm working!).

Carl- why the loss of Porter? It's not much farther from Blue Island and Dalton. Porter has become one of my favorites within a 3 hour driving radius and lots of rail action.
My other favorites are Cincinnatti, Rochelle, Missouri Valley, and Union Mills.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 10:14 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

There are some places--Horseshoe Curve; Russell, Kentucky; Durand, Michigan; Griffith, Indiana--that I consider to be "hallowed ground" because they were the sites of memorable experiences during my formative years as a train-watcher. None of these are probably what they used to be, and it might actually be painful to go back to some. One of the most heartbreaking things to befall me was the loss of Porter, Indiana, as a railfan haunt (it may not be as great in the post-Conrail era, anyway).

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite spot: Elmhurst, Illinois, on the UP. I get the same trains that Eolafan gets in Geneva, but more slowly (great for close observation of the rolling stock, which is important to me), and there are nearby places to grab a meal or a snack, and one of the best hobby shops in all of Chicagoland is just around the corner. I'm lucky enough to be able to put it on my route to work by detouring perhaps a mile off the shorter route. I could watch the same trains by going about six blocks from home, but the six or so miles to Elmhurst makes for a better experience for me.

For a change of scenery, LaGrange is also a great place, not too far from home. I also like Blue Island or Dolton, but don't get across town to see them very often.

Favorite railroad? Whichever one is providing the entertainment at the moment (or the pay, when I'm working!).

Carl- why the loss of Porter? It's not much farther from Blue Island and Dalton. Porter has become one of my favorites within a 3 hour driving radius and lots of rail action.
My other favorites are Cincinnatti, Rochelle, Missouri Valley, and Union Mills.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 27, 2004 12:17 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by 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!!!


I cant count the days i spent out there on those bridges. Many a summer spent railfanning with my father while he was posted there up until the base closed in london. Miss the Alco's chugging through there.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 27, 2004 12:17 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by 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!!!


I cant count the days i spent out there on those bridges. Many a summer spent railfanning with my father while he was posted there up until the base closed in london. Miss the Alco's chugging through there.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 28, 2004 1:58 PM
I forgot Galesburg also, we make a yearly trip there.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 28, 2004 1:58 PM
I forgot Galesburg also, we make a yearly trip there.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Whitby, ON
  • 2,594 posts
Posted by CP5415 on Friday, May 28, 2004 2:00 PM
Anywhere there are railroad tracks

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Whitby, ON
  • 2,594 posts
Posted by CP5415 on Friday, May 28, 2004 2:00 PM
Anywhere there are railroad tracks

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 28, 2004 2:27 PM
1. New Jersey Transit Mountclair Booton Line / NJT Morris and Essex

2. CSX River Line

3. Conrail Sharred Assets Lehigh Line

4. NS Pittsburg Sub.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 28, 2004 2:27 PM
1. New Jersey Transit Mountclair Booton Line / NJT Morris and Essex

2. CSX River Line

3. Conrail Sharred Assets Lehigh Line

4. NS Pittsburg Sub.

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