First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago and

Hello railfans!

A long dream of mine has always been to see what railfanning in North America is all about. Having ordered and watched several DVD`s from Classic Chicago Railfanning to Todays Chicago Railroads, Santa Fe mainline memories, New York Central and many more, finally that time has come, me and my girlfriend (also a railfan) will travel to America for the first time on october 18th. This is our planned route. Arrive New york 18th october, leaving for Chicago on The Three Rivers service for Chicago 21th october. Arrive Chicago 22th october, leaving for Los Angeles on The Southwest Chief 25th october Arrive Los Angeles 27th october, end of holiday, leaving for Norway 30th october. So all we have are three days in each of your cities. My question is, where do you recommend taking in the action? I have read on the net some places to go for the Chicago area, please se below.

If you take Walnut Street across the river from 30th street Station, there's a set of stairs on the other side, go down them. You'll be right next to the CSX line...and it's a public park (bike trail) so you wont get in trouble!The area around belmont ave is a good spot just west of 30th st station.also across the river in camden nj pavonia yard has overpasses at 27th and 36th st..27th right over the hump..and i think if you go down state st it crosses the other end of the yard at grade by the engine terminal. But what about New York and Los Angeles?

So, we only have three days to snap photos and film the action. That`s why im trying to get your opinion on where to go. How to get there? Taxi? Train? Amtrak/passenger and looong freight trains, especially those wonderful BNSF warbonnet trains, some large yards, also ofcourse, are on our wish list. Plus we want to get there as easy as possible (subway, Taxi or Bus?) but, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are all big places, Oslo (Norway) is small and tiny (ca 1 million people!!) We don`t want to get into trouble, or ending up in unsecure places to snap photo`s, having seen to many "gangster" films, he he. You know what i mean right? We want to have a good time watching trains, not running from police or drug addicts ) Please, dont misunderstand me, we have the same problems here in my country, don`t mean to be rude or anything.

So, what do you recommend? I know i`m asking alot here, any help will be much appreciated. Kind regards

Thomas & Hilde

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , zachattack, Oct-06-03, 07:21 AM, (1) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Tim Frost, Oct-06-03, 08:58 AM, (2) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, tmaxim, Oct-06-03, 10:25 AM, (3) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Thunderbolt3985, Oct-06-03, 11:24 AM, (4) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Hack, Oct-07-03, 03:45 AM, (10) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, johninchicago, Oct-09-03, 05:43 PM, (21) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Hack, Oct-09-03, 10:29 PM, (23) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, SD40T_2, Oct-10-03, 04:05 AM, (24) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , Interborough, Oct-06-03, 04:45 PM, (5) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, metraRI, Oct-06-03, 04:56 PM, (6) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, The Living End, Oct-07-03, 04:56 PM, (13) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, metraRI, Oct-07-03, 10:51 PM, (15) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, tmaxim, Oct-06-03, 05:08 PM, (7) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, sniper297, Oct-06-03, 11:25 PM, (8) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Interborough, Oct-10-03, 07:52 PM, (25) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, jtr1962, Oct-07-03, 00:18 AM, (9) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , johnward711, Oct-07-03, 12:01 PM, (11) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , Grimace780, Oct-07-03, 03:50 PM, (12) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Thunderbolt3985, Oct-07-03, 05:34 PM, (14) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, tmaxim, Oct-08-03, 03:32 AM, (16) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Hack, Oct-08-03, 06:30 AM, (17) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , darkhorse2, Oct-09-03, 01:25 PM, (18) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , mdeming, Oct-09-03, 01:55 PM, (19) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, Thunderbolt3985, Oct-09-03, 03:10 PM, (20) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago , johninchicago, Oct-09-03, 07:51 PM, (22) RE: First trip to America, Hotspots, New York, Chicago, tmaxim, Oct-17-03, 05:41 AM, (26)

Conferences | Topics | Previous Topic | Next Topic

>Hello railfans!
>
> A long dream of mine has always been to see what
>railfanning in North America is all about. Having ordered
>and watched several DVD`s from Classic Chicago Railfanning
>to Todays Chicago Railroads, Santa Fe mainline memories, New
>York Central and many more, finally that time has come, me
>and my girlfriend (also a railfan) will travel to America
>for the first time on october 18th.
>
> This is our planned route.
>
> Arrive New york 18th october, leaving for Chicago on The
>Three Rivers service for Chicago 21th october.
>
> Arrive Chicago 22th october, leaving for Los Angeles on The
>Southwest Chief 25th october
>
> Arrive Los Angeles 27th october, end of holiday, leaving
>for Norway 30th october.
>
> So all we have are three days in each of your cities.
>
> My question is, where do you recommend taking in the
>action? I have read on the net some places to go for the
>Chicago area, please se below.
>
>If you take Walnut Street across the river from 30th street
>Station, there's a set of stairs on the other side, go down
>them. You'll be right next to the CSX line...and it's a
>public park (bike trail) so you wont get in trouble!
>
>The area around belmont ave is a good spot just west of 30th
>st station.also across the river in camden nj pavonia yard
>has overpasses at 27th and 36th st..27th right over the
>hump..and i think if you go down state st it crosses the
>other end of the yard at grade by the engine terminal.
>
> But what about New York and Los Angeles?
>
>So, we only have three days to snap photos and film the
>action. That`s why im trying to get your opinion on where to
>go. How to get there? Taxi? Train? Amtrak/passenger and
>looong freight trains, especially those wonderful BNSF
>warbonnet trains, some large yards, also ofcourse, are on
>our wish list. Plus we want to get there as easy as possible
>(subway, Taxi or Bus?) but, New York, Chicago and Los
>Angeles are all big places, Oslo (Norway) is small and tiny
>(ca 1 million people!!)
>
>We don`t want to get into trouble, or ending up in unsecure
>places to snap photo`s, having seen to many "gangster"
>films, he he. You know what i mean right? We want to have a
>good time watching trains, not running from police or drug
>addicts ) Please, dont misunderstand me, we have the same
>problems here in my country, don`t mean to be rude or
>anything.
>
> So, what do you recommend? I know i`m asking alot here, any
>help will be much appreciated.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Thomas & Hilde
Wholly... you're up early too! Actually, I think there is a railroad station outside of LA. How do I know? I read there was a really good restaraunt in there. Ruby's, I think it was. Oh well. Falling.... asleep.... on keyboard..... *snore**drip! drip!* *BUZZ!* ow! aw man not again.

_____________________________
-->Zach Lybrand<--
It's the Santa Fe, all the way!
My forums http://b4.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?user=zachattack

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

I would definitely recommend spending some good time on the subways in NYC. Highlights for me where the #7 flushing line, A line to Far Rockaway (pretty at night), E is a good express run with some of the oldest cars in the fleet, the R32 Brightliners, among others. I also liked the ride on the 1 train to South Ferry, the Lexington Ave. Express... ok, fine. I liked it all. There is apparently a good place a few blocks North(?) of Amtrak's Penn Station to watch the non-subway trains go by, but not much frieght there I don't think. You'll have much better luck with freight out near Chicago and Los Angeles I suspect.I was 6 hours late into Chicago and didn't get much time to do anything there, a local will be able to help you better, but you might enjoy the 'racetrack' if you can get directions to it. I know it is accessible by Metra, the local Commuter Railroad.As for LA, if you have time, take the Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink down to Fullerton, or even San Diego (Surfliner is the only through train, no connections) if you want. It's a great ride with gorgeous scenery.Plenty of other railroading around there. In Fullerton, you have a busy mainline with plenty of commuter, Amtrak, and freight action, and in San Diego there is also commuter, Amtrak, freight, and the trolley!Round trip LAX to San Diego is somewhere in the range of $40-$45 per person, I think. Amtrak accepts lots of discounts though if you know about them.If you'd rather stay closer to downtown LA, the Red Line subway is a unique system, and it doesn't take long to ride the whole thing as it's not very big.I certainly hope that helps, and that you enjoy your time here in the USA. Come back soon and often! Take lots of pictures and tell us how it worked out when you come back. Oh and don't mind us here in California. Everyone seems to have lost it lately! Also, the food (especially the coffee, breakfast, and desserts) in the dining car on Amtrak long distance trains is excellent!Tim Frost
NVTA Subway routes for BVE:

The Union Atlantic Railroad: Your stuff's important!

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Hi guys! Zachattack, you still asleep??? Tim Frost Thank you sharing info on this. I have heard and read about the Red Line Subway system, that is on our to do list when we get there. Also been recommended The Pacific Surfliner trip by other friends. You mention Fullerton, how many hours by train from LA is that? Taking the Subway in New York seems a huge task. Just been to Paris, took a while to understand it, we survived it though. But that subway system is tiny in comparisson to NY isn`t it? Found this site http://www.dhke.com/CRJ/ explaining in detail the various hotspots in Chicago, looks nice i tell ya..Goodie goodie Thank you for warning us about the "Californians" Also can`t wait to taste all the great food you got over there. Thanks again

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Yes, while you're in NYC, ride the most rapid subway system in N. America! (But while you're at it you'd mind as well ride the slowest city buses in N. America!) First of all, never, NEVER believe anything you see in those gangster movies you saw! The graffiti covered trains are all gone, and all in all it's on its way to becomeing a safer subway system. You should ride the 7 Train! You may be lucky enough to ride one of the last Redbird trainsets on the system! No, not the stainless-stell ones! Those Tuscan-red ones! Between Hunterspoint Ave. and Queensboro Plaza you'll see the Sunnyside yard where you'll see Amtrack stock and perhaps NJ Transit. Take a subway map from one of the clerks! It'll be an important piece of navigation while you're in the subway! Lastly, don't act like you're from out of town! Hope you enjoy your stay in NYC!MTA Going your way for 100 years. 1904-2004

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Yes, the Surfliner is quite a trip - perhaps the best way to see Southern California by train in a day. Plus both stations (LA and San Diego) are historic landmarks - the former being a joint venture of Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, and Santa Fe, while the latter being pure Santa Fe. While in LA (waiting for the Surfliner or Metrolink to depart), you can take in the sites at LA's Olvera Street - an open-air market and tourist trap, but lots of great things to see do and eat - and you're just on the cusp of downtown for a quick walk towards city hall, a few famous corporate structures, and several great museums.Other areas of interest:LA:
- Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
- Knott's Berry Farm (not as much as Disney, but fun nevertheless)
- Santa Monica and Santa Monica Pier
- Venice Beach (great daytime people watching)
- Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills ($$, but interesting to walk through)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame*
- Grauman's Chinese Theater*
- Sunset Strip*
* very fun and safe, but stay in well lit areas after dark - best times are Friday and Saturday nightsSan Diego:
- Balboa Park (has several train-related activities)
- Balboa Island (tourist stuff, but very clean and safe)
- San Diego Trolley (you jump on at the San Diego station)Hope you have a great trip. Please post a report upon your return. Cheers!
Marc - 3DTrains
http://www.3dtrains.comPro Series SuperPacks

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

>
>San Diego:
>- Balboa Park (has several train-related activities)
>- Balboa Island (tourist stuff, but very clean and safe)
>- San Diego Trolley (you jump on at the San Diego station)
>
>Hope you have a great trip. Please post a report upon your
>return.
>
>Cheers!
>Marc - 3DTrains
>http://www.3dtrains.com
>
>
>
>Pro Series SuperPacks
Oh - please don't forget the San Diego Zoo... arguably the best in the world.

John in Chicago

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

>Oh - please don't forget the San Diego Zoo... arguably the
>best in the world. Oops - forgot about that one! Cheers!
Marc - 3DTrains
http://www.3dtrains.comPro Series SuperPacks

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

what about Sea World? many people come just for That

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Also, there's a good spot to watch trains coming in and out of Penn Station in a parking lot on 31st Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. It overlooks the lead tracks to Amtrak's Pennsylvania Station, the buisiest railroad station in the world. Don't forget to visit the New York Transit Museum at Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn. To get there, take the 2,3,4, or 5 trains to Borough Hall, or the M,N,R, or W trains to Court Street. Exit onto Court Street and walk towards the waterfront. Make a left on Schermerhorn Street, and walk down the block. Go down the subway entrance at Boerum Place and you're there.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm Go to this site. It just might help you find your way around. Purchase a Metrocard, either a pay-per-ride card or an unlimited ride card. A single fare is $2, and tokens are no longer accepted on the subway. If you land at Newark Liberty International Airport, purchase a NJ Transit train ticket once through customs. Go up the escalators to the AirTrain and take it to the Rail Link station. Go through the turstiles and onto the platform for Newark and New York bound trains. New Jersey Tranist trains usually arrive on Track A. Give your ticket to the conductor. Take the train to Penn Station, the last stop. You will be able to see the opening I mention earlier in this post. If you are arriving at Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you can either take a taxi, or take the A train. If AirTrain JFK is open, you can take it to Howard Beach (if the Howard Beach branch is open). The branch to Jamaica LIRR will not be open by the time you arrive. If the AirTrain is not running, take a free shuttle bus to Howard Beach subway station, where you will board an A train to Manhattan. From Euclid Avenue, the train runs express. You might arrive in town in time for the last runs of the redbirds on the 7 line. To get to the 7, go to Times Square (a site you have to see) or Grand Central (another site you have to see). From Grand Central, you can also take Metro North trains up the scenic Hudson line as far north as Poughkeepsie. Trains also run to New Haven and Wassiac (Harlem Line via White Plains). Have fun!

John

Going Your Way for 100 Years. 1904-2004

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

LAST EDITED ON Oct-06-03 AT 05:28 PM (EDT)

While in Chicago don't forget to see those Metra MP36's...They run on BNSF, RI, and Milwaukee lines!

Attachments

http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/3f81dcaf3ad6376c.jpg

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

i would bet that pic was taken on the west end of eola yard in aurora...SG

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

I'm pretty sure it was taken in Eola (was not taken by me). BNSF is the best spot to catch commuter train action...with 94 Metra trains every weekday. Anywhere before Downers Grove is good, after Downers a lot of trains deadhead back downtown to pick up more passengers then run back to Aurora.The two picture below were also taken on BNSF.

Attachments

http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/3f837ae22ac20d37.jpg

http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/3f837b7e2cf22cc0.jpg

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Hi guys! Thunderbolt3985 Actually, when you mention it, (the graffiti) trains. The other day a saw a program on Discovery Channel, Extreme Engineering, building New Yorks future subway. There they also mentioned that nearly all grafitti was gone, and that taking the Subway in NY was safe. Also, Sunnyside yards sounds very good. Will remember adding that to my "to do list". Interborough Grand Central Terminal, absolutely! Times square, oh yes. Will definately go to the parking lot on 31st Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. Busiest station in the world? Holy S... Sounds very good. Yes, we will arrive on Kennedy International Airport (JFK), around seven in the evening. Will try to follow your directions on this. Man,,,, so much to see, so little time.. Thanks again guys.

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

"I have read on the net some places to go for the Chicago area, please se below.If you take Walnut Street across the river from 30th street Station, there's a set of stairs on the other side, go down them. You'll be right next to the CSX line...and it's a public park (bike trail) so you wont get in trouble!The area around belmont ave is a good spot just west of 30th st station.also across the river in camden nj pavonia yard has overpasses at 27th and 36th st..27th right over the hump..and i think if you go down state st it crosses the other end of the yard at grade by the engine terminal."You had me confused with that, there is a Walnut Street and a Belmont Avenue in Chicago on the North Side, and a 30th Street on the South Side, but no connection, and no 30th Street station. "across the river in camden nj", I suspect the city described in all that was actually Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.For Chicago, Illinois (the railroad hub of the universe! ):www.metrarail.com will give info, route maps and schedules for commuter trains.http://metrarail.com/maps.htmlwww.chicago-l.org will give the same for rapid transit elevated and subway trains.

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

The only graffiti left is scratched on the windows of older subway cars (pre-R142). Yes, the subway is very safe, but try to avoid it at night. At nights in October, the only very busy lines are the southbound 4 and D trains, and they are packed from 161st Street all the way south. They run on very short headways. Why just these two trains from that one station (which is not even a terminal)? Well, the other name for that station is Yankee Stadium, and I'll leave it at that. I am pretty sure that you will miss the last redbird, but one trainset is being preserved up at Concourse Yard in the Bronx. If you go to Avenue X on the F train (terminal), you can go right up to the huge Coney Island Mantainance Facility and Yards. Active equiptment at Penn Station is:
Locomotives
Amtrak
HSEL (Acela Express)
HHP8
AEM7
E60
P32ACDM
RTLIII
New Jersey Transit
ALP44
ALP46
Arrow III
Long Island Railroad
M-1
M-3
M-7
DM30AC
Rolling Stock
Amtrak
Heritage Fleet
MHC
Amfleet I
Amfleet II
Horizon fleet
Acela Express
Turboliner (RTLIII)
Viewliner
New Jersey Transit
Comet II
Comet IIM
Comet III
Comet IV
Comet V
Arrow III
Long Island Railroad
M-1
M-3
M-7
Kawasaki Trilevels
If you go during rush hour, you could see all of this, including long distance equiptment. Metro North uses Shorliner II, Shorliner III, M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-6, and P32ACDM out of Grand Central, with FL9s available if needed. If you go to the Danbury Railway Museum (Metro North to Danbury, transfer at South Norwalk or not at all), you will see two FL9s, as well as other equiptment. The FL9 was the first ever dual-mode (diesel-electric/660V third rail electric) locomotive, and the last true F-unit (NH2059 ended F-unit production, although the F designation was carried on to cowl locomotives like the F40) ever built. New York is a fun place to go. During the day, you can go to any one of the parks in New York, but try to stay out of the parks at night. PATH trains run to New Jersey, where you can find Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and the Newark City Subway.

John

Going Your Way for 100 Years. 1904-2004

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Besides touring the subway system, which is a must see, if you want to watch trains go by at speed, take the NJ Transit local from Penn Station to Princeton Junction(about a 1 hour ride). Anytime during the day is good, but the most trains go by during the morning and evening rush hours. Stay there for a few hours before catching the local back to NY. You'll doubtless see plenty of AEM7 or HHP-8 hauled trains, and a couple of Acela expresses. The section of track between New Brunswick and Trenton(Princeton Junction is in between) has very wide curves, and the engineers usually open the throttle along the stretch. Nothing like seeing an AEM-7 go by at 125 to 130 mph with a couple of coaches in tow. First the light in the distance that seems to hang there forever, then a slight perception of motion. Soon you hear the horn blowing. Then almost before you know it it's on top of you in a cacophony of wind and rail noises accompanied by blurring motion. It then recedes in the distance as quickly, "relocating" everything that isn't tied down in it's wake. Unfortunately October is too early to experience this with a layer of snow on the tracks. Add in blizzard effect to all of the above, and you easily have one of the most mind blowing experiences this side of the Atlantic.

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

This site describes the railfanning spots around Chicago. www.dhke.com/CRJ/

john

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

If you are going to be in western Canada at all, I highly recommend two places.Kicking Horse Pass is located near Field, British Columbia, Canada and is rich in rail history. The pass is home to a pair of spiral tunnels that the Canadian Pacific Railway uses to climb what would otherwise be a 4.4% grade. See http://www.bctravel.com/se/field.html for more information. Thre is also a commercial add-on to Train Simulator from Maple Leaf Tracks (http://www.mapleleaftracks.com) that features this area.The high level bridge in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is the highest street car crossing in North America. Edmonton has not used street cars since the 60's, however the Edmonton Radial Railway Society runs a Japanese street car across this bridge between May and September.If you want to know more, feel free to e-mail meCheers,
Gary C.
E-mail: garycameron780 at hotmail dot com
Grande Prairie "The last civilized stop before Alaska," AB
Canada

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Oh yes... One more thing, visit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's official site, http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/ if you're looking for fares, service changes and other info. But if you're looking for a little bit of history, visit www.nycsubway.org has lots of facts and figures on the subway, and lots of photos, too. Look at the R26/R28/R29/R33/R36 so you know what the Redbirds look like. Try to be one of the last that will ride the subway cars that have served New York's IRT for many decades!
OH! I just remembered! The New York City Transit Museum is open, after two years of renovations! http://mta.info/mta/museum/general.htm is where you can get some info! Lots of nostalgia subway equipment there! Again, enjoy your stay in NYC!MTA Going your way for 100 years. 1904-2004

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Hi guys! Hack/MarcWe will definately visit DisneyLand, looking forward to that place.
Santa Monica, Santa Monica pier and Venice beach, wich one with all the rollerblade people?
Sunset strip, sounds interesting. Will have to look it up in our travelers brochure. Will post a report upon our return, promise, with pics included too. The living end/ metraRI You mention enola, is it still one of the largest yards in America?Seem to have heard about this name before and its size. Sniper The links given to me are very useful, thank you. jtr1962 Sounds interesting, might give that one a go since it only takes about an hour to get there. Grimace780

Canada will be visited by me and my girlfriend, however, that lies way ahead of us. I have videos covering some Canadian mountain passes. When seeing your mountains and its nature, it kinda looks like Norway. I think Canada and Norway have some of the same "wild" nature, only you have much more of it Again, thank you guys.

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

>We will definately visit DisneyLand, looking forward to that
>place.
>Santa Monica, Santa Monica pier and Venice beach, wich one
>with all the rollerblade people?Venice Beach.

>Sunset strip, sounds interesting. Will have to look it up in
>our travelers brochure.Some interesting clubs on the strip. I recommend "The Laugh Factory" and the "Wiskey." If you and your girlfriend are into movies, Hollywood Blvd. is only a couple of blocks North of the Strip - this is where Grauman's Chinese Theater is (the place where stars place their hand and foot prints into cement), and right along the Hollywood Walk of Fame (where stars get a "star" on the sidewalk). All great fun. Cheers!
Marc - 3DTrains
http://www.3dtrains.comPro Series SuperPacks

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

these comment were my response to places in PHILADELPHIA PA good luck on your trip its sounds like a lifetime dream!!!!

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

I lived in the Chicago area most of my life, and after moving away I would say make sure you ride the loop, its a great ride. If your there on a weekend Metra has a $5 per person weekend pass, good for anywhere on the system. Also Rochelle, which is about 70 miles west of Chicago is where the UP and the BNSF cross. A few hours at that junction will get you lots of action. Another site in northern Illinois is the Illinois Railway Museum at Union. The IRM has tons of stuff if your a true railfan its a must see.
Mike

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Hey, one more thing, I heard somewhere there's a Union Station somewhere in Downtown LA...MTA Going your way for 100 years. 1904-2004

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Thomas and Hilde - I'm very happy to hear that you are coming to the U.S. and for the excitement in your note. You may know this already, but just in case, I thought it might be good to set your expectations appropriately regarding our passenger trains.It's very sad to say that we don't use trains very much for long distance passenger travel here in the U.S. We seem to be too much in a hurry to get where we are going, and so years ago the Airlines took the bulk of passenger travel away from the railroads. I have been to Europe, many times and have travelled to, within and between most countries in Western Europe. I was always very impressed with the trains and the condition of your railroad infrastructure. We have places here in the U.S. where things are kept up(.e.g., the Northeast Corridor), but in general Amtrak is struggling, and unlike Europe, there isn't much in the way of government funding to help keep the trains up to date, and the infrastructure in the best condition. Coming from Europe, I hope you won't be too disappointed with our passenger trains.I hope you get to see lots of things that bring you fun and make for very happy memories. When you get to Chicago, if you have time, take a trip to the top of the Sears Tower--the building with the highest observation point above the ground in the world. On a clear day, you can see the large classification yards. Quite a sight since they are so huge. Welcome and enjoy your stay,

John in Chicago

Alert | IP

Printer-friendly page | Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

Hello John! Thank you for welcoming us to America. Not long now, 14 hours from now we will be having breakfast in Oslo airport, drink a couple of strong drinks, and then get on the plane. Woohoo! My dad is an engineer on the state railways here in Norway. He is seeing alot of change on the railroads here in Norway. There are plans to privatise/privatize??? Hope it is spelled right. Anyway, The Norwegian State Railways will be up for sale next summer. Companies from england, france and germany have shown interest, however, my dad is not impressed by this. You see, passenger trains, long distance trains especially, are running below budget, forcing our goverment to think in new ways. So they desided to cut down funding, forcing the railways to sell their services to other carriers. Sadly the same is happening here my friend. Roads, Highways always get loads and loads of funding. This makes driving a car more suitable for most people. Yeah, you are right. Seems like people are hurrying alot. Sad, cause i love our trains, heck i love all railroad travel. Been traveling the whole, well almost the entire european continent via rail, and yes, the standard is really good. Seems like intercity passenger travel is the way of the future here in Europe. But not in Scandinavia were im from My hope for the future is this. The highways will eventually become so crowded that people might just give rail passenger trains a second chance. Maybe we will have a new "railroad golden era". Old fallen flags rises from the grave, he he Well, lets just hope that people still know what a passenger train is in the not too distant future. Thanks again. Thomas and Hilde

Alert | IP

[ Home | MSTS Forum | MSTS FAQ | File Library ] Copyright © 2002 by Nels Anderson. All Rights Reserved.