Railfanning The Union Pacific Geneva Subdivision, Wheaton, IL. 8-11-09.

Me, Larry, Colin, Dan, and Andrew all went out to Wheaton. We started on the bridge West of the station and finished at the station.

12:03AM-
A UP ACE leads this container intermodal West and the engineer gives a few honks. DPUs have been pretty common on UP intermodal trains lately.
UP SD70ACe #8643
UP SD70M #4538
UP SD70M #4113
UP ES44AC #7351

12:13PM-
A manifest and container intermodal all with EMD power meet at the sweeping curve with one going West, the other East. Also note that #270 is the lowest numbered unit on the entire UP roster!
UP SD70M #4802
UP SD70M #5152
UP SD70M #4724
UP SD70M #5131
UP SD70M #4544

UP SD70M #4415
UP SD70M #5107
UP GP38-2 #279

Metra 31 departs Wheaton Station and quickly gains speed as it heads West.
F40PH-2 #173


1:03PM-
Metra 48 arrives into Wheaton over 7 minutes late. Despite it's tardiness, the engineer gives us a shave and a haircut.
Cab Car #8403
F40PH-2 #132

1:25PM-
This UP manifest rounds the curve with a bunch of steel loads up front.
UP SD70M #5188
UP SD70M #4341

1:32PM-
Metra 33 arrives on time into Wheaton Station.
F40PH-2 #148

Metra 50 arrives two minutes early with Cab Car #8428 leading.
F40PH-2 #173

2:09PM-
A monsterous lash-up shows up with an awesome crew on board.
UP SD70M #4585
UP SD70M #5055
UP SD70M #4877
UP SD70M #5013
UP GP15AC #740
UP AC4400CW #7192
UP AC4400CW #6802
UP AC4400CW #5902

2:13PM-
The Z-Train known as "The Bird' rounds the bend. This is probably the hottest Westbound on the line.
UP SD70M #4179
UP SD70M #3941
UP SD70M #4071

2:26PM-
Another manifest heads East with a Geep trailing 3rd out.
UP AC4400CW #7166
UP SD70M #4052
UP AC4400CW #6333
UP GP38-2 #1078

2:36PM-
Metra 35 rolls in with an old smoothside car in the consist.
F40PH-2 #143

2:53PM-
A manifest takes the close main with the usual power.
UP AC4400CW #6883
UP SD70M #5023
UP C40-8W #9531

Metra 52 arrives with Cab Car 8456 leading.
F40PH-2 #148

(c) 9th Street Productions.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Union
• Pacific
• UP
• West
• Chicago
• Wheaton
• Melrose
• Park
• Berkeley
• Elmhurst
• River
• Forest
• Geneva
• Subdivision
• Proviso
• Global
• Intermodal
• Railroad
• Train
• Foamer
• Railfan

[trcekl]

Why is the locomotion at the conclusion of the passenger train (1:50 or 4:50)?

[BoxcarFrank]

Because the train is pulled out of Chicago and pushed into Chicago. When it is pushed, the crew operates the locomotive from the front passenger car which doubles as a cab control car. Just makes it easier so there is no need for a second engine or turning and wying of the engines.

[irelandbloke]

Wonderful

[lonleyinosky]

UP sure seems to use lots of locos on the head end in this area! I have rail fanned in Fremont, NE and typically only see maybe 2 units head end and one on the rear. Working on the Ottumwa, IA subdivision for BNSF, 2 in lead is the standard pretty much.

[44skillet]

What is rail fanning? I don't know alot about railroading , only have worked on the tracks setting rail and tamping

[NolanBrooks22694]

If you're a rail enthusiast under 18, like this. We're a dying breed. =(

[BTCRAIL101FILMS]

0:08-0:12 Is weird but yet awesome!! Nice catchs!!

[TEMAOHI2787]

UP RULES!!!!

[USMCnBNSFdude]

they sure use a lot of EMD locomotives (SD70, SD70Ace) on the Geneva don't they? All I see here in San Antonio is AC4400s.

[benschlechter]

I wish passenger service were restored to east tennessee.

[Rocketboy1950]

Dam I envy you guys having this kind of traffic on your front door step. I have to drive 600 miles to get anything like it. This is great stuff.