Chicago's Coolest Railroad: A Tour of the Indiana Harbor Belt's East End

Hate my narrating? Just want to hear raw EMD noise? Narration free version here:
• Chicago's Coolest Rail...
In this video presentation, we explore some of the rail action along the eastern half of the Indiana Harbor Belt. Hot metal trains, end cab switchers, and other hard working EMD locomotives are just some of the many things we'll see as we follow this fascinating stretch of railroad.
This is my first "Pentrex" style production, as I've recently fell back into the world of railroad videography. With that said, any feedback - good or bad - would be IMMENSELY welcomed and appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@jayvasquez6711]

Harbor belt sucks

[@trtrproductions]

I've been waiting for a comment from you! Preach on, Jay. 🙏

[@Unsound_advice]

Sorry you couldn’t hack it. LOL

[@jayvasquez6711]

@S M yes but your mother was able to hack it.

[@Unsound_advice]

@@jayvasquez6711 shes dead thanks. Hope you’re living your best life.

[@jayvasquez6711]

@@Unsound_advice I am couldn't ask for anything better.

[@stevenikitas8170]

Great video and narration. It's nice to see short-line action instead of the usual Union Pacific, Tehachapi Loop, BNSF Transcon, etc., which all have been done over and over. One suggestion - it would be nice to have a map of the IHB inserted into the video at some point so that we know where the trains are going.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Steve! Someone else mentioned adding a map, I will definitely look into some ways of potentially animating one into future videos. Thanks for watching!

[@TheIronweed-vx5lg]

Thanks for the video. I always enjoy anything Chicago based.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching! I'm very fortunate to live in such an amazing place for railroading, that's for sure!

[@trtrproductions]

Howdy everyone. When I posted this video, I had just over 200 subscribers, and little hope that anyone would see this video. With that being said, I am beyond humbled by the addition of over ONE HUNDRED new subscribers since posting this video six days ago, and not to mention the overwhelming amount of views, comments, and positivity it's since gathered. I am so grateful for each and every one of you that's watched! Thank you guys, more to come!

[@EmpireBeltRR]

March 4th, 10K views and counting!!!

[@mattgamble9907]

Very cool video. It would have been nice to link a map or an overlay in the video, but I still haven't even figured out how to upload a video to You Tube, so who am I to say. Great work!! I really enjoyed it.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Matt! Someone else mentioned a map being a nice feature, I will definitely look into that. There should be a fairly easy to learn way of going about it I'm sure!

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

Great stuff! As an expat Hoosier who used to hang out in The Region, I appreciate the memories!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed! I've called The Region home my entire life, I've always held that as both a very good and very bad thing lol! Thanks for watching!

[@seanny4296]

This is hands down one of my favorite rail fanning videos of all time. Just marvelous work!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed. Comments like this make it all the more worth it to put these together. Thanks for watching!

[@gp3829]

Fantastic and Fascinating. I'm in the UK and a big fan of the CSS & IHB. Our Railways are nothing like as interesting as this. I noted NS GP60 7114 with a Free-Flow Air Duct and a couple of Coil-Cars with Angle Hoods. The footage and narration was spot-on with well-chosen settings and thoughtful camera work. In case you are ever able to film the IHB interchanging at CSS Burnham Yard - please do not hesitate. Thanks for posting.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much for watching, so neat that this little slice of railroading is known worldwide! Those NS GP60s are some of my favorite locomotives on the rails these days. I am working on a CSS video, and will try my best to get a shot of Chicago's two orange railroads interchanging. Thanks again!

[@gp3829]

@@trtrproductions Thank you. I hope you are able to get the footage. I also like the settings of Steelworks, Chemicals - anything Industrial.

[@trtrproductions]

@@gp3829 Howdy! Just as a quick follow up, I was making my rounds trackside today and sure enough, happened to stumble into a Harbor Belt SW1500 switching in the South Shore's Burnham Yard... so I'm happy to say that when a CSS video is released, there will absolutely be footage of the interchange happening!

[@gp3829]

@@trtrproductions Brilliant - I'm looking forward to it. 23:10 UK time, so I'm off for some kip. Thanks.

[@michaelgriffin-bb2ub]

thank you for a great video, I live 30 miles away in Michigan City, In and didn't know this much about the IHB. Maybe you can do a video of the CSS out of Michigan City, I believe they interchanged with IHB, again thanks

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Michael. I have a bit of footage already to do a CSS video, I'm hoping to get more this summer and make a very similar video to this one, perhaps one for the freight side and one for passenger. Thanks for watching!

[@scotabot7826]

Awesome place for trains, but dismal and horrible place to live in and around!!!! Very well put together video and filming!!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much! I grew up in East Chicago, and live in Hammond today. That said I can absolutely attest to your observation lol! Thanks for watching!

[@EmpireBeltRR]

EXCELLENT Production!! Thoroughly enjoyed the video and informative narration. Looking forward to your next video as I'm now subscriber 310!

[@trtrproductions]

John, thank you! I cannot believe I've gained over 100 subscribers in the six days since posting this video, I am beyond humbled. With that said, thank YOU for being one of them!

[@FallenFlagPhotography]

Definitely an underrated channel! This deserves more subs, I subscribed. Great job on this video, looking forward to more like this.

[@trtrproductions]

That means more than words can say, Ryan. Thank you so much, both for watching the video and subscribing! Glad you enjoyed!

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

Excellent video 👍👍👍 the narration was great to.

[@trtrproductions]

Glad you enjoyed, thank you! You like my narration more than I do lol!

[@NorthernIndianaRails]

Just found this channel, and wow! Amazing work!

[@trtrproductions]

I appreciate that Kyle, thanks! More to come!

[@timh975]

I work for IHB out of Gibson, mainly on GA-6. You did a great job on this video!

[@trtrproductions]

Tim, thank you! Very cool to hear from someone that works at the railroad! Perhaps that was you at 01:08:00?

[@SouthernBelleACe]

Sweet video! Beautiful job. Did the engineer on the 4022 have a message for you?

[@trtrproductions]

Thanks, Steve! No, he was camera shy and blocking his face with his switch list, he did it at every location I filmed them that day! So I guess his unspoken message for me would've been "Why the hell are you doing this to me?" Lol!

[@chriscalton9763]

Excellent video! I love the IHB. We toured the roundhouse the last time we were there and got to photograph the Veteran's Unit. I love the detailed info and camera work!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Chris! I love the 3800 as well. Unfortunately during the months I was following the railroad, the power set with it never seemed to come east, only west! I will definitely have to do a follow up that includes it!

[@anthonyhunt701]

All those lines with the orange & black stripes and letters to indicate what RR it is…🤔👎🏻 Harbor…stays true. Area ( Chicago) 🚂fan

[@owboky102050]

I work for the ihb in the early 70s Had my blue tag as a conductor working out of the Blue Island yard. Still running the wood slated caboose . fireman riding on the engines waiting for retirement Still had the ice House icing box cars then Still using fuses to pass signals Oh ya I had to ride a dinosaur to work 🤪

[@beelzeboss22]

I think I’ve seen you filming on my drive home from work in East Chicago. Lots of train traffic on that line.

[@trtrproductions]

Likely so! I'm fortunate to live right over the bridge in Hessville, so naturally the five minute drive from home is too tempting to pass up after work for me most days! Thanks for watching!

[@ghosttrain5588]

Im a machinist for IHB so i work on these engines everyday. Its alot of fun but like everything it has its ups and downs

[@dawdawes]

Love the narration, being a railfan but living across the pond, it's nice to know loco,train types,numbers and locations, also love the longer videos, reminds me of video I could purchase from SPV (Steam powered video) years ago. Good job and thanks from Lancashire

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you very much for watching, Dave! It never fails to amaze me how wide of a reach this platform has. Glad you enjoyed the narration and didn't mind the length... a good amount of inspiration when making this came from old Pentrex tapes I watched as a child. Thanks again!

[@lynwoodme8558]

Did the IHB back all the way to the old budd plant, on the G&W from Gibson yard? Seems strange if it did with the conductor riding the tank car, all the way!

[@trtrproductions]

Hey there Lynwood! The trains shoving at Gibson were Michigan Avenue based local trains shoving their outbound carloads into the Gary & Western sidings. This is the normal routine since Michigan Avenue is so busy. They shove the train as far east as Ivanhoe Junction, cut off the train and return lite engine. Every local does this routine and an outbound manifest for Blue Island ends up being built at the end of the day. Thanks for watching!

[@peterbeesley8904]

Just discovered the channel. Excellent coverage of the fascinating IHB. Thanks

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you very much, Peter! Glad you enjoyed!

[@loonetick4491]

395 396, very peaceful .

[@DarlaGoudeau]

It's a Chicago original but it does suck when you have to wait 20 minutes at the gates..

[@trtrproductions]

I grew up in East Chicago and still live in Hammond to this day... with that being said I'll also say that the trains are only interesting as long as I'm behind a camera and not trying to get somewhere myself lol! I've had my fair share of frustrations as well!

[@kevc2009CC]

Outstanding video with informative narration!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Kevin, glad you enjoyed! Love your videos too!

[@kevc2009CC]

@@trtrproductions Thank you!

[@BF-qt2wp]

Awesome video keep up the good work and be safe out there.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching, will do!

[@markhayes6407]

Really cool video. Switching Industries right up my alley. The IHB is definitely a cool railroad to watch operations. Thanks for posting

[@trtrproductions]

...and thank you for watching, Mark! Glad you enjoyed!

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Awesome video

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you, Brian!

[@raycooney7632]

Very nice with great narration.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching, Ray! Glad you enjoyed!

[@broyobrogdon6403]

Great job!!!!Really enjoyed this..loved it.

[@trtrproductions]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for watching!

[@broyobrogdon6403]

@@trtrproductions thank you for making it.i know it took a lot time and hard work!!!

[@nstrainmaster2]

1:23:30 Film shot of the CENTURY! Good job!!!!

[@trtrproductions]

I'm so glad you got to see the finished project! Thanks!

[@midwest_railfan_4793]

Awesome video man, thank you. I watched the narrated version. Certainly didn't hate it. Loved the information you provided. I hope to railfan this area with a friend this summer. Gave us some good places to look up! Is Blue Island still accessible for fanning? Haven't been since 2015 but I've heard the railroads aren't as railfan friendly as they used to be over there ..

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed! The diamonds at Blue Island are still very much accessible, I typically park on or around Vine Street (immediately west of the tracks off of Broadway) and walk over. I've heard parking in the gravel east of the diamond hardly ever attracts attention, but I've never felt like testing the waters. Along the east end, stay away from the steel mills around Indiana Harbor/CP 502. Plant security has become absolutely relentless in the last few months, and they don't seem to care whether you're actually on their property or not... Otherwise, there are many publicly accessible spots shown in this video that shouldn't give you any issue!

[@cassandraflores5896]

Soy Miguel Navarrete cruz me gustan estos trenes de diferentes colores 🌈🌈🌈🌝🌝

[@trtrproductions]

¡Muchas gracias Miguel! ¡Qué bueno que te gustaron!

[@CharlieKrampitz]

Awesome absolutely awesome

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you Charlie, greatly appreciate the enthusiasm! :)

[@SamLovesTrains]

Excellent video. I applaud you for spending the time to put this all together! I’ll be watching for more videos.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching Sam, glad you liked it!! More to come!

[@keithranker3908]

Excelleny video andnsound! I just found you on YoTube. After watching for a few minutes, I subscribed. I also shared the link with sone east coast friends and others.

[@jeffmiller9313]

I see that the IHB is phasing out the alternating ditch lights.

[@danb715]

Excellent video, keep them coming. IHB is the coolest railroad. :)

[@trtrproductions]

Thanks Dan! I couldn't agree more, the IHB will always be my personal favorite!

[@davidwalton9940]

Nothing wrong with your narration. I subscribed too. GREAT video!!!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much David, for all three compliments! Greatly appreciate it sir!

[@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808]

Awesome video man great job 👍 👏 👌

[@trtrproductions]

I appreciate it William, thanks for watching!

[@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808]

@@trtrproductions your welcome 🙏

[@tomstarcevich1147]

🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃👍

[@kahunatiki6498]

Finally had time to watch. Outstanding!!

[@trtrproductions]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Scott! Thanks for watching!

[@portrail3305]

Very enjoyable and informative, thank you

[@trtrproductions]

Thank YOU for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@stuartcandis1874]

where is the GARY AND WESTERN railroad have u hidden it show us in the next video???

[@trtrproductions]

Today, the Gary & Western is simply the timetable name for the IHB sidings east of Gibson Junction. The original Gary & Western was a subsidiary of the New York Central, and is today abandoned east of Chase Street, though many of the railroad's bridges are still in place. If interested, Gary Indiana Railfan is a great resource to learn some more history on the line. www.youtube.com/@GaryIndianaRailfan/videos

[@royjennings4781]

Wow lots of changes since I was there last.

[@beelzeboss22]

Those loaded pig iron bottles glow at night. Pretty cool to see

[@trtrproductions]

They are a sight for sure, 20 years of watching them go by and I still never tire of them. Thanks again!

[@ChicagoCrossingRR]

Phenomenal video - a fantastic resource for Chicago modelers.

[@ellisjackson3355]

I love Indiana harbor belt. It so industrial with interesting sights. I'm partial to EJ&E myself

[@trtrproductions]

I REALLY wish I was old enough to fully appreciate the J when it was still around... I'm sure I would have already released a video on their own east end if that was the case! Thanks for watching!

[@ellisjackson3355]

@@trtrproductions I used to live in the south suburbs right next to their line, so I would see their locomotives all the time. Plus a DM&IR every once in a while

[@wrrail]

Underrated

[@trtrproductions]

That means a lot! Thank you for watching!

[@paulcarpenito3290]

I really love this video. Great work.

[@trtrproductions]

I'm so glad to hear you love it Paul! Thank you for watching!

[@Berkshire1225]

29:27

[@dwdrummer9044]

Great job, awesome video!!!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed

[@Berkshire1225]

2:06

[@coolawesomeepicman4513]

A Well painted fleet, especially a short line really is a treat. Harbor Belt isn't a big railroad, but I commend attention to livery preservation

[@johnmacqueen1777]

Great video. And your narration is just fine. Definitely has me planning a trip!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you John! I've always said that this stretch of railroad would be worth the trip even for someone that lives in Europe. I may be a bit biased though lol!

[@jeffreysheridan5205]

When I worked at Conrail, it was called the Belt. We took a lot of traffic off that road. Owned about 47% of it I belive.

[@alexmanne]

Well done. I enjoyed this video.

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you, Alex! Glad you enjoyed!

[@Steven_Williams]

Very awesome!!

[@trtrproductions]

Thanks for watching Steven! Glad you enjoyed.

[@charlesb3208]

beautiful job

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you, Charles! Glad you enjoyed!

[@illinois_rails]

Awesome video!

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed!

[@mistersurogat]

good video

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@trainman1849]

When were these clips taken?

[@trtrproductions]

All footage from this project was shot between July and December of last year. (2022)

[@CombsTowerProductions]

Pretty rad video of the IHB, big thumbs up!

[@trtrproductions]

Thanks for watching Sam. Hope you've been well buddy

[@nstrainmaster2]

Same

[@CombsTowerProductions]

And to both of you as well

[@lashendawest7509]

Great long video and awesome catches

[@trtrproductions]

Thank you so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@denveroutlaws06]

Will you be doing the west end?

[@trtrproductions]

In due time I may... I've always paid far more attention to the east end of the railroad, so some research will be of order first! Thanks for watching!

[@iancontreras7688]

Heyyyy it’s the video guy

[@trtrproductions]

Oh no... the picture guy found it. My worst dreams realized!

[@davidmorris7696]

Awesome ..like the IHB colors and switchers. Saw many CSX coal hoppers in and around WV like (13:43) 834483 with this little figure on many of them in 2024.