Once again it is time for a special video post. Typically when my efforts at still photography are being hampered by backlighting or inclement weather, I break out the old GoPro and stick it up on the back window to salvage something from an otherwise sub-optimal situation. In this case I was presented with an opportunity to document the Chicago Line approach into Chicago on Amtrak's Train 29, the Capitol Limited. Later in the day I got some better lighting conditions outbound on the Metra Heritage Corridor onboard Amtrak's Train 21, the Texas Eagle.
The first video covers the segment between CP-479 and CP-500, which covers the famous Porter Junction where the Amtrak Michigan Line diverges at CP-482. Over the past 10 years NS has invested heavily in this stretch to increase capacity for the Wolverine Service passenger trains that use the Chicago Line between 21ST ST and CP-482. This includes a new CP-485, a relocated CP-490 connected to a new CP-492 with a new controlled siding, a new CP-494 and a new CP-500. For this one the NS dispatchers did a pretty good job of routing my train around numerous westbound freights.
The next video covers the segment between CP-501 and CP-ENGLEWOOD. Notable parts include the now closed HICK tower, a fully signaled third track between HICK and CP-509, a westbound NS freight crossing into yard tracks at CP-506, a new full crossover equipped CP-507, two NS freights waiting for a CSX train to pass through the second track on the CP-509 lift bridge and the new METRA flyover at CP-ENGLEWOOD that eliminated a 3x2 set of diamonds.
The last Capitol Limited video covers the final segment between CP-ENGLEWOOD and the South Branch Bridge at 21ST ST crossing. Note the partly green painted GP33ECOs in the NS 47th St Yard, which were rebuilt as lower emissions locomotives with money from a Federal grant. Most NS traffic turns off at CP-518 and then travels to various yards via the old PRR Panhandle/B&OCT route through the Brighton Park and Ash St crossings. The 21ST ST crossing involves the former Alton railroad, later a part of the GM&O, Illinois Central Gulf and ultimately Canadian National.
It is to the former Alton route that my last video takes us, with the video starting right before BRIDGEPORT interlocking with a CTA train running parallel on the Orange Line. Amtrak Train 21, the Texas Eagle, crosses at grade the 5 tracks at BRIGHTON PARK, then 3 more Santa Fe tracks at CORWITH, two Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at BELT JCT and finally another two Indiana Harbor Belt tracks at ARGO. Along the way Train 21 passes a CN local with a Grand Truck painted Geep and some MoW work around Lockport before finally ending up at the rebuilt Joliet Union Station.
Tune in next week as we head back to Chicago for some various Chicago Union Terminal photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment