Producer: Kalmbach/ Trains
Locations: Chicago, Cicero, Western Springs, Lisle, Aurora…
Timeframe: 1995, 2017
Length: 75 minutes
Sources: Paul Schneider (1995), David Lassen (2017)
The triple track mainline into Chicago has always been a Railfan favorite. Besides the heavy freight traffic, there are extensive local commuter trains. Throw in some Amtrak and one can see why this is an iconic stretch of railroad.
Some additional trains such as: Grand Trunk, Indiana Harbor Belt, Canadian National, CP Rail, Southern Pacific, Wisconsin Central and more.
Original show is from 1995. On Location – Burlington Northern’s Chicago Racetrack. A 2017 update finishes this program.
A single DVD. Main show is fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. It presents a clean picture. The 2017 image is widescreen. Naturally, the update is higher quality. Live audio with the narrative emphasized.
Main Menu offers choice of the 2 shows. Hidden chapter advance function. Reference maps are included. Kevin Keefe hosts the 2 shows. Only space for some highlights here. This show is jam packed!
To the Trains… 👉
On location Chicago 1995 – 57 minutes
We are located at the South End of Union Station trackage. The Burlington Northern commuter trains use Metra equipment. These Passenger Trains are still nicknamed as a Dinky. Holdover from predecessor CB&Q. The Metra led by F40PHM types are at left. Amtrak 14th Street Coach Yard is in the background. There are 73 Metra moves through here daily. BN operates the majority. A complex operation.
Union Avenue Tower was at the convergence of three lines. A tour of this Interlocking is included. Closed in 1992. Amtrak’s California Zephyr is at the Canal Street South Wye.
Oncoming Metra approaches along the Illinois Central St. Charles Airline at left. A Wisconsin Central there is going to Markham Yard in Homewood.
Western Avenue is the first location with a small yard for local freights. It also stored Intermodal equipment. BN 239 is one of two switchers assigned there.
22nd Street is also congested and complicated. The mainline serves the CSX Barr Yard. A BN freight may be delayed 12 hours for clearance here.
Cicero Yard. Known previously as Clyde Yard. Currently dived into 3 sections. Containers, Trailers and Hump Yard. Clyde Diesel Shop. A main road runs lengthwise along this area.
A bottleneck involves a single track towards Chicago Belt Line. Some different railroads seen here contribute to the overflow volume.
At Congress Park. The push- pull operations are discussed at length.
Camera set-up on the Route 59 platform. They compressed 8 hours of trains into this segment. Trains are detailed via graphics. Many moves are concentrated on the triple track mainline in this time sample. Presented with a musical background plus train sounds.
2017 Update – 20 minutes
Now we are well into the BNSF years. The Racetrack is still very busy. Dinkies are still run with the butt ugly Metra painted locomotives for the most part.
Rebuilt F40 units depart Western Springs and wear an updated livery. A visual improvement!
This GP pair shoves bare tables into the converted to Intermodal Cicero Yard is without a hump now. The old steel Ogden Avenue bridge is gone, as well.
Canadian National has taken over the former Illinois Central tracks. Hence, Canadian National is on the overpass at LaVergne.
Hot Spots: Chicago’s Racetrack
The original show from 1995 is a complete show. This is a credible visit to The Racetrack. The Metra service seems to dominate. BNSF freights are here. Perhaps less freight details in the narrative, make the Metra and Amtrak trains seem like the headliners.
Coverage favors some locations while neglecting others, such as two stations in LaGrange.
On the other hand. Places covered are well done. The attention to the Yards, big or small are shown better than many other shows of this line.
The narrator Kevin Keefe is excellent on the entire program. There are various Railroad personnel adding extra insights and truths. So, an interesting positive.
The line tour has a casual feel. Providing an overview with enough specifics to be educational. However, this is not formatted for those wanting more mechanical information. While much is included it isn’t focused there, instead ends up with a fine TV show type experience.
This show is a great choice for anyone with a general interest in trains. Enough operational information to satisfy many veteran Railfans. As one would expect from Trains Magazine.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 