Amtrak in the Windy City: A Look at the Chicago Yard

[@scottsmith7051]

Incredible views of Chicago from that drone!

[@trainsofworld]

from the perspective of the drone this looks like a very detailed model railroad 😄 excellent video !!

[@kel2580]

Boy, do I love trains and this is another reason I absolutely love Chicago. You got tracks everywhere and the sound of trains flying through the city. Thank you for your time to make this video.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video

[@jimtrack3786]

Superb video! Well done sir!

[@ArtStoneUS]

If you're wondering why there's a bridge permanently in the up position with no tracks... Prior to the Amtrak take over, there was a station on the east side of the river called B&O Grand Central. With most of the passenger rail now centralized in Union Station, they tore down the B&O station and ripped up the tracks. But it and the still active bridge were built as a pair in 1930. The abandoned bridge's weight is necessary to support the active bridge (the St Charles Air Line) now mostly controlled by Canadian National

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the great information, Art. I appreciate the great information.

[@ArtStoneUS]

@@DennisDelaney-fg4pw that's very interesting. It was somewhat surprising that the very precious land has just been sitting there for several decades

[@Zephyr1949]

@@DennisDelaney-fg4pw When you say "soon," what's the timeline on that?

[@NoNonesenseRick]

@@Zephyr1949 they have been activly working on the site for a couple of year now cleaning upi the site and installing all new utility lines. gas, electric, telecom. some time this year or next they will start on the foundations of those buildings

[@jackchen7003]

Love this location. You can see the entire fleet that Amtrak owns in one area

[@MrCaptainshorty]

if thats the case where are their acelas and electric engines

[@Lul_timmm]

​@@MrCaptainshortythat's the north east corridor

[@jacksonthomas1851]

I just saw this from the river and it was amazing to see this yard up close

[@kellymc239]

When the narrator asked about the car named 'Promontory Point'. I think it's either a private rail car refurbed, or a corporate car for UP.

[@soulinspiration1]

LOL you sped up the footage. At first, I wondered if these Amtrak trains were actually traveling that fast through the yard, then the "L" train sped by. At that point, I knew the footage had been sped up. I greatly enjoyed this Thanks!

[@nkyrailfan]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@NoNonesenseRick]

As a Chicagoan, Union Station when it was build was not a stub-end station. To this day is still not one. they just use the station that way for 90% of the time. there are still 4 tracks that run continuously under the station and all the buildings on the east side of the station to the north and connect to the UP and CP tracks. they use it from time to time and the private railroads still use it at night to move freight between railroads.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the great info. I do appreciate it. Do you know if those four tracks line up with platforms for passenger pickup and dropoff or if they run straight through?

[@georgepr242]

@@nkyrailfan There is at least one abandoned mail platform down there, there has been whispering every now and then of making it accessible to passengers for through trains. You can barely see it if you stand across the river from the station and look down

[@georgepr242]

@@nkyrailfan One correction, technically the mail platforms are under the old post office just south of Union Station, but they connect to the station

[@michaelperkins5858]

There is one run through track that accommodates Empire Builder and Hiawatha moves. The Builder loads and unloads from that track.

[@jeffjay9350]

just before the trains enter the tunnels, there is an large office building to the left. i used to work there. on the 3rd floor overlooking the tracks there is a large patio/outdoor space adjacent to the cafeteria. it was a great space to lean over and watch the trains.

[@joshbrony2204]

I like to joke that you can’t go 90 minutes without seeing a train in Ashland, but here, I don’t think you can go 90 seconds without at least 1 train showing up.

[@paulcarpenito3290]

This is absolutely one of the best videos i have ever watched. Thank you so much for your hard work.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you, Paul. I really do appreciate it.

[@josepho.8039]

Those beef sandwiches are LIFE CHANGING lol loved the trains too. but that pizza and beef sandwich I would go back just for that

[@ChamplainDivision]

There are at least two tracks on the east end of Amtrak's concourses that go through northsouth. They handle the Empire Builder and other Superliner type trains plus they provide access for all Hiawatha etc trains to get to the coach yards on the south side.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it. I think when they call it a stub-end station, it means trains do not continue on beyond it. Everything starts or stops there. That makes sense it would have through tracks to access the yard.

[@abthepilot]

@@nkyrailfan yes, the through tracks are for 7/8 Empire Builder trains and the Hiawatha trains to access the yard.

[@markfisher1392]

I think many years ago they had some trains that ran through the station from Milwaukee to St. Louis and vice-versa. They might have used the Amtrak's turboliners.

[@derricksmith9524]

i truly appreciate this video it gives me many so references i can model my n scale train from great video

[@DarrylWMurphy]

Union Pacific Railroad back in early 40's and 50's was operated passenger as well freight service like San Fe passenger service an including their freight

[@ksbear2]

6:05 Looks like the Illinois Service/Missouri River Runner from CHI to Kansas City via St. Louis consist. Amtrak Train #319.

[@stevesummers2462]

The two lift bridges served the Harrison Street station, origin for the AT&SF, Chicago & Eastern Illinois RR, Soo Line, B&O, Rock Island RR, and at least two other rail lines. The station is still there, but all of the rail has been removed.

[@johnplampin7274]

Not sure what you mean by Harrison St Station. There was a station at Dearborn St. Which indeed has no tracks but a preserved station building. Used by C&EI, C &WI, ATSF, Wabash, Erie and GTW/CN. Then there was Grand Central Station used by C&O/B&O and Soo Line. Basically very quiet.

[@Muziq4tune]

I really enjoyed your video. As a model railroader, rail fan and Chicagoan, it was very nice to see the operations in the Amtrak yard. I enjoyed seeing them make up long distance trains and using the "Y". Great video. I wish I could have seen some more of the North operations but overall it was great to see this place from all of your different perspectives.

[@mmanisr22]

Nice video. The train around the 5:30 mark with the mulititude of baggage cars is the Missouri River Runner. It has them to meet the 32 axle count the host railroad (either CN or CP) requires for railroad crossings

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you and thank you for the information on the baggage cars. I was wondering if they were off to the Beech Grove shops or something. I've never heard of a required axle count.

[@ArtStoneUS]

​@@nkyrailfan it's an issue with PTC. The positive train control gets confused if the train is very short

[@aarontownsend3999]

Great vid but there's nothing better than seeing the variety of rail cars in a freight yard. Great vid as usual!

[@blueydsniper]

The drone footage makes the yard look like it’s out of a model railroad layout somewhere

[@stevesummers2462]

Just about the lift bridges, you are correct about the Dearborn -& Harrison station, those bridges also served the 12th Street station, end of the line for the Illinois Central R.R. Those two left bridges plus the C&NW at Kenzie, and the Milwaukee Road bridge at North Ave at Halsted are just some of the reasons why Chicago was at one time the GREATEST rail road cities in the U.S.

[@electrictractiontrainsandt3063]

Really cool! I have been through there a couple of times on Amtrak!😀

[@juniorflores687]

What a great video, I can watch it over and over again. Aside from the new midwest trains, I have models of most of the Amtrak trains on the video. Someone said, from the bird's eye view perspective it's like a super detailed model railroad.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it.

[@kens.3729]

Excellent job with this Video. Impressive coverage at the Action Packed Amtrak Yard in Chicago. Keep up the Strong Efforts because it ‘s Appreciated. 👍🙏

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you, Ken. I really do appreciate it.

[@kens.3729]

Never realized that Amtrak had such a Large Presence in the Windy City but did know there are a Large Number of Trains Arriving and Departing from Union Station.

[@nkyrailfan]

I didn't either until I saw the facility on a previous trip. It is quite an elaborate operation they have. Like you, I just assumed it was the station and a small yard for cleaning and refueling.

[@thebabbler8867]

Chicago is the transportation hub of the entire country. Shouldn't surprise you.

[@ericelbe1354]

Chicago is a major hub for Amtrak services in the Midwest region.

[@braytinfriedman8870]

Damn near all Amtrak routes start in Chicago

[@RailFanRob]

Awesome opening scene man!!! Great footage!!!

[@robertpagetfilms]

Great camera on the drone

[@nkyrailfan]

I'm very happy with it.

[@timbacchus]

Great drone shots

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you, Tim. I do appreciate it.

[@robadams5799]

I used to live near Midway Airports and I've always wondered about that crazy bridge that always seemed to be in the raised position. I took the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited to Massachusetts in the late 90s and had a great time.

[@trainmcp1138]

Great video. The Amtrak train around the 10-minute mark with the double header looks like train 48. The lake shore Limited.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you.

[@toddnance454]

A lot of action and hazards flying there, sweet video

[@cop39fl]

I WORKED for the chicago and western indiana railroad which controlled the rail junction at 21 street , a tower next to the lift bridge, this 1980 when i was there and it was the busiest junction poin in chicago

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

Didn’t think freight trains passed through here. Excellent camera work by the way!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much, I do appreciate it. I didn't think freight trains did either, and it sure did catch me by surprise.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

@@nkyrailfan I commented before I actually saw the coal unit. I assumed it went through the station. I’ve googled mapped the tracks north of Union Station from Chicago to Milwaukee but never checked anything south of it really.

[@nkyrailfan]

Gotcha. Yeah, I didn't know much about the area and assumed this was all Amtrak, but then the coal train came out of nowhere.

[@terryjennings2791]

Another great video Christian. Hope you had a good time in Chicago

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks, Terry. It was a fun, but short trip. I did get to have my beef sandwich, so it was worthwhile.

[@joebliss3609]

I was there in the 80's, and filmed Ex BN E8's pulling in, and out of Union Station, with trains.

[@Howoldareweanywayyipes]

I don't know how they keep track of the track they are suppose to be on.

[@Harveycartoonlvr11]

You Railfan where I love to Railfan....Right at C.P. Lumber Street!

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

great train video bro

[@joshuafajardo5697]

That 🚆 backing into Union @ 2:13 is probably City of 🆕 Orleans 58

[@Q1776Q]

All your videos are outstanding!!!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much. I really do appreciate it.

[@MDTASHA0926]

I like the speeding up effect. There are private rail cars there making trips out with regular trains.

[@davehammer1278]

there are 2 thru tracks at CUS. love the video. yes it is a double stub end terminal with 2 thru tracks at the far right side :) remember the Empire Builder and Hiawatha go out the other end of Union Station.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the info Dave, I do appreciate it. I made a note in the description with the correction.

[@Greatlakesrailfan]

I saw that central pacific on one of the cab rides I took to the city a month or 2 ago. They might have put it on the end of the California Zephyr at one point and held it in the yard.

[@jacksonsdrones]

Love Seeing the Good ol' Cardinal Pulling into Chicago! Keep Up the Great Work Man! 👍👍👍 Love Watching Your Videos!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks Jackson! I hope things are good for you and you're catching a lot of trains.

[@blueydsniper]

Also as someone who grew up amtraks old arrow logo (and still have my blanket from the coast starlight my grandma got me from that train). Sure it’s a wool blanket and it’s a bitch a scratchy but I love the logo and it’s held up over the last 25 years

[@thekrls1]

At 5:06, you notice how the train is pulling into Union station and another is backing out and going around the curve. Union station is the only place where the locomotive is inside along with the passengers. Most everywhere else they pull trains into stations so passenger can’t see or hear the engines of the train, or breath in pollutants from exhaust. The train that was reversing south out of union station going around the curve heading west only goes down a little ways, then they stop, hit the switches so the engines are forward and pulling the passenger cars and they pull back out to head south. Essentially turning the train around.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the great info. I do appreciate you sharing it.

[@thekrls1]

@@nkyrailfan I can dig into it more, I believe the reason they do it this way at Union Station is because there is no loop on other side, and they do share some rails with CN so they can’t just add or redo them. They have thought about separating and having their own, but really where would they be able to build them? Lol Chicago is a fascinating and beautiful city, some neighborhoods give it a bad name.

[@nkyrailfan]

That sounds right from what I've heard from a few other folks. I'm a big fan of Chicago. I hope to make it back up there this summer and do more on Union Station inside and out.

[@jordialfonsoaragones4978]

Beautiful. Brutal. Nice video

[@selliott00]

1:15 If this was filmed around the end of the morning rush, the Superliner could be the City of New Orleans backing into the station. Because it runs on Illinois Central tracks (next to Metra Electric/South Shore Line) it has to back into/out of Union Station when arriving/departing.

[@nkyrailfan]

I got there around 9 am on a Saturday and that train was the first to arrive. So, my guess is you would be correct. Thank you for the info and explaining why it backs in.

[@blainenodes8182]

An observation.. In the 1950-60-70s Emory gulash filmed in Chicago,have all the green 🐸 videos he shot in Chicago thee r.r.capial of USA for 70 yrs...👍👋

[@robo113603]

Viewing from 🇦🇺🦘, as I watch 370/371 through Bangor with fun chat & live stream

[@nkyrailfan]

Greetings Lyall. I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@YoBoyyRyan]

Nice work Christian

[@kidbleau]

This is exquisite footage! Way to go, keep it coming!

[@rvr9391]

Great content!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@BorisLu]

Awesome video!

[@williamlee1429]

Great video! By the way, locomotives pull but don't "Back up, or push." They either proceed and pull cars or shove them. If you say "The locomotive (not an engine) shoves" then assume the locomotive is shoving the cars with the locomotive at the tail end.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the info, William. I do appreciate. I've heard the term shoving many times, but also hear "push/pull operation" for things like METRA and MARC.

[@LisbonRailProductionsandF1]

Magnificent catches of the train coming by and pass, I like it 5 stars, keep up the great work, my friend, liked and subscribed, Greetings from Portugal to the USA.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much, Vasco. I greatly appreciate it. Greetings from the United States.

[@AlexNunes-z6v]

Wow beautiful Amtrak 🚆 Midwest red white and blue 💙 car

[@danielrappoport1445]

The sped-up video footage with regular speed audio is such a great format for showing terminal operations where the trains are traveling at slow speed! Keeps the video moving rather than the usual skipping through or turning up video speed in youtube settings that then garbles the audio. Keep up the great work!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you, Daniel. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I have another video coming out Sunday from the NS yard in Bellevue, Ohio. I think you'll like that one too.

[@followthedamntraincj5058]

awesome drone shots! I bet you'd love the rail corridor leading into Munich Central Station in Germany, often with a dozen passenger trains coming by within 5 minutes, with anything from commuter trains and regional trains, to regional express trains, InterCity and InterCityExpress high speed trains, and some of them are even international trains as well (both regional express and long distance high speed trains)

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you. I'd love to check out the Munich station. I'm heading to Paris later this year (no drone unfortunately) and am looking forward to seeing their passenger stations in action.

[@followthedamntraincj5058]

@@nkyrailfan never been to Paris or anywhere else in France so far. This is the rail corridor in Munich like one commuter rail stop away from Central Station: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5OVZIGmjauZras And a few miles down the corridor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4auo4WHdr6Ir8k

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you for sharing. I will check it out when I'm finished with work.

[@tonytins]

The Amtrak consist at the beginning was the Capital Limited. I've never seen it going that fast while backwards.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the information, Tony. I do appreciate it. Keep in mind I have sped the video up 2X.

[@tonytins]

@@nkyrailfan You're welcome, and my bad. I wrote that before it was mentioned in the video proper. XD

[@nkyrailfan]

No worries at all, Tony.

[@schrap72]

Gee, will we ever see any of the newer Amtrak engines and cars here in South Carolina? I feel like a stepchild!😄😄

[@metrafan5666]

If you noticed different train cars in the Amtrak yard, they are private coaches

[@williamfrank7565]

with no car...for long distance travel.... I DEPEND on Amtrak....and am a very satisfied customer...live in central PA. my Amtrak of choice..... the Pennsylvanian(#42,43)

[@ellebystrainvideos2023.]

Damn EXCELLENT informative Video 🤞🏾

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you very much, Richard. I do appreciate it.

[@enroute6105]

If only they went that fast to the actual station

[@ellebystrainvideos2023.]

Love it!!!

[@nathanjiang100]

Doing my best to identify all Amtrak consists, I'm not from the Midwest but many of the trains, especially long-distance trains, are pretty easily recognizable given timing and equipment. 1:15 that's the Northbound City of New Orleans #58 doing its famous reverse-move into Union Station 3:11 Cardinal #51 as stated in the video 4:58 Capitol Limited #29 wying and will head into the yard 5:28 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner through train #319, easily recognizable by its Venture cars and multiple baggage cars out front to meet the axle requirements when he hits Missouri 6:39 Given timing and routing, I'd guess that this is Lincoln Service #300 8:44 #29 completing its wye manuver 9:55 Amtrak Lake Shore Limited #449/#49, recognizable by the 11-car consist bookended by Viewliners with Amfleets in the middle, and an ACSES-equipped P42 leader #106 suitable for service on the Northeast (#105 is ACSES-equipped as well), which is required for running into Albany and Boston 10:54 #29 again 13:41 given the timing of everything else, this should be Wolverine #351, express from Kalamazoo to Chicago 14:55 Amtrak crew qualification train? 16:16 dinky venture set could be #380 the eastbound Illinois Zephyr. not as confident with the midwest trains since they don't run through my area 25:20 #58 wying and heading into the yard 34:37 another shot in the dark with a midwest train but could be #302 Lincoln Service 36:42 #390 northbound Saluki, the Illini/Saluki, as well as the City of New Orleans reverse in/out of Union Station to head onto the IC and use Superliners as mandated by CN 38:03 #449/#49 taking the wye 38:30 #51 taking the wye 40:12 #300 taking the wye

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you for all the great information! I never get to see any Amtrak consists, so this was a great day. Knowing which train is which makes it even better.

[@notarotomwithhair5637]

1:21 the train right here is either The City of New Orleans or the Illini (Chicago-Carbondale)

[@ericelbe1354]

That was the City of New Orleans. That train had a dining car and sleeping cars connected to the train. The Illini is all coaches with a Lounge.

[@notarotomwithhair5637]

@@ericelbe1354 thank you

[@tormax38]

Anybody know when the chargers are going to fully replace the p40,p32 and p42 units? Plus those passenger cars look nice. Cant wait to see them on the east coast sometime.

[@nkyrailfan]

Wish I could offer some info, but I don't know much about the timelines for replacement. Hopefully, someone who does chimes in.

[@DarrylWMurphy]

That's a Union Pacific passenger car

[@topekasub]

That's pretty complete coverage, especially the way you switch to the view at the wye! Did the drone battery have to be replaced at some point? Your video really drives home the fact of the multiple switching moves involved with daily operation of Chicago Union Station!

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks, Jim. I do appreciate it. Yes, I went through several batteries this day. It's actually why I had to stop. I ran out of battery. I had my drone in the air for probably about 2.5 hours. I find it fascinating watching all the yard moves and you're exactly right, it does drive home how much work and switching is involved in daily operation.

[@mmanisr22]

9:55 Lake Shore Limited. Boston section in the front, NY section on the rear

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you.

[@arunbhoopathyt6503]

2 good luck

[@larryweedon6399]

I thought there were a few tracks that ran through the station

[@nkyrailfan]

Based on comments here, there is at least one, maybe two tracks that pass through. I made a clarification in the description but can't go back and change the video without deleting and re-uploading it. The tracks do run to the other side to allow access to the yard, but none of the trains continue beyond Union Station as a final stop.

[@NickP16]

10:22 this train is the Lakeshore Limited

[@phillipdunn7486]

Chicago union station does have a through track that goes from one side to the other how do u think the empire builder gets to the yard for servicing it does have a through track

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the info Phillip. I have added a clarification in the description about the tracks which go from one side to the other.

[@zamozamora]

epic

[@oldfarmshow]

👍

[@rodhard688]

You wonder looking at all that equipment how much of it never moves or has not moved in years.

[@pmsteamrailroading]

That private railroad car “charter club“ is owned by the charter manufacturing company. Some companies buy business chats, Charter, buys passenger cars.

[@mattl2281]

Charter Wire has 2 sets of 2 cars each and they take them to different cities and entertain clients in them. Each typically has a 2 person crew to cook and serve.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it.

[@mattl2281]

@@nkyrailfan I talked my way into one of the sets of Charter cars in Washington DC. Needless to say they are stunning inside--totally redone with lots of wood.

[@nkyrailfan]

That had to be an awesome experience. I imagine they're probably as nice and elegant if not more so now than when originally built.

[@mattl2281]

@@nkyrailfan I have worked on a number of private cars and one of the things that you get to do while on layover is visit other private cars. They WERE quite impressive inside. I really prefer restored cars over rebuilt ones, but those are pretty hard to find.

[@deltasimpilot8195]

do you know the online scanner app you use for that?

[@dfwrider3830]

of course you came to the yard when I wasnt there, one of these days ill see myself in one of these videos. promontory point is stored in the chicago yard, its a private car, heres a link with several other links to more photos of it. seems to be for hire. or at least at one time was. not sure if the nxtrack car is still in the yard, its coupled just north of the promontory point car in the video. it doesnt really stand out from the air though. that is a track geometry car. what date and approximate time was this recorded? the yard actually looks emptier than usual.

[@nkyrailfan]

I plan to make a return trip this spring or summer. So, maybe I can catch you in the yard. Any recommendations on the best day and time to see the yard? Thank you for the info about Promontory Point. I do appreciate it.

[@dfwrider3830]

@@nkyrailfan not sure what schedule ill be working that far out. probably night shift and no weekends off. when i see someone with a camera up on Roosevelt I try to wave to them. if you have any mechanical related questions feel free to send em and I can try to help answer them.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thank you so much. I'll definitely reach out regarding any mechanical questions. Do you think Roosevelt is a better spot or was I in a pretty good location?

[@dfwrider3830]

@@nkyrailfan both spots will see the same trains, up on Roosevelt you'll have a good view of the yard operations, so you can see them making the trains, inspecting and repairing the trains, crewing, and cleaning the trains. It will be louder on Roosevelt for sure though, down by the wye it seemed pretty peaceful.

[@shed66215]

Do you need to inform Amtrak or anybody else about using a drone over the tracks & yard?

[@nkyrailfan]

Hello, you do not need to let anyone know about flying over the yard. Drones are considered aircraft and are regulated by the FAA. Before flying I must check to make sure the airspace is not restricted (like close to an airport), but other than that drone operators are good to go. You're not allowed to fly your drone over a moving train (or cars or people) though. There is an app the FAA has created called B4UFLY which makes it real easy to know what is allowed in the area you want to fly.

[@sst6555]

where are you filming from ? you mentione the sandwiche and fires?

[@nkyrailfan]

I was at a small street near the entrance to the yard on the western side, just south of the wye. The sandwich and fries were from a local place I believe was Luke's Italian Beef.

[@RAILROADfreestyle]

Where did the beef sandwich come from?

[@nkyrailfan]

I think the one I got on this trip was from Luke's Italian beef. I try to go to a different place whenever I am in town.

[@peteheyde7999]

In February of 2023, I rode the Lakeshore Limited from Syracuse to Chicago Union Station. The train originates in New York Penn Station and picks up a consist from Boston at Renssalaer Station, NY. I departed Syracuse around 21:10. The trackage to Cleveland is CSX. From Cleveland, to Chicago is all Norfolk Southern main. We ran all night and arrived in Chicago around 10:00. I was very impressed with the entire round trip which cost me $75 each way. I had a digital scanner with me so I could listen to all the rail communications and defect reports. The staff was very friendly and helpful of which I was completely appreciative of. As a retired 43 year OTR trucker, I've made that trip many times via roadways. The perspective from the rails is different and I buzzed through crossings that I had to stop the truck and wait in the past. I'd personally like to see Amtrak increase their services nationwide, but before that happens, the 4 class 1 railroads (UP, BNSF, CSX and N&S)are going to have to get their acts together or there's going to be increasing problems. Heres my plan: Since I despise government subsidsing private industry because that picks winners and losers instead of the free market, I propose a percentage tax cut for a targeted industry rather than a certain company. In my opinion, the govrtnment is siphoning off too much money forcing railroads to make longer trains (which ARE far more fuel efficient due to increased payloads per gallon of fuel). There is also a problem with tracks and rolling stock which is not being maintained as well as it should be. I'd much rather see the railroads pay less taxes so they can make enough to satisfy the investor AND maintain and upgrade the infrastructure and equipment. Our government, which is supposed to foster a positive business climate, is instead predatorily taxing them and making it much more difficult than it needs to be! The government is the the REAL participant of organized crime!

[@MrSeebsy]

Pax Rail in the UK has had secure digital radio between Signalman (dispatcher) & Driver (Engineer) for decades..... Why is US rail so backwards with CB open type radio.?

[@nkyrailfan]

Not sure why the U.S. uses unencrypted, open frequencies still. Someone with more technical knowledge would need to chime in to talk about what it would take to switch to encrypted signals.

[@connormcclintock6562]

13:05 how do they run that train backwards? that's not a cab car is it?

[@nkyrailfan]

I believe the conductor stands lookout in the last car doorway and relays signals over the radio to the engineer.

[@connormcclintock6562]

@@nkyrailfan that’s what I assumed too but I’ve never seen a train run that high of speed like that

[@nkyrailfan]

Keep in mind, that is twice the speed it's actually running. If you search out 'Distant Signal' on KZbin, Danny Harmon did a video showing an Amtrak train backing into Tampa Station. In the video he talks about the procedure (like Chicago it's a stub-end station) and how it works. Worth a watch if you haven't seen it.

[@ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΣ-ω3γ]

What streets were you on to get these viewpoints?

[@nkyrailfan]

I am on South Stewart Avenue. If you search Flickinger Fine Wines you will find the spot.

[@supercuda1950]

By the way, the Autotrain is the longest passenger train in the world.

[@nkyrailfan]

Thanks, Rupert. I'd love to ride on the Autotrain sometime. Hope you're doing well.

[@deltasimpilot8195]

how do you get that amtrak scanner online?

[@nkyrailfan]

I had a radio scanning the railroad frequencies that I recorded.

[@deltasimpilot8195]

@@nkyrailfan do u know if u can get those on a online platform cause I have the physical scanner I'm looking to listen to the same ones on line c u s south and city 7.if u know where I can listen to it online that would be helpful I go up to that yard all the time I hear that same city 7 guy somesometimes

[@nkyrailfan]

I do not know if there is or not. I use Broadcastify sometimes to listen. It lets you choose feeds based on counties. Looking at Cook County, I see an Amtrak Police channel. And I see a Union Pacific channel. I'm not sure if the yard operations would be under the UP channel or if it's separate. Hopefully, someone more familiar with the area can chime in. Sorry, I'm not more help.

[@deltasimpilot8195]

ok thats what u were listening to cause amtrak was tied into one of those but ima try both thanks and il find it some how you were listening to the amtrak tower sounded so kool that guy is a regular controller

[@railvidpro]

I hope you weren't alone in that area It is not a friendly neighborhood

[@nkyrailfan]

I was by myself. It didn't seem too shady. I parked in front of a public storage facility. Other than the occasional "What's this guy doing with all these cameras?" look I would get from people, I didn't feel too worried. Although, I'm sure the wrong person showing up could've meant I didn't have my cameras or my car at the end of the day as well.

[@MercOne]

What is the abandoned rail line that passes over the yard at 4:43?

[@nkyrailfan]

The St. Charles Air Line Bridge is owned by the Canadian National.

[@MercOne]

@@nkyrailfan Both bridges? I see one is abandoned, but what about the other one with tracks still on it?

[@nkyrailfan]

My apologies. I sent information on the one with tracks still on it. This is a link for information on the abandoned one without the tracks. historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=illinois/sbrr2/

[@MercOne]

@@nkyrailfan No I think you're right, the bridge I'm talking about is really two bridges side by side at that point in the video. One to the right and one to the left. The left has grass on it and the one on the right has tracks, but they look slightly grown over. I wasn't talking about the steel drawbridge, but thanks for the link either way. It's fascinating stuff.

[@tracksidebc5854]

A great video spoiled by speeding it up with trains running at unrealistic speeds. Makes me want to record it and edit it to run at the correct speed.

[@penelope8557]

What is the average salary of a locomotive engineer?

[@dry43]

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