High-Frequency Trains on the BNSF Racetrack - March 19, 2022

Correction: What I called the F40PH-3s are actually called F40PHM-3s.
Hello Everyone and welcome back! Today we're taking a look at the BNSF Chicago Subdivision in western Chicago, also known as the Racetrack.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:14 Metra 2012 EB
2:44 Amtrak Illinois Service 380 EB
3:30 BNSF 6600 Intermodal EB
5:28 BNSF Manifest WB ft. Fake Bonnet 726
7:17 Metra 2005 WB
8:35 Metra 2014 EB
9:41 Metra 2007 WB
10:46 Metra 2016 EB
12:17 BNSF 6230 Manifest WB
14:01 Metra 2009 WB
15:33 Amtrak California Zephyr 5 WB
16:00 BNSF 9101 Loaded Coal EB
17:15 Metra 2011 WB
17:48 F40PH Locomotive
19:00 Metra 2018 EB
19:50 Amtrak Southwest Chief 4 EB
20:26 Amtrak California Zephyr 6 EB
21:08 Metra 2013 WB
22:09 BNSF 4015 Intermodal EB
24:09 Metra 2020 EB at Clarendon Hills
25:03 Metra 2015 WB
26:26 BNSF 7449 Intermodal WB
28:07 Metra 2019 WB at Western Springs
28:59 Amtrak Illinois Service 383 WB
29:23 Metra 2021 WB
30:55 BNSF 9195 Empty Coal WB
33:03 Metra 2024 EB
34:05 Amtrak Southwest Chief 3 WB
34:34 Metra 2023 WB
36:15 Outro
The Racetrack is a triple-track mainline that begins in downtown Chicago and ends in the city of Aurora, 37 and a half miles westward. The line serves Metra commuter trains, as well as Amtrak passenger trains and BNSF freight trains, with 26 stations along the way.
The track that is now the Chicago Sub was built in the 1860s by the Chicago and Aurora Railroad, which became the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Ever since, commuter trains have operated on the line, from the CB&Q until 1970, and by the Regional Transportation Authority since 1974. In 1970 when the CB&Q merged into the Burlington Northern, freight trains were operated on the line, continuing today under the BNSF company.
Having this many trains and companies that run them, the Racetrack is one of the busiest rail lines in the Midwest and a must-see for any railfan. Thanks for watching, and leave a like if you enjoyed!

[@Steven_Williams]

My favorite spot Lavernge, Berwyn, and Brookfield.

[@TheMetGuy]

I would definitely railfan this line

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Very nice video with lots of great catches and commentary along the BNSF racetrack

[@trainsoncamera]

when you see a green signal on track 2: hey a freight train's coming. woohoo! metra: allow [me] to introduce [myself]

[@keystonedriving8180]

Metra seems to operate with a rag-bag selection of random old equipment, locomotives and passenger cars. It gives the impression of a system on its last legs. The only modern passenger units to be seen were the Siemens Euro-Sprinter derived units on Amtrak. Overall to describe the line as a racetrack is out of keeping with the moderate speeds seen. These days, 'fast' starts at 125 mph and goes up from there. To do that would mean either elevating of lowering the line to eliminate the grade crossings, but that would bring added benefits in cutting the death toll in incidents.

[@thecooltrainguy5920]

Nice! How busy is this line with BNSF?

[@trainsofwisconsin]

17:15 TWOTENNY

[@charlesgardner2921]

Lots of action! Thanks for braving the nasty weather. My favorites are toward the end in the orange glow of the setting sun as the weather cleared.

[@osch53]

What camera do you use?

[@YellowNoseProductions]

It's a Canon EOS 70D with a Rode Videomic.

[@paulspomer16]

Personally I would never railfan this line because every crossing is a quiet zone👎🏻

[@Stevenlamb2]

10:55 I was behind him