22-12-05 PHOTOS: Elmhurst

The subject for my 2022 Metra express run video would be the Union Pacific (ex-CNW) west line inbound from the Elmhurst station that seems to mark a service zone boundary. This line runs out of the old CNW terminal which I reached after transferring from an inbound Metra Milwaukee District train and includes the CNW Geneva District to a point past Proviso yard. For the sake of simplicity I will be splitting the still photos and videos into two separate posts. The full set of photos can be found here ( mirror ).

After arriving at Union Station a grabbed this photo of gallery cab car #8564 with F40PH-3 #124.

The CNW station was still pretty empty and I made my way to the waiting outbound UP-West Line train on terminal track #3.

Moving through the Metra CNW terminal fuel pad, located on track #1 just past the steam heat plant, while an inbound train moves through the LAKE ST interlocking plant.

Despite the general collapse in Metra ridership, that inbound train was pretty long with the other end spread across CLINTON ST interlocking with F40PH-2 #161 being the only power on the rear.

At Wester Ave (TOWER A-2) a UP district train led by F40PH-3 #145 and a Milwaukee District train led by F59PHI #91 are heading back to their respective yards to lay over between peak periods.

To make the most efficient use of the at-grade crossing, east and westbound UP-West line trains are scheduled to pass at TOWER A-2. To this end the 26R signal was displaying a Clear signal indication for UP-West eastbound track #3 and like clockwork an inbound Metra train appeared with F40PH-2 #173 on the rear.

A short distance later Union Pacific AC4400 #7930 was holding short of KEDZIE interlocking to follow my westbound Metra trains. West of this point the Geneva Sub is a major Union Pacific freight route with trains not bound for Provo Yard being routed southward at KEDZIE to the Global II intermodal facility. KEDZIE tower was closed in the mid-1990's, but the Metra station is still open.

Metra F40PH-2 #156 running like from the California Ave storage yard to the former CNW 40th St enginehouse for fuel and other maintenance. The former CNW commuter services are currently run under contract by Union Pacific, however UP is looking to turn the service completely over to Metra.

CTA 5000-series Green Line train with car #5191 leading at Oak Park. In 1958 the CTA Lake Branch was extended to Harlem Ave to facilitate the closure of several CNW stations.

Metra F40PH-3 #131 making an inbound station stop at Oak Park. Although the reasons are disputed, the CNW was one of the few North American railroads to adopt left-hand running similar to that found in Europe.

Passing the CTA Harlem Yard we find an old Boeing 2400 series train in work service.

Between VALE and 25TH AVE interlockings a short 2-track bottleneck was recently eliminated and we find Metra F59PHI #92 pushing inbound on the new track #1.

Passing the west end of Provo Yard we encountered a UP intermodal train powered by an SD70ACe paired with an AC4400.

Elmhurst is a pretty typical Metra station located in the center of a suburban community that grew up around the rail line. As ridership was recovering from pandemic lows, this was the first day of a new schedule with 8 additional peak period round trips. The new schedule was causing some confusion as a mystery local train showed up at the time of our planned inbound express, but it turned out everything was running 10-15 minutes late.

Remember AC4400 #7930 from earlier? Well it caught up with me at Elmhurst with SD70ACe #8453 now identifiable as the second unit.

Next up was a special movement consisting of UPY GP15-1 #728 towing a lone METRA 6000 series gallery car somewhere for repair. It got into a little race with Metra F40PH-3 #147 that was departing the station.

My intended express train was next to arrive with cab car #8453 leading 8 other gallery cars.

Jumping back to KEDZIE, the track 2 bracket signal is displaying a Restricting indication because the train has been routed over the #13 switch instead of the 40mph #1 switch. East of KEDZIE the UP-West route reverts to the CNW era single direction ABS configuration with tracks 1 and 3 eastbound and 2 and 4 westbound. The 1990's KEDZIE rebuild manages the transition from 3 bi-directional tracks to the interleaved single direction tracks.

At TOWER A-2 passing two CNW yard moves, one with F40PH-3 #140, and a Milwaukee District train with F40PH-3 #131.

Coming full circle at LAKE ST with a lineup right back into track #3.

My luck seemed to hold up with Metra CNW heritage unit F59PHI #90 on track #4. Also pictured is Metra F40PH-3 #127 on track #2.

Unfortunately by the time I was able to walk down to the end of the platform, CNW #90 had pulled up to the fuel pad with F40PH-3 #137.

With a looming flight out of ORD and now sure how long the CNW would take to fuel I aborted the photo op and proceeded to the CTA Clin-ton Green Line station only to find that #90 had returned!

Other Metra F40PH-3's getting their daily dose of diesel included #137 and #139 along with F40PH-2 #157. The operations at LAKE ST are absolutely insane and is a big reason the tower is still staffed and retains the original 1911 interlocking machine.

Wrapped CTA 5000-series car #5044 on an outbound Pink Line routing at Clinton along with #5093 on an outbound Green.

CTA #5013 at Clinton and #5016 at State/Lake.

Last photo of the day, 3200 series car #3394 at Washington.

Hope you enjoyed the trip. Stay tuned for the inbound UP-West express video post.