THE GREGARIOUS RAILFAN

Railfanning fact sheet for Western Springs

Western Springs, IL 60558 (population, 12,989)

GPS: N 41.80905, W 87.90045

Scanner: BNSF 161.100, 161.160

Description: Western Springs, IL is located on the Metra BNSF line, the busy BNSF triple track “Racetrack”.  It is a great location if you want to be close to the action and still view trains from your car.  It is about a half hour Metra ride to Union Station with stops at a few other good railfan locations. As with all of the locations on ‘the Racetrack”, there is a heavy mix of BNSF through freights and Metra Commuter trains.  The Station is open most of the day and provides restrooms and shelter during inclement weather.

Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 135+ includes 74 Metra, and 6 Amtrak (including The Southwest Chief) and approximately 55 full length BNSF freight trains.

Nearby RR stuff: Other nearby Metra stops

Other interesting or fun stuff:  The World Famous Brookfield Zoo is located in nearby Brookfield,  Within walking distance of the Hollywood Metra stop.

Gregariousness quotient: Low (Not many railfans congregate, and commuters always have their own agenda.)

Local breakfast:  Kirschbaum’s Bakery, ½ block east of the Metra station, on Burlington Ave. has some of the world’s finest pastries and goodies. They sell out early and close early in the day. (closed Sunday & Monday)

Ice Cream: Oberweis Dairy at 929 Burlington, just west of the station is an old Fashioned Dairy bar.

Local Pub and grub: Many fine places in nearby LaGrange.

Personal observations: One of my favorite places to railfan.

“Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.” - Francis Bacon

Denver Todd is The Gregarious Railfan

Todd Sestero publishes the RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.

December 2014

WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT, PLEASE SEND US YOUR ADDITIONS, CRITICISMS, AND SPECIALLY CORRECTIONS., But please be gentle, this is just a hobby and we are amateurs.

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