TrainsMag.com Reader Poll – December 22, 2003

[Big_Boy_4005]

Twin Cities all the way! Have to root for the home team.

[Anonymous]

Detroit my alma mater but only because Chicago is not on the list!!!!![8D]

[Tharmeni]

Train watching in Indianapolis in the snow is an experience you won't soon forget.

[Tharmeni]

I agree. Indy rocks. But it's often overlooked. Fine with me, leave the action to a few of us.

No better variety than Indy, though.

QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeUmp

Actually, none of the guides listed really thrilled me. I'm waiting for the guide to that hot bed of tran action, Inianapolis. Yeah, yeah, I know, Indy is way down on the list.

[brilondon]

I choose the Detroit trackside guide because I went to the University of Windsor and was able to watch the comings and goings of the NS from my dorm window across the river from us. Also there was a railroad barge from Windsor to Detriot that was still in use. We use to goto the park and watch them load the barge and off load the barge. this was before the CN tunnel project was even started. After the Sarnia tunnel was built, the car ferry was distcotinued. It was a sad day. Even the CP was using the Sarnia-Port Huron tunnel for 2 trains a day so that decreased the amount of freight that went through Windsor-Detroit tunnel. That tunnel was enlarged shortly after this to accomadate the larger cars. Unfortunatly CP has reduced the number of trains into Windsor and continuing to Detroit.

[Anonymous]

I had to vote for Detroit, as I live near London Ont. Can. It is aboult 2 hours drive for me to get to Detroit to see the action. I have been there several times, and that guide is the most useful for my "railfanning" trips. Most of the other locations are too far away for me to "railfan" so far, but I will try to get to some when the Terrorisim and other like concerns abate ...PEACE BE WITH YOU !

[UPTRAIN]

They should have one for either St. Louis, Missouri, Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, or Galesburg, Illinois I voted for Omaha, which is a good place to watch trains, and as a railroad employee (engineer for 26 years on the Union Pacific in Missouri) I find these quite informative for good places to watch trains. (:D)

[Anonymous]

I voted for Mimmeapolis-St.Paul, but being that I live close to your hometown,when are we going to see one on MILWAUKEE ????

[rrnut282]

I didn't vote because I couldn't decide which was of more use to me. I particularly like the historical explanations that do a great deal to explain some of the convoluted routes some RRs ended up with. As for providing detailed driving instructions, don't. The biggest challenge, "the thrill of the hunt", is part of the fun of railfanning. When the scanner comes alive or I hear air horns, the game is afoot. Besides, how unique would your photos be if you shot the same location as 10,000 others? Or another way to look at it would be, do you really want to take only one person's opinion of the best, safe spot, or do you want to look at the diagrams, decide which location best floats your boat and go?

[Anonymous]

This is my favorite feature. All were great. Hope you enhance this feature to aid train watching at sites, especially since security concerns by railroads have increased.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bergie

Which Trackside Guide published in TRAINS Magazine in 2003 was your favorite? Please vote then share your comments.

Polls on Trains.com are not scientific and reflect only the opinions of the users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of Internet users in general, the readers of our magazines, nor the public as a whole. Bottom line, our polls are meant for fun and to stimulate conversation amongst our forum users.

[tree68]

Had to vote for Detroit, since I travelled there this fall and actually used the guide. All of them are useful, although I do second the comment about where to watch from accessible areas.

[willy6]

i wish you would do one for atlanta or jacksonville

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

My choice isn't on the list. And that was Portland Ore.

Yes, definitely Portland, Oregon!

Brian R. Termunde
Burbank, CA
"Ship and Travel the Grand Canyon Line!"

[Anonymous]

I would have voted for Bellview but it is not on the list nor is Cincinnati which was also good, although I live in Ohio so that may be why.

[JEIERMANN]

Attn: JoeUmp You think Indy is low on the list, it'll be in print long before San Diego, CA ever sees the light of day.

Happy Holidays to one and all

[Anonymous]

The one I would vote for was not listed, so I didn't vote for either of the three.

[Anonymous]

I was dissapointed that I had to pick one , as they were all interesting in my opinion. I find it interesting reading. I find each one has it's different and interesting aspects. If it was up to me I would vote for them all.

[Anonymous]

I like the breakdown of St.Paul and the detailed descriptions and idea's it gives for photo locations. I work in the Chicago terminal and that I can relate to MSP as more of a extensive rail hub that what's been offered in past issuses. I'd really like to see more locations in the future.

[Anonymous]

I would have voted for Cincinnati simply because of the number of towers and stations there. I never would have known about half of their locations without it. But I do agree that it could have served a more railfan purpose rather than just a map of trackage.

[Anonymous]

I voted for MSP, because I have friends who tell me about it up north. But, I would have preferred to see the Chicago area in there. There is so much to see all around and within Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
May You all have a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!
Ralph Zimmer, Alsip, Il

[JoeUmp]

Actually, none of the guides listed really thrilled me. I'm waiting for the guide to that hot bed of tran action, Inianapolis. Yeah, yeah, I know, Indy is way down on the list.

[Anonymous]

Between the cities I've railfaned, I wasn't as impressed with Portland as many writers were, I actually liked the Twin Cities the best and Omaha second. I haven't seen the Detroit rail scene yet so I cannot say anything about that one

[Anonymous]

[}:)] I did vote for MSP mostly because I live in Minneapolis. However I am still trying to figure out what earthly good these "trackside guides" are due to the fact that there is usually zero information on where a sane railfan can go on public property (avoiding the trespassing and terrorist alert paranoia) to actually view and/or photograph trains. Sure there are tips on some aspects of train watching, but I cannot remember seeing anything about driving directions to get to these places.
Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, TRAINS is doing a fine job!

[espeefoamer]

I too,vote for Portland,Oregon.I lived there for several years,and it is a totally awsome place to watch trains![8D]

[wcaudle]

I agree withdrailed1999, Portland OR. What a mecca of action. Mudchicken appears to be right on with the notion that your firm seeks "close-by" areas to cover. Having been raised in the Northwest from 1950's to 2000, I am very prejudicial about railfanning that area. However, I have been all over this great land, and there are indeed some mighty fine areas to observe the trains. I am very partial to Rochelle IL, North Platte NE, Powder River Basin WY, Amarillo TX, and Tehachapi Loop CA, to name but a few.

Merry Christmas all!! God Bless our Troops.

[mudchicken]

Voted for Omaha (Sure Willy2, See other post, would agree)......Detroit and the Twin Cities are just too far away to the northeast....(Your staff doesn't want to wander too far from home very often????, too close to a printing deadline?)

Regardless, it's fun to see and learn what has evolved in other places. Keep doing it!

Iron Feathers

[zardoz]

I voted for Omaha only becaise I am a bit familiar with the area. However, each guide was wonderful, and if I ever visit the cities covered, I will definitely take the guides. Such wonderful detail, history, and directions.

I think the Trackside Guide is a wonderful feature of Trains magazine, one I hope is continued for a long time!

[michaelstevens]

I voted for MSP -- having lived in St Paul from '85 thru '89.
I also particularly enjoyed the article on Omaha, having made numerous business visits there, over the years.
Naturally, I suppose the fascination level is heightened, when you are familiar with the territory.

Happy Xmas !!