Metra Rush Hour on the Racetrack

Spend a windy evening just outside the "Windy City" of Chicago on BNSF Railway's Racetrack during Friday rush hour.
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[@mr.bl0ckm4nn]

8:03 is something you'd see in those classic films. It's heartwarming to know that even decades later from when train travel was king that scenes like these still exist, a very nice shot! I also never realized that the BNSF line was this busy, I need to go out there sometime during rush hour and watch!

[@manuelrueda1582]

0k

[@manuelrueda1582]

🎉😂😅😮😮😮😅😮😮😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@b3j8]

It would a riot to watch the person who dispatches this line!! LOL

[@michlo3393]

Just fleet the commutes and let everyone else wait.

[@bgmcc907]

@@michlo3393 if only it were that easy. With the skip stop strategy employed on this route, rush hour trains going the same direction are constantly leapfrogging each other. Fleeting doesn’t help you do that.

[@michlo3393]

@@bgmcc907 for sure I was being a little flippant. I wouldn't want to be that dispatcher lol

[@bgmcc907]

I got to see the dispatcher for that territory at work in the early ‘80’s. The console was in the shape of a horseshoe, with mirrors above the left and right legs so he could keep an eye on the console behind him. He had a rolling desk chair, and was constantly zipping back and forth. And that was without it being rush hour. One of the most amazing demonstrations of human mental capability I ever witnessed was the weekday morning after a heavy snowfall overnight. The Suburban Trainmaster was on the radio throughout the morning rush, improvising adjustments to the schedule on the fly: this train skipping this stop and making an additional stop somewhere else, and vice versa. For three hours straight.

[@michlo3393]

@@bgmcc907 and people say train dispatching is easy. That's task saturation.

[@ericsundell9978]

This brings me back to childhood watching the dinky's go by. It's likely the old F40's don't have long for this world, it will be kinda sad not to hear the roaring 2 stroke cadence again. Still as impressive to hear one of these things roar by now as it was when I was 5.

[@ibikein]

Is no one going to talk about how in every clip there was a train on every track

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

Yeah mass transit here is rediculously heavily utilized, may I suggest watching some clips of Chicago's L train service at the loop. It's even more insane

[@Keikdv]

Afther the opening shot with 3 trains on 1 track? No.

[@markdangerfield2093]

iRailfanNWI Yes I see

[@markdangerfield9227]

I’m always talking about the railroad

[@markdangerfield9227]

iRailfanNWI Let’s keep these trains running and I will be there because I’m always read the message to train anywhere app please

[@osasunaitor]

This is really neat! Somethings that never ceases to impress me is the sheer size of everything in North American railways: absolutely huge trains, infinite platforms...

[@youminholastransit3218]

Yeah, which is why our trains are slow and have no aerodynamics

[@osasunaitor]

@@youminholastransit3218 haha well I guess that speed is more related to the fact that passenger trains share tracks with the freight trains that own them

[@youminholastransit3218]

@@osasunaitor that too

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

I'm interested to see how these new SD70MACH's are going to handle a rush hour Racetrack

[@justanotherasian4395]

Twice as many cars and just a bit faster I, guessing.

[@marvo9018]

TheAmateurAsian same💯

[@metrafphmproduction]

Sd70macs are freght locomotive's

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

@@metrafphmproduction Metra is converting some SD70MAC's into SD70MACH's, which are just MAC's with passenger gearing and a HEP generator

[@metrafphmproduction]

@@caelumvaldovinos5318 yes but they need to test drive them

[@austinyingst5902]

Commuter-rail!!! Much neglected in KZbin and model rail. It's been years since Walthers cleaned out its commuter train offerings. Thanks.

[@raytylicki9001]

Wahlburgers stuck in the 19th century that's why

[@raytylicki9001]

Wilders is stuck in the 19th century that's why

[@raytylicki9001]

Wilders is stuck in the 19th century that's why

[@raytylicki9001]

Talk and type has not been matured yet call Frank as you can see alpacas you can see

[@billtimmons7071]

I like how the engines stays throttled up for the HEP loads. When I lived out there in the 70's it was all E and F units. Great video.

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

It's weird to think that having lived here my whole life there there been anything other than these F40s ... They are like ubiquitously associated with Chicago!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Great video Drayton. This is the first Race Track video that I have seen with the trains switching tracks at Downers Grove. Nice action and no BNSF freight trains.

[@KubotaBXathome]

Great video watching Metra kickin it. I remember when they dumped their E9s, cool to see they are still using some F 40s, thanks for posting!

[@SynchroScore]

Interesting to be watching your videos, and you start at the station I grew up at. Always a fun time to be had on the old Burlington. Even better when I was little and they were powered by E-units. Other fun facts: The Tivoli Theater was built in 1928 as one of the first sound-equipped cinemas in the country, restored with a single huge screen and a pipe organ played before shows on the weekends. Also, the Main Street Station was rebuilt after a Zephyr crashed into it in 1947, after striking a tractor that had fallen off a passing freight train. And while the E-units are gone, the 700 and 800-series coaches (with the wide fluting on the sides) are from the original order of Budd bi-levels built in the 1950s.

[@user-vh1uc6in7b]

Nice Catch Daryton on the METRA train.

[@Perfusionist01]

Really neat stuff to me! I am from Nebraska where there is no commuter rail and minimal Amtrak, so this parade was a lot of fun. Makes me want to visit there sometime. Thanks for the video.

[@nepalnerds5270]

My cousins live by the race track & I love watching the trains come by.

[@Kochiha]

Ah, this was my backyard right here! Well, I was living in Naperville further west on the line, but same difference! The Racetrack is a great place if you're a railfan: most of the stations are in good towns or neighborhoods, there's tons of action, and you're never too far away from somewhere to grab refreshment. Makes going into the city for a jaunt really easy, too! I've missed it so ever since I moved...

[@maxtonpower5019]

8:06 the kiss when the train comes by perfect timing

[@jeffmiller9313]

At the 12:03 minute mark! Announcer "Metra Commuters! Your attention please, the next outbound train from Chicago is now arriving in your station." Me Watching "You forgot to mention the Express train on Track 1." Great footage though!

[@iJoshDG]

This summer I'll be working for BNSF. I'm gonna try my very hardest to get this corridor electrified. All that stopping and starting... it begs for it. And Metra already has EMUs

[@youmadbro742]

Awesome video. Very cool to see the busy activity of the line

[@q.h.s5051]

I love seeing kids so amazed by these beasts just like I was and still kind of am.

[@brettchenier1010]

Wow! That's where I grew up. It was the CB&Q or Burlington Route. Thanks!

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

The sound of the F40PH, the sound I grew up with filming when my family would visit relatives in Tinley Park in the early 80’s and late 90’s. 40+ years of service, I will miss the RTA’s finest when we have ours changed to battery power on the Rock Island District.

[@embeddedt]

Nice video! Very... eco-friendly unit at 17:13.

[@user-yq5ky9ub2b]

Lmao I know people who've lived by metra and it's a black plume every time the train has to accelerate

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

@@user-yq5ky9ub2b the diesel stay spooled up but they are only having to generate about 600hp of load at that speed plus the force to overcome engine friction. In order to move the probably five million plus pound train the alternator puts a tremendous load on the engine and it can lead to incomplete combustion. That is the black smoke, and the only reason you don't see it on newer diesels is becuase of the fancy emissions Equipment. These are from the 70s and 80s built era and are essentially straight piped, not a single emissions device to be found. However, most of the time they burn pretty clean for their age.

[@BandBHawks]

@@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife The overhauled Winnebagos actually run at Tier 2 emissions standards, which I find extremely impressive!

[@TrainsNStuff]

This is awesome! Love the hornshows and prime movers!!

[@MartyM22]

Nice to see areas and things back home, don't miss the weather or getting stuck by those commuters.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@metrafan5666]

Metra clams me down when I’m stressed

[@lappdawg27videos]

I'm coming into Chicago on the Capitol Limited on Tuesday morning...planning on being on the racetrack Tuesday evening...can't wait!!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

You’re going to have a blast!

[@lappdawg27videos]

I've actually been there twice before, but not since 1998.

[@jeffbrown3963]

All of these Metra films are awesome! Thanks.

[@BHV0810]

I love the racetrack! I went to Naperville on a Wednesday afternoon and evening and go 36 trains in 4.5 hours. So much action.

[@glendenig9962]

Wow! Eleven coaches! Those F40-PHs are powerhouses!

[@tec3]

Love this! You've caught some great action here. Takes me back to my childhood, rail watching along the racetrack in Clarendon Hills :)

[@bradleyburchett7055]

This video takes me back some. I grew up outside of Chicago in 70's and 80's and I remember going with my father many of times to La Grange to watch the afternoon BN Dinky Parade with the classic BN E9's.

[@DFWRailVideos]

0:48 Thats some tight running right there

[@TDDrummer2]

6:00 lol notice the train in the back. The dichlights are almost perfectly in sync with the train in front lololol

[@natejackson8213]

I love it

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Thanks!

[@SuperApplefan1]

nice!!!! always a lovely place!!

[@railsofchicagoandbeyond8832]

Dispatcher’s must have a fun time circulating this.

[@rimodeler7963]

Excellent video catches! I enjoyed the action on the racetrack ...... thanks for sharing! Mike

[@PakRaillionProductions]

Nice

[@yungjj5884]

2:01 random guy points at camera

[@wirral_transport]

Young JJ_Plays GTA lamo

[@EuropeanTrainDriver]

Sehr schön

[@kimberlystevenson8213]

I like trains a lot especially metra

[@Brianrockrailfan]

awesome video Delay in Block :)

[@richardpike1387]

Quite intensive action there. I enjoyed the vid 👍

[@cdp200442]

That guy was taking a interest in you filming . I’m always keeping one eye on my surroundings while filming. Great footage !

[@train2758]

Awesome video!

[@357Shakey]

Great memories. I grew up on the CNW/UP main in Lombard. Between viewing the Racetrack at DG and LaGrange and the UP at Elmhurst, you could have a pretty nice viewing day without even going in to the city!

[@oct197.]

I live in Wheaton

[@cereus57]

Use to live in Villa Park, dad took the C&NW to work downtown every day!

[@themetrafan7198]

Man:the next outbound Metra train is now arriving in your station

[@cheikhniasse2547]

It amazing these locomotive operate at a high RPM. They are all screamers.

[@SIGINT007]

They have to keep the engine at a certain RPM for the AC generator that provides the train power.

[@pacificelectric1955]

Very impressive!

[@Railfan225]

13:13 now that’s cool!

[@thecarolinianrailfan8339]

Great footage.

[@MartyLJ57]

They could use some pedestrian walk tunnels in

[@tomh3652]

Yes that video of the woman getting hit and killed there still bothers me. I think it was in 91 or 92. The train came in to the station and stopped she crossed in front of it not knowing a speeding train was coming past on the center track.

[@kls5948]

Tom H that’s her fault

[@MatthewSmith-cv7op]

Downers Grove. Great place to railfan because of the 60 mph speed that trains fly through, but you have to be extra alert because of that first comment. And yes, it took place in 1991. And yes, sadly she did die.

[@deepnation10009]

@@kls5948 Agreed! All the warning signs that the train was coming were there. I hate it when people blame a train that is on a guided track,

[@EliteAmmunition]

Cool thing about Metra watching in Chicago is you get to see used in daily runs trains and locomotive OLDER then you.

[@paulgipp82]

Please do more of metra trains but make it 2 hours long

[@themetrafan7198]

Those metras

[@TrainSF]

Awesome Video!!

[@gp40railfan44]

I love the F40PHM

[@jre617]

Nice, fun to watch. But I really think zooming is a no-no for train footage. A telephoto FL makes the train look slower and then zooming is just distracting as you realize the train is going faster. I do like the telephoto when the trains are far off, but you should fade out/in, rather than zoom as the train approaches.

[@taslimchaudhry1431]

Super Video. D.I.B. 🇮🇳

[@csxrailfannerohioproductio3838]

i didnt know that some parts of the Racetrack werent quiet zones

[@capefeartrainsandsirens]

6:34 That’s a lot of smoke

[@elleryparsons5766]

I miss Downers grove I loved that neighborhood.i take it no More Burlington Northern.

[@CrazyDash9]

Such a shame 90% of this line is just quiet zones

[@themetrafan7198]

I saw a Metra train and an Amtrak train in the backround

[@Joshua-Samarita]

So far, the longest metra pasenger train is 11 cars plus the locomotive.

[@elleryparsons5766]

My god the Treins these days have changed. Amtrrck and their trains wow.

[@themetrafan7198]

Oh ya those trains are in Chicago

[@ThundercatDarklion]

Awesome!!!! I use to live and grew up in Willow Springs Illinois in the 1980s and would go to Lagrange Illinois with my dad train watching also go to Lagrange Hobbies. =^.^=

[@jnaviation8671]

I train spot around here all the time

[@BNSFGP38]

I wish you would guys would come do a video about our railroad New England Southern as its future is in the air.

[@bgmcc907]

First time I’ve ever seen a BNSF commuter train using the far left main track. 🤔

[@themetrafan7198]

Woah

[@101southsideboy]

i thought METRA trains could not pass each other or approach another train when 1 was already stopped at a station

[@kuldeepsahani5563]

In India we don't call a train a train until there are not more than 24 bogies attached to engine

[@robertsimon6500]

How is it possible that these loco's can use a Mars Light yet the other rail companies do not use them? Mars is still in business and makes a LED version, some Fire Departments use them on their trucks. The argument I heard for discontinuing them was a service issue. But they are no long made in the same manner, at least to knowledge they are manufactured using a different method to achieve the same effect. I love those lights and the coverage the provide down the tracks. I just don't get the ditch lights they never seemed like a good replacement for the Mars light.

[@FFred-us9tw]

None of the trains you see here have Mars lights. These are all Gyralite's. Originally made by Pyle, then Trans-Lite and now Teknoware. The design is mostly unchanged. Just the patents being cold from one company to the next. Mars stopped making railroad lights over 30 years ago. The current Mars light you see today on fire apparatus would never survive a railroad environment (Intense vibration and heat) and are not as bright and full as a 350 Watt PAR lamp like shown here. Nobody (railroads) ever doubted the effectiveness of oscillating lights regardless of brand. They simply don't want the added cost and maintenance issues associated with them.

[@xladydriver]

Why did you use the term "racetrack"? I thought you were speaking of the ACTUAL Metra stop at the Racetrack in Arlington Heights

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

It's called "The Racetrack" because that stretch from Aurora to Chicago is one of the busiest Metra lines and it has some of the fastest track speeds on Metra of 80 MPH

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

This line is nicknamed "The Racetrack" by local railfans because of its straight, fast routing outside of Chicago.

[@themetrafan7198]

I just saw another train over on the backround

[@christofergarcia1418]

Omg did he just said CHICAGO

[@elleryparsons5766]

My god Even the Depo went through a Overhaul.

[@jre617]

No zooming please, Otherwise, ,thanks so much for this video.

[@WorldWideOfTrainsAndTrucks]

13:07 That is just unreal

[@birdsntrains2088]

I was with him that day

[@themetrafan7198]

Uhh the breaks on the train plus that train passed the station

[@HarborSubHughley]

5:59 metra train announcement

[@crrguy1625]

June 14th is my birthday!!

[@themetrafan7198]

Theres another train in the backround

[@Boeing-2707_]

Meoa👍

[@agent1966]

Anybody else pick up on the fact that scene at Downers Grove, looks to be the same spot that a very famous fatal train v. pedestrian accident took place. See the story of Mary Wojtyla.

[@williamseaman176]

Sadly, yes.

[@tool4757]

it is the same spot that accident happened in.

[@bobhayden4704]

That happened at Fairview Avenue, the small station just east of DG Main St and west of Westmont.

[@southwestohiorails4645]

What BNSF line is this?

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

I believe it's the old ATSF Transcon to LA

[@thomasmackowiak]

@@caelumvaldovinos5318 No Tyler, this is the original Chicago, Burlington and Quincy line west from Chicago. The CB&Q line runs through Aurura, Illinois and then out to Galeslburg, Illinois and crosses the Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa then goes west across Iowa. The ATSF line runs about 2 miles south of this line and runs parallel to the Des Plaines River and the Sanitary and Ship Canal to Joliet, Illinois. The ATSF continues through Streator, Illinois and eventually crosses the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, Iowa then heads to Kansas City on its way to Los Angeles.

[@mobiusstrip74]

@@caelumvaldovinos5318 There are no commuter or passenger trains on the old ATSF line out of Chicago. As noted, this is the former CB&Q / Burlington Northern line.

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

@@mobiusstrip74, doesn't the Southwest Chief run on the old Santa Fe line to Joliet?

[@mobiusstrip74]

@@caelumvaldovinos5318 No, it has run on the old Burlington line between Chicago, Aurora and Galesburg for more than twenty years. The BNSF built a connection between the former BN and the former Santa Fe a little ways west of Galesburg shortly after their 1995 merger and the Chief was moved over to the former BN immediately after it was completed. The BN's route is shorter and faster, and also allowed Amtrak to consolidate to one station in Galesburg instead of having to maintain two stations. This is the same route the California Zephyr has always used.

[@laublock2576]

i love horn 5:40

[@testnate1]

12:52 The race is on

[@MartyLJ57]

Too bad they killed the SEMTA trains from Downtown Detroit to Pontiac . Would be a great train to the Casinos

[@johnhauser4589]

Wow. 3 tracks. No horns?

[@crrguy1625]

June 14th is my B Day

[@RailroadJourneys]

How long did you stay during your shooting?

[@michlo3393]

Triple track main, locals, limited's and expresses all running at the same time, low-level platforms, a zillion grade crossings...how many people a year do you think get smacked by these trains? The Engineers on this pool must be like: "Yeah, I clear 6k a half and I've killed more people than Genghis Khan. But at least I'm home every night."

[@deepnation10009]

How is it any train's fault people are stupid? What does a low level platform have to do with anything. That train has low doors.

[@michlo3393]

@@deepnation10009 Easy there, I think you read into my comment way more than intended. I was being facetious.

[@raytylicki9001]

A bushel of corn can get across this country but you can't

[@Nvideofilmsproductions]

The highest speed is 79

[@maxtonpower5019]

I meant 8:03