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| Title: |
LTEX 1434 |
| Description: |
And just like that, the much anticipated trip of the year was finally here. I am an assistant director with our churchs youth group, and this past summer, I was invited to attend the Higher Things Conference at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, NE as a chaperone for our youth group. For all of those who are unaware, Higher Things is a set of 3 conferences held every year bringing LCMS Lutheran Youth from all across the US to learn, worship, and grow in Christs Word and Sacraments. Originally, I was supposed to drive our youth group out there in a rental van. But, that later became an impossible option. So, I got the greenlight to go out there myself and meet them. And you cant travel that far without getting some trains here and there! Originally, I was just going to watch trains heading back home from the conference. But, thanks to hernia surgery in June, I was on an extended leave from work that would be coming to an end once I got home from the conference, so I was able to plug in some days of train watching before the conference as well. Early (about 4 AM early) in the morning on the Fourth of July, I set out and began my 15 day journey to Seward and back. I had three days of trains before the conference and another seven afterwards to watch trains for the whole day, and I had plenty of stops in mind. The goal for the first few days was to follow the UP Overland Route, then after the conference to stay solely on the ex-Burlington Ravenna, Creston, Ottumwa, and Mendota Subdivisions. With Rochelle as my overlay point on the first day, I knew I would have a little time to kill here and there grabbing some trains on my way west and north to the UP. Daylight began to break once I hit Rochester. So, I made a quick pitstop to photograph the Rochester and Erie GP15. All is quiet now, but they would be working later in the day in town. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 8:34:27 AM |
| Location: |
Rochester, IN |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
LTEX 1434(GP15-1) |
| Views: |
188 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
LTEX 1434 |
| Description: |
A front shot of the GP15. Westward we continue! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 8:35:07 AM |
| Location: |
Rochester, IN |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
LTEX 1434(GP15-1) |
| Views: |
181 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
CN 2785 |
| Description: |
With nothing on the Monon, I filled up with gas at the TA Travel Center along I65 in Roselawn before continuing west. A quick look at Amtrak Status Maps showed me that the northbound City of New Orleans was running a bit behind, so the CN was my next target. Once I crossed into Illinois, all was quiet on the UP/CSX Joint Line, so I continued west to CN. Maps had me going south of Peotone, but I decided Peotone would be a good shot for Amtrak passing the small IC depot there. Minutes after arriving, a headlight greeted me to the south. However, it was not Amtrak. Rather, it was the daily hotshot intermodal CN Z195, with an ex-CITIRAIL leader nonetheless. The trip is starting off well! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 12:28:45 PM |
| Location: |
Peotone, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
CN 2785(ES44AC) |
| Views: |
160 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
AMTK 50 |
| Description: |
Moving to the other side of the tracks, I waited about another half hour for AMTK 58, the City of New Orleans, to race by, doing all of 79 MPH track speed. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 12:29:57 PM |
| Location: |
Peotone, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
AMTK 50(P42DC) |
| Views: |
154 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
IDTX 4611 |
| Description: |
With The City of New Orleans gone and no sign of anymore CN traffic, it was time to continue westward. The next railroad that I would be crossing would be the ex-GMO in Wilmington, IL and another quick check of Amtrak Status Maps showed that I had not one, but two Amtrak Lincoln Service trains coming; AMTK 300 northbound and AMTK 301 southbound. My northbound Amtrak was very close, and I was sure I wasnt going to make it. But, I attempted to anyway. Twelve miles and about 17 minutes later I was sure I had missed the train as I pulled up to the Kankakee River Drive crossing. But, to my surprise, the signal was still lit green, and not even 10 seconds after I got there, the gates came down, and the train came charging through. Im having some pretty good luck today! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 4:40:29 PM |
| Location: |
Wilmington, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
IDTX 4611(SC-44) |
| Views: |
141 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
IDTX 4615 |
| Description: |
After meeting AMTK 300 at Joliet, AMTK 301 was underway again southbound. I found a nice bridge scene right off of Kankakee Road in town and set up shop there. About 10 minutes later, the train came rushing south. Unfortunately, I heard a train on the nearby BNSF Transcon as well go by. Oh well. Cant win them all. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 4:42:15 PM |
| Location: |
Wilmington, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
IDTX 4615(SC-44) |
| Views: |
169 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 6679 |
| Description: |
The next closest train on the Transcon was an eastbound Z train clear out by Wilbern. And since I knew Id be back to the Transcon by the end of the trip and with plans to try to get to the UP around noon, I decided to keep moving on. While it probably would have made more sense to drive through Chicago to get to the UP to most people, I was on no time limit, and I hate Chicago traffic, which was why I opted to come this direction. Westward to IL 47 then north. Once I hit Yorkville, I noticed I had an eastbound Z train and a westbound sand train on the BNSF Mendota Sub. Unfortunately, I missed the sand train by about 5 minutes, but the Z train was pretty catchable. So, I tracked about a mile to the east and grabbed Z-DENCHC3-3 splitting the crossover signals there. Would be awesome if these were still Burlington era searchlights, but I guess the Vaders will die soon too. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 4:51:05 PM |
| Location: |
Bristol, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 6679(ES44C4) |
| Views: |
123 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 8825 |
| Description: |
Unfortunately, I had missed a train on the BNSF ex- C&I through Sugar Grove. It was either shoot the train on the Mendota Side or the Aurora Side, and I was already parked along the Mendota Side, so it only made sense. So, next stop was my final goal of the UP Geneva Sub at Elburn. Right when I got into town, the defect detector at Cortland notified me of an eastbound train. I drove over to the Metra station and thats where I grabbed UP MNPCH, finally making its way into the Chicago metropolitan area. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 4:54:28 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 8825(SD70AH) |
| Views: |
153 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
METX 132 |
| Description: |
Unfortunately, the PSR way of running a railroad has really killed off traffic levels on the Geneva Sub in recent years, and I knew there was nothing else anywhere close. With it being a holiday, Metra was also running on their weekend schedule. But, since I had nothing better to do, I decided to wait another hour for the next inbound. Right on time, Metra 503 rolled into the station with one of the new scheme F40PH units on the front. Love that these are still being used regularly! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:16:12 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
METX 132(F40PH) |
| Views: |
133 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
METX 132 |
| Description: |
Elburn is the final stop for Metra trains on the Geneva Sub before they head back toward Chicago. So, the station stops there are about 15 minutes. The F40s are known for smoking pretty badly, and this one was no exception as the train began its trek back toward Union Station. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:17:30 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
METX 132(F40PH) |
| Views: |
140 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
METX 132 |
| Description: |
This one really let it go under the Elburn crossovers! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:18:12 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
METX 132(F40PH) |
| Views: |
122 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
METX 145 and METX 138 |
| Description: |
Since today Metra was running on a weekend schedule, there was plenty of power sitting around in the yard, including a number of original blue F40s. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:19:29 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
METX 145(F40PH) METX 138(F40PH) |
| Views: |
151 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
METX 158 |
| Description: |
Another set sits a little further behind the double header. Usually, I would grab a shot of all the unused sets for the day sitting underneath the Anderson Road overpass. But, an Elburn cop followed me out of the station, and all around town for that matter. So, that was my sign to leave. Next time. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:21:11 PM |
| Location: |
Elburn, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
METX 158(F40PH) |
| Views: |
145 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7101 |
| Description: |
All that waiting had finally paid off and I had some freight traffic headed my way again once I began working west again. Thanks to help from the railcam in Rochelle and other fans sitting along the tracks nearby, I was able to track down eastbound UP ZLTG2 at Maple Park. I was hoping to make it to Cortland, but with Z trains, you dont take chances. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:26:45 PM |
| Location: |
Maple Park, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7101(AC44CW) |
| Views: |
152 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 1145 |
| Description: |
Following the ZLTG2 was the MG3G3. This train is usually dominated by SD70Ms, but today, a GP60 was along for the ride, and was leading todays eastbound. Unfortunately, it had no cars leaving Rochelle, which was a little bit of a bummer. So, I tried to think of a good place to get a nice roster shot of the power. The big grain elevator at Meredith proved to be a good location for that. I was worried about the Z train being too fast for me. Well, apparently the locals are trains to be reckoned with too, as it hit the defect detector going almost 70 MPH. I suppose you can do things like that in an engine with no PTC or TO. And, without a doubt, they were doing that by me. Neat! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:34:13 PM |
| Location: |
Meredith, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 1145(GP60) |
| Views: |
159 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
NS 9839 |
| Description: |
One definite stopping location that I had in mind for the day was in Dekalb to grab a train underneath the coaling tower. After the Z train and the local, things went quiet again. But, there was all sorts of talk on the railcam chat that there was a UP MNPPR out there with NS power on the front. Living along NS, that really was in no way special to me. But, to the people out here, it is a treat. An unrebuilt Dash 9 was also on the front, which made the train a little bit more "special" to some, as the final groups of Dash 9s are heading for the AC44C6M rebuild program. I went back and tucked myself in near the coaling tower, and sure enough, my next train to come was the MNPPR with the NS power. Even though it isnt all that special to me, it probably will be the last time I get a NS Dash 9 under the coaling tower. So, in a way, it is sort of special. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:53:52 PM |
| Location: |
DeKalb, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
NS 9839(C44-9W) |
| Views: |
149 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 5953 |
| Description: |
I was alerted that I had three westbounds all back to back to back out of Chicago, and no sooner did I move from the coaling tower before I heard the first of them give a highball to my eastbound. A quick drive down to the station and I grabbed UP MCHNP passing the other CNW relic here in town with a four pack of GE products. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 5:57:20 PM |
| Location: |
DeKalb, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 5953(AC44CWCTE) |
| Views: |
109 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 4219 |
| Description: |
After the freight I had a choice; I could move west along the UP and catch my next two westbounds at Malta and Cortland, or I could move into Rochelle, and catch a number of BNSF trains all converging into town at that moment. It looked like those would be my final BNSF trains of the whole day if I didnt. So, I caved and skipped out on Malta and Cortland to try to catch the BNSF trains. My first one was already going south through Rochelle when I came into town, so I jumped onto I39 and raced it south to Steward where I grabbed it exiting the double track by the elevator on the northwest side of town. Z-SSECHC3-01 works its way toward Chicago. One of the many Chicago/Seattle Z trains that traverse the Aurora Sub. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:18:48 PM |
| Location: |
Steward, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 4219(ES44C4) |
| Views: |
133 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 7807 |
| Description: |
Quickly working into Rochelle, I stopped again at the First Avenue crossing where I grabbed H-GFDBRC1-03, quickly catching up with the Z train ahead of it. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:20:09 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 7807(ES44DC) |
| Views: |
122 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
CSX 7508 |
| Description: |
A rebuiolt CSX CM44AC trails 2nd. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:20:58 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
CSX 7508(CM44AC) |
| Views: |
166 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 8013 |
| Description: |
BNSF 8013 brings up the rear of H-GFDBRC1-03. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:26:25 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 8013(ES44C4) |
| Views: |
133 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7963 |
| Description: |
Almost as soon as the BNSF train was off the diamond, UP ZLCG2 got their light across. With no place to pull off at Caron Road, I was forced to head back east to try to nab the train. It quickly began to gain speed as it left town. So, I diverted off onto Dement Road and nabbed it from the overpass there. Thankfully, there was no traffic behind me. Otherwise, this would have been a miss. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:28:47 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7963(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
157 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 3887 |
| Description: |
Back into Rochelle for another BNSF, this time westbound Z-CHCSSE6-04 with a trio of orange GEs up front. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:35:42 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 3887(ET44C4) |
| Views: |
135 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 4102 |
| Description: |
And another two on the rear, with the outside one seeming to be having a bit of an identity crisis. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:36:18 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 4102(C44-9W) |
| Views: |
133 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 8530 |
| Description: |
With the BNSF action for the most part done, I decided to work back east to Creston. The rest of my westbound UP moves had not shown yet, as apparently UP ZG2BRB was having issues in Dekalb. Which made it easy to me to work back into Creston. So, I planted myself trackside by the grain elevator and waited. And, as I feared would happen, the train stabbed me doing all of 70 MPH through town. Not the best shot, but at least I got one. Whatever issues the train was having had obviously been resolved. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:41:46 PM |
| Location: |
Creston, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 8530(SD70ACe) |
| Views: |
120 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7429 |
| Description: |
Two more UP units bring up the rear of ZG2BRB. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:43:23 PM |
| Location: |
Creston, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7429(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
114 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 3907 |
| Description: |
And with that, I had just enough time to check into my hotel room at the Comfort Inn in town. A quick check in and putting the essentials into my room before I had to go right back out for another BNSF eastbound, this time Q-SSECHC1-30, which I barely beat to the Washington Street crossing. Still havent missed a train...yet. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:46:08 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 3907(ET44C4) |
| Views: |
110 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 5036 |
| Description: |
Sitting outside of town waiting for the BNSF train was MG3G3 returning to Global 3. Once they had the light in, I grabbed them passing the station, now with just both SD70Ms, but at least this time it had cars. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 6:56:24 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 5036(SD70M) |
| Views: |
143 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 9035 |
| Description: |
I decided to quick go grab some supper at Arbys and when I was heading back, I had an eastbound Z train going through town. I tried to race it out of town, but at the same time, westbound MPRNP was also coming into town. Well, I suppose I had gotten this far in the day, I was probably due to miss a train. The MPRNP would be better lit anyway, so I worked to the west side of the diamond and shot it slowly pulling into Global 3. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:04:22 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 9035(SD70AH) |
| Views: |
129 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 8168 |
| Description: |
With daylight beginning to fade on the day, I decided to spend the remainder of the day at the park. Being a holiday, I wasnt surprised to see a number of fans there. But, since shadows were pretty much casted on the tracks everywhere else, I figured it was as good as any other place in town. Believe it or not, MPRNP was pulling into the yard slowly enough that I managed to get to the park crossing right as the rear DP crossed the road. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:17:06 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 8168(ES44AC-H) |
| Views: |
179 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7614 |
| Description: |
Once MPRNP ducked in, AMICX got the light out of G3. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:18:38 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7614(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
128 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7917 |
| Description: |
While the view of the station is a bit obstructed for an eastbound move, I decided I did want an eastbound by it, and as soon as AMICX was out, ITAG4 got their light right away to follow them. Now I had the station from both sides. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:19:54 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7917(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
141 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 5551 |
| Description: |
Back to the park where ZBRG2B snuck up on me. The friendly engineer stepped out of the cab to wave at me at the many other fans here. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:21:17 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 5551(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
137 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
WF Printing Hall 5 |
| Description: |
The WF Printing Hall centercab and CNW searchlight still sit on display in the park. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:22:58 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
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| Views: |
140 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 7233 |
| Description: |
I had thought the BNSF action for the day would be over after the Q train, but an eastbound Z train and a westbound H train were both converging in on town, both looking like they would make it before it got too dark outside. About 15 minutes after the Z train on UP, BNSF Z-SSECHC2-02 rolled through with a four pack of GEs up front. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:24:30 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 7233(ES44DC) |
| Views: |
124 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 6173 |
| Description: |
As soon as The Z train on BNSF cleared, UP IG4SE got the light into Global 3 to do their work. |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:28:41 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 6173(AC4400CWM) |
| Views: |
160 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 7944 |
| Description: |
The sun was almost down, but the other BNSF train had yet to go through. IG4SE ended up stopping over the diamond, so I knew the only way I would see my BNSF train in daylight would be if I went to go find it. So, I went east and sure enough, H-NSINTW1-04 was parked patiently waiting its turn across the diamond along the industrial park road. And with that, Day 1 of the trip was complete. A total of 24 trains for the day from four railroads. Not bad! I went back to my hotel room for a good nights rest, and a drive to the Quads the next day. I was hoping Rochelle would be having their fireworks display that evening, but unfortunately theirs was scheduled for the following evening. Would have been a great way to cap off the evening, but oh well. Very happy with how today went, and I was looking forward to an even better day the next day! |
| Photo Date: |
7/4/2025 Upload Date: 8/31/2025 7:32:23 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 7944(ES44C4) |
| Views: |
150 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 784 |
| Description: |
I awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and quickly began Day 2. A quick breakfast downstairs in the hotel lobby and check-out and I was on the road again. I think I was a little more raring and ready than the trains were this morning, however, as both UP and BNSF were dead as a doorknob. So, it was a no brainer to head down to the BNSF shack and check out the local power that was being used on the R-CHI462. Just like NS, BNSF has seemed to begun getting accustomed to using larger GE power on the locals, as was the case with today. However, this pair of GEs was quite a bit more welcome than the usual H3 GEVOs, consisting of a pair of Dash 9s; one in Fakebonnet and one in H1 paint. Unfortunately, being a Saturday, I knew my chances of them running were low. And I was right, as there was no one at the office when I swung by. But, that made it perfect for roster shots. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:35:00 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 784(C44-9W) |
| Views: |
158 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BN Caboose |
| Description: |
Along with the two neat GEs, the BN caboose was also staged with the power. That would have made for a pretty sick train if it was moving! |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:37:09 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Views: |
131 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
BNSF 1089 |
| Description: |
BNSF 1089 accompanied with the Fakebonnet. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:36:17 PM |
| Location: |
Rochelle, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
BNSF 1089(C44-9W) |
| Views: |
129 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 4656 |
| Description: |
With everything quiet, it was time to bid Rochelle goodbye and continue my journey westward. I wanted to take a quick glance at the west end of Global 3 to see if I could spot one of the pulldown jobs working. When I arrived, there was no pulldown working to my east, but there was a headlight to my west. Bingo! I quick pulled over and nabbed my first moving train of the day, UP MMTPR, slowly pulling into G3 with a nice consist of mostly EMD motors passing the large grain elevator in nearby Flagg. Along with the train, I also met another railfan up here who was also from the Fort Wayne area. What a coincidence! We had a nice chat before I continued on my way. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:41:01 PM |
| Location: |
Flagg, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 4656(SD70M) |
| Views: |
141 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 1680 |
| Description: |
UP 1680 trails 2nd of 4 on MMTPR. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:41:30 PM |
| Location: |
Flagg, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 1680(SD40N) |
| Views: |
198 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
NS 4707 |
| Description: |
Once the MMTPR had pulled in, a quick look to the east and I noticed a headlight far off departing Rochelle. I knew that that would be a good train to nab by the elevator in Ashton, so I began hustling that direction. Once I got into Ashton, I noticed that the gates were beginning to go down already. I knew I was well out ahead of my westbound, so I was unsure of what was going on. Once I pulled over I noticed that the gates had been tripped for an oncoming eastbound, which was moving pretty quick. I hopped out of the car and ran as fast as I could to get somewhat of a frame, but, it didnt work out the way I had hoped. If I would have known this train was coming, I would have chosen the next crossing to the east. Oh well, you cant win them all. I never did get a symbol to this ethanol train, but I would suspect it was bound for NS rails in Chicago given the leader. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:44:35 PM |
| Location: |
Ashton, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Locomotives: |
NS 4707(AC44C6M) |
| Views: |
173 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7116 |
| Description: |
Now since I had a shot in Ashton, I decided to move further to the west to nab my westbound. No sooner had I landed in Franklin Grove before UP CWSNA rumbled into town with one of only a handful of unrebuilt AC4400CWs left on the roster. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:47:38 PM |
| Location: |
Franklin Grove, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7116(AC44CW) |
| Views: |
148 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 6339 |
| Description: |
UP 6339 brought up the bottom of the CWSNA |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:48:17 PM |
| Location: |
Franklin Grove, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 6339(AC44CW) |
| Views: |
132 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7986 |
| Description: |
I only made it as far as gap road before I noticed that the intermediate signals a half mile further to the west had still not gone out, and Track 2s signal was still red. So, I had an eastbound coming, and with the way that ethanol train had snuck up on me earlier I decided I wasnt going to take any chances with it. No more than 5 minutes later did I hear a horn, and here came UP CNAOK eastbound. Plenty of extras out there today! |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 9:50:37 PM |
| Location: |
Franklin Grove, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7986(AC45CCTE) |
| Views: |
157 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 8954 |
| Description: |
UP 8954 brings up the rear of CNAOK. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 10:02:01 PM |
| Location: |
Franklin Grove, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 8954(SD70AH) |
| Views: |
127 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 7116 |
| Description: |
To my surprise, when I rolled into Nachusa, the CWSNA was just starting up from a stop. Apparently, the Gevena Sub was down to one track between there and Sterling thanks to a major tie project ongoing in Nelson. Nelson was a spot I definitely wanted to get a train in today, so I knew by best chances of getting one especially with the railroad down to one track was with this train I had already seen. Sure enough, Nelson was bustling with MOW action, which to me, is almost as interesting as the trains themselves. A speed restriction in place allowed me to get ahead of the train enough to get parked and ready for it. But, I also didnt want to intrude or overstay my welcome with that many employees around, which ended up resulting in not my best work done at Nelson, but it was a train under the coaling tower nonetheless. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 10:05:36 PM |
| Location: |
Nelson, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 7116(AC44CW) |
| Views: |
125 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP 6339 |
| Description: |
While the headend might not have been that great, the DPU shot was just what I wanted! |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 10:06:20 PM |
| Location: |
Nelson, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
| Categories: |
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| Locomotives: |
UP 6339(AC44CW) |
| Views: |
122 Comments: 0 |
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| Title: |
UP MOW Van |
| Description: |
Cant say Ive every seen a UP MOW White Van before. Thought it was pretty neat. |
| Photo Date: |
7/5/2025 Upload Date: 9/2/2025 10:07:01 PM |
| Location: |
Nelson, IL |
| Author: |
Jacob Werling |
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| Views: |
136 Comments: 0 |
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