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I WILL BE IN CHICAGO FOR THED AY ON JUNE7,2001. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EASY TO GET TO AND GOOD SPOTS FOR TRAIN WATCHING AROUND CHICAGO? ANY SUGGESTIONS? IS THE SOUTH SHORE LINE WORTH RIDING TO HAMMOND AND BACK? IS THERE A GOOD STATION ON THE METRA BN LINE TO TRAVEL TO IN THE AFTERNOON TO WATCH THE WESTBOUND (AND INBOUND AS WELL)TRAINS TO/FROM THE COAST?
Posts: 2 | From: SARASOTA FL USA | Registered: May 2001
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"IS THERE A GOOD STATION ON THE METRA BN LINE TO TRAVEL TO IN THE AFTERNOON TO WATCH THE WESTBOUND (AND INBOUND AS WELL)TRAINS TO/FROM THE COAST?"
ANY station on the BNSF line, with the exception of the Aurora station because it's a stub served by Metra only, is an excellent place. You'll see a true parade of freights, the two Amtrak trains to California (the Cal Zephyr & Southwest Chief), one Illinois-only Amtrak train (Illinois Zephyr), and frequent Metra commuter trains. The line is pretty straight and flat, and most of the stations are in old town centers with a restaurant or coffee shop within a stone's throw of the station. Some popular locations are Naperville, Hinsdale (I often see cameras set up on tripods on the hill east of the station), Highlands (just about a half-mile east of Hinsdale), Western Springs, LaGrange Road, Hollywood (Brookfield Zoo stop), and Berwyn. Naperville is the ONLY suburban stop for the Amtrak long-distance trains, but the Illinois Zephyr also stops at LaGrange Road.
Posts: 22 | From: Chicago, IL | Registered: Aug 2000
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The South Shore is eminently worth riding, all the way to South Bend if you have the time. Another interesting trip is the Metra Rock Island District from La Salle St. Station to Joliet, where you can watch BNSF trains at the diamonds. UP's Proviso Yard (Metra to Elmhurst station) used to be a popular spot when I was in school in Chicago. As noted above, any of the BNSF stations on the former CB&Q will give you good action. I always favored Riverside, just because it's a nice area.
You can't go wrong in Chicago. Have fun.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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If you happen to venture out about an hour and a half west of Chicago to Rochelle, Il is a good spot to see. BNSF and UP cross there, and a nice gift store with all kinds RR stuff. I have been to chicago on many occasions just to watch trains especially near the yards. I remember someone told me that in Dolton,IL is another hot spot. Personally I have not been there myself. Dolton is south of chicago on I-94 ( Bishop Ford Hwy). Have fun.
Posts: 24 | From: DeKalb, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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If you happen to venture out about an hour and a half west of Chicago to Rochelle, Il is a good spot to see. BNSF and UP cross there, and a nice gift store with all kinds RR stuff. I have been to chicago on many occasions just to watch trains especially near the yards. I remember someone told me that in Dolton,IL is another hot spot. Personally I have not been there myself. Dolton is south of chicago on I-94 ( Bishop Ford Hwy). Have fun.
Posts: 24 | From: DeKalb, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
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