Thank you, Sir! Welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it. I try to do a few videos a week and some shorts here and there. Always open to input. Again, welcome aboard.
I've been there before very interesting relaxing place to watch trains on a nice summer day. I'll have to go there again next time I'm in Chicago. When I don't have any time constrains. Maybe that ghost 👻 will show up in the evening. Have a great day everyone
Thank you. And definitely. It's a ways from the city, but well worth it. Metra's Rock Island Line train will take you straight there from downtown Chicago. I finally came across the Lumenaura train on BNSF. It's in a video I'll have up in a few days. Nothing too impressive from the outside (just some lights) but I guess it's impressive inside.
I've never been super familiar with the HC. I live near the BNSF. Do heritage trains ever just reverse and head back to the city? Or do they always cross the diamond and go to the yard?
I remember watching trains here as a kid. It's sad they don't use the old station anymore. Was fun watching (and listening) to Metra roll across all those diamonds.
I didn't move to this area until 2000 and I hear all these stories about the Rock Island trains going back and forth. Bygone eras. For what it's worth, the station is nicely preserved as a banquet hall and it appears there is a restaurant/bar in the lower level. At least they didn't tear it down.
I liked your video very interesting. A long time ago I used to go to the movies downtown and I would walk the tracks in the direction of home I lived on garnsey ave. That was 50 years ago. Moved away 30 plus years ago best thing I ever did after seeing that area know.
I haven't been to JUSto watch trainz in probably 8 years or so. I keep saying I'll go down there again, but when the rare opportunity to go out comes i usually choose elsewhere.
Maybe not of that much interest to you but the first on top container of the UP train at 22:37 was a now very rare becoming MOL container with the famous crocodile logo. They will all become pink ONE ones. Great catch for me to watch!
The only time I've visited the US was to drive R66 in 2000. We stopped here for a couple of nights and did a bit of train photographing here. One thing that stood out was passengers walking across the tracks and boarding the southbound Amtrak from the tracks while a northbound freight waited South of the crossing. Coming from the UK where they essentially shut down the railway and have the police out at the slightest hint of someone on the tracks, that was a bit of a shocker. Oh, and the peak hour only commuter service. But an interesting place to while away an hour or two. We also stopped at Cajon Pass and Barstow yard. You might not do passenger rail well, but the freight is something else!
So far I've only shot this one in Joliet, the CN/UP in West Chicago and Spaulding (CN/CP) in Bartlett. If you look through my videos for either of those two other ones there should be some diamond action in them.
I actually realized that after the video was up. I had forgotten about that yard just east of there. Thanks, though. Not very familiar with HC and RID and how they roll.
I was always curious about where they kept the Heritage Corridor ''Dinky's'' in the evening, it never occurred to me that they would pass south of the diamonds and then back them into the Rock Island line yard for the night.....and they must repeat that move in the morning for their runs INTO the city. Great video.
I don't think so. I didn't notice that until I was at home editing. Next time I'm out there I plan to see if they're still moving and let someone know just in case.
@@TitanTrainSpotter It looks very similar to a shoving platform. But seems a lot longer than the others I have seen. Maybe it's the angle that makes it look longer. A shoving platform is used for longer back up moves where an employee would have to protect the shove. For their safety and to save company money they use this platform. I'm not sure but I believe any shove over a mile gets a premium unless the employee is on a shove platform.
Nice Video. Is it just me..... Why when shooting a train coming at you the videographer pans with the train so you have to watch the train going away from you? Would much rather see the train coming at me. Pan with the locomotives then pan back to watch the consist coming at you.
I just looked again. I can only see another camera when panning, and a small part of my son's head that I panned past but tried to miss. Could that be it?
Those BNSF tracks, part of the Southern Transcon, never disappoint. All of those intermodal trains originate/terminate at Corwith or Willow Springs if they have UPS traffic.
I had no idea how busy the Chilli Sub was until I did a video in Lemont. I was expecting the CN (former GM&O) to show me some trains, and didn't see one. The BNSF was the showoff and had traffic every 20 or 30 minutes.
@@TitanTrainSpotter Chili Sub averages 70 trains per day so your “every 20-30 minutes” is fairly normal. Even though the entire sub is double track, the dispatcher just keeps the trains moving “in line” regardless of priority. When there’s a MOW work window, things really get backed-up.
Wow great video and location! I am coming to Chicago for the first time in a few weeks . This Must be the best location around Chicago for cargo ? Thanks ! Love the noise of the wagons going over the diamond !!
There are soooo many locations around the suburbs. I'm not qualified to speak on the city itself, as I don't get down there very often. This is good, Spaulding diamond is good (Bartlett), anywhere along the BNSF Chicago Sub from Chicago to Aurora (many commuter trains, but also a lot of freight). Enjoy your visit!
If you have Android phone or tablet (not available for iPad) download the free app Rail Guide. Shows all current lines, who owns them, historical owners, etc.
On the west side of the building right next to the former Joliet police entrance, there's a set of stairs that go straight up to it. Had to look around myself. I can't see any no trespassing signs around and so far nobody has said anything about it.
Great question. I was trying to figure out how to get to the platform too. I live roughly 25 minutes north from here, and until today, I never knew this awesome spot existed! I just happened to see this video in the Related Videos section! Haha! I gotta go visit this place!
@@bnboyjace6412 It took some trial and error. I try to abide by postings, and when you try to enter the current station on the other side, there are signs saying only ticketed passengers allowed. So I started snooping around the old station and found this entrance. No promises you won't get ran out, but I haven't seen any signage prohibiting going up there. I've also only gone on weekends. I figure (hope) JPD has better things to do than worry about a guy with a camera.
it's worth having a drone just to see the other side as the train goes by mirror image the drone shot left-right and put it over the main shot. it will look like you have two trains in parallel but it's both sides of the same train, or the other if another train on the other tracks.
Is that ATCS monitor I hear in the background ? Do they have a live display of the track signals and train movements or does someone there have a laptop and SDR stick ?
Great video with explanations. I use to live in Chicagoland and worked near Joliet. I haven’t seen a diamond that big. How much time did you spend there to see all of those trains?
Same here. I replied to a comment on one of my other videos and stated that I did not see a diamond until only a few years ago. The minute I heard a train pounding through it I was hooked.
Great video. But a brief history/explanation would be good. What fallen flag line do Heritage Corridor trains run on? Santa Fe or N&W? Do Rock Island trains go back into Chicago led by a “cab car?” Or do they wye them? And didn’t that guard-railed platform you were shooting from take passengers from Santa Fe’s streamliners before Amtrak moved the SW Chief off that line to the former Burlington Route to Galesburg?
HC trains run on CN tracks formerly owned by Illinois Central and originally Gulf, Mobile and Ohio. It's now CN's Joliet Sub, and becomes UP property just before reaching the Joliet station. Rock Island District Metra trains run backwards to Chicago, cab car first, to the best of my knowledge. If anyone knows otherwise they can correct me. I'm just starting to learn more about other lines since starting these videos. I'm only real familiar with BNSF operations, as I live and work near that line. It's also my understanding that this platform (at the former Joliet Union Station, which is now a banquet hall) was the main platform for both Amtrak and RTA/Metra prior to the newer Joliet Gateway Center being built on the east side of the BNSF and UP tracks.
@@TitanTrainSpotter The cab car first is correct. I am from New Lenox so I watched RI line growing up. You are correct about the platform history too. I would go to the station with my dad to watch trains and you could go out on the amtrak platform to stand in between trains as they passed. Here is a video (not mine) of the station back in 1995. ua-cam.com/video/nJ3xMmIKUXg/v-deo.html You can see a metra on the west side of the diamonds. That old amtrak platform is what the truck is sitting on between the closest 2 tracks
One over heated wheel bearing + you have a destructive 'train wreck".. All 'tanker consists' should be max of 25 units.. Modern design would improve track cross over to reduce noise, etc.. IE... Directional Points type track change.. You didn't give number of units on each consist.. 🙃🙃
No I believe it was closed and automated when they built the new station. My understanding is the CP is controlled by UP in Omaha and BNSF in Fort Worth. They still refer to the control point as UD Tower though. I did a quick Google search and it looks like the tower closed in 2015.
![RJ Corman Dropping New Welded Rail Train to Rebuild the Worcester Main! [7-31-22]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fflkEKyw1mU/mqdefault.jpg)
I just found your channel and subscribed. I like your presentation. I am in the uk.
Thank you, Sir! Welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it. I try to do a few videos a week and some shorts here and there. Always open to input. Again, welcome aboard.
great train video
Thank you!
Thank you. Great video.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
🥰😍😍🥰❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏
Hey, dude!👋
I like your trains🚂🚂👍👍!!
Great video!
Thanks!
I've been there before very interesting relaxing place to watch trains on a nice summer day. I'll have to go there again next time I'm in Chicago. When I don't have any time constrains. Maybe that ghost 👻 will show up in the evening. Have a great day everyone
Wow awesome footage man and I sure love the diamond action!!!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
Great coverage of this hotspot Jason. Thanks to you, I will add it to my list for my next trip!
Thank you. And definitely. It's a ways from the city, but well worth it. Metra's Rock Island Line train will take you straight there from downtown Chicago. I finally came across the Lumenaura train on BNSF. It's in a video I'll have up in a few days. Nothing too impressive from the outside (just some lights) but I guess it's impressive inside.
@@TitanTrainSpotter Glad you caught the Lumenaura. Thanks for info on Rock Island Line.
wow great video !
Cool...
Very good Darren Reeves!
I really like those close up vids. Reminds me of when I would watch trains as a kid. 👍👍👍
🌬 LOL Very good point. You out in the cold so I can watch them in my nice warm house. Point well taken. Hurry up Spring!
Great video. I appreciate the bits of narration you provide for context.
Thank you! Glad you enjoy it.
Great video thanks for sharing would've been nice if there was a train running across the 4 diamonds
I love how you film these trains and explain its journey , nice job man
Thank you!
Metra yard just East of the diamonds. After the Heritage Corridor line ends for the night....nice video & slide show...
I've never been super familiar with the HC. I live near the BNSF. Do heritage trains ever just reverse and head back to the city? Or do they always cross the diamond and go to the yard?
@@TitanTrainSpotter end of the night parking and get plugged in. Head East on Washington St. To see the yard
Very cool
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
@@TitanTrainSpotter your welcome
Railfans should be careful with all the derailments going on these days. Don't get caught up in one.
Cool spot!! Subbed! Marietta, Ga.
What a beautiful cacophony of steel.
Very cool video, looks like a long day filming. Happily surprised to see so many older 2-axle BNSF units in the mix, too.
I remember watching trains here as a kid. It's sad they don't use the old station anymore. Was fun watching (and listening) to Metra roll across all those diamonds.
I didn't move to this area until 2000 and I hear all these stories about the Rock Island trains going back and forth. Bygone eras. For what it's worth, the station is nicely preserved as a banquet hall and it appears there is a restaurant/bar in the lower level. At least they didn't tear it down.
@@TitanTrainSpotter Very true! Many amazing old stations have sadly been lost to time.
I liked your video very interesting. A long time ago I used to go to the movies downtown and I would walk the tracks in the direction of home I lived on garnsey ave. That was 50 years ago. Moved away 30 plus years ago best thing I ever did after seeing that area know.
Yeah, still a beautiful city with all the architecture, but really run down and tired looking. Sad.
nice video
Thank you!
Had a lot of relatives that live there one a long time ago lived a long the same tracks. Know it well 😊
I remember when the CRI&P had three tracks and there were 12 diamonds.
In the 1960's there were 16 diamonds. The Rock had a 4th track on the south side that switched back into the third track just last the diamonds.
@@Loco4Locomotives When I was there in the 1970's, I noticed the space where that 4th RI track used to be.
An interesting viewpoint that is for sure.
I remember seeing those three GPs at the 5:00 mark out by my area earlier that day.
Thank you!
**469th Subscriber and 595th Like**
I haven't been to JUSto watch trainz in probably 8 years or so. I keep saying I'll go down there again, but when the rare opportunity to go out comes i usually choose elsewhere.
As a matter of fact. I took a steam locomotive from Dearborn station to Joliet. LoL
Maybe not of that much interest to you but the first on top container of the UP train at 22:37 was a now very rare becoming MOL container with the famous crocodile logo. They will all become pink ONE ones. Great catch for me to watch!
The only time I've visited the US was to drive R66 in 2000. We stopped here for a couple of nights and did a bit of train photographing here. One thing that stood out was passengers walking across the tracks and boarding the southbound Amtrak from the tracks while a northbound freight waited South of the crossing. Coming from the UK where they essentially shut down the railway and have the police out at the slightest hint of someone on the tracks, that was a bit of a shocker. Oh, and the peak hour only commuter service. But an interesting place to while away an hour or two.
We also stopped at Cajon Pass and Barstow yard. You might not do passenger rail well, but the freight is something else!
In the Emery gulash videos of 60s-70s,from green 🐸 more action than you could watch👍👍
I really enjoy those diamonds! Do you have any more of different Diamonds??
So far I've only shot this one in Joliet, the CN/UP in West Chicago and Spaulding (CN/CP) in Bartlett. If you look through my videos for either of those two other ones there should be some diamond action in them.
FYI That Metra backing move is to reach the RID yard just to the east. That is where the Heritage line trains overnight and get serviced.
I actually realized that after the video was up. I had forgotten about that yard just east of there. Thanks, though. Not very familiar with HC and RID and how they roll.
8:05; DPU I see You!
Jawtooth!
I was always curious about where they kept the Heritage Corridor ''Dinky's'' in the evening, it never occurred to me that they would pass south of the diamonds and then back them into the Rock Island line yard for the night.....and they must repeat that move in the morning for their runs INTO the city. Great video.
Thanks, and same here. The yard never really crossed my mind. I just assumed they would head straight back to Chicago.
@5:34 are those bolts supposed to be loose, they're turning?
I don't think so. I didn't notice that until I was at home editing. Next time I'm out there I plan to see if they're still moving and let someone know just in case.
@@TitanTrainSpotter this is my view ua-cam.com/users/livexjCcil2ZMEU?feature=share
@@3rdplanetimmigrant203 wow
Sweeet
What is that strange flatcar with a booth on it, at 5:44?
That's why I panned up! It caught my attention. If anybody knows, shout it out. I could only guess.
@@TitanTrainSpotter It looks very similar to a shoving platform. But seems a lot longer than the others I have seen. Maybe it's the angle that makes it look longer. A shoving platform is used for longer back up moves where an employee would have to protect the shove. For their safety and to save company money they use this platform. I'm not sure but I believe any shove over a mile gets a premium unless the employee is on a shove platform.
Nice Video. Is it just me..... Why when shooting a train coming at you the videographer pans with the train so you have to watch the train going away from you? Would much rather see the train coming at me. Pan with the locomotives then pan back to watch the consist coming at you.
I've struggled with this. It's like I want to look both ways. I agree with you, though. Thanks for the input.
@@TitanTrainSpotterYou're Welcome. Keep up the great videos. I haven't had a video camera since Hi8. Would like to get back into it. 🎥
@@DarrenReeves It sure does provide a needed mental break from life and work.
Up here in cold, damp NW, I sometimes pan with the train to get the icy, damp wind out of my face.
I only pan sometimes like for example a special foreign power or a heritage unit other then that I'll just let the head end pass be my without panning
Those diamonds must get a lot of wear. I wonder how often they need to be replaced?
I asked a CN worker about that last summer. He didn't give specifics, but stated they wear out faster than you'd think.
Did anyone else notice something go flying off either the locomotive or tracks at 4:21???
I just looked again. I can only see another camera when panning, and a small part of my son's head that I panned past but tried to miss. Could that be it?
Those BNSF tracks, part of the Southern Transcon, never disappoint. All of those intermodal trains originate/terminate at Corwith or Willow Springs if they have UPS traffic.
I had no idea how busy the Chilli Sub was until I did a video in Lemont. I was expecting the CN (former GM&O) to show me some trains, and didn't see one. The BNSF was the showoff and had traffic every 20 or 30 minutes.
@@TitanTrainSpotter Chili Sub averages 70 trains per day so your “every 20-30 minutes” is fairly normal. Even though the entire sub is double track, the dispatcher just keeps the trains moving “in line” regardless of priority. When there’s a MOW work window, things really get backed-up.
3257 I wonder what liquid is in those tankers
DOT placard 3257 is for Elevated temperature liquid N.O.S. (not otherwise specified) at or above 212 F and below it's flashpoint.
Wow great video and location! I am coming to Chicago for the first time in a few weeks . This Must be the best location around Chicago for cargo ? Thanks ! Love the noise of the wagons going over the diamond !!
There are soooo many locations around the suburbs. I'm not qualified to speak on the city itself, as I don't get down there very often. This is good, Spaulding diamond is good (Bartlett), anywhere along the BNSF Chicago Sub from Chicago to Aurora (many commuter trains, but also a lot of freight). Enjoy your visit!
If you have Android phone or tablet (not available for iPad) download the free app Rail Guide. Shows all current lines, who owns them, historical owners, etc.
@@TitanTrainSpotter Thank you very much! I will be here next week ! Joliet certainly will be attending . Great content as always 👌🏼
@@TitanTrainSpotter Thank you very much! I will be here next week ! Joliet certainly will be attending . Great content as always 👌🏼
Great video of trains at the joliet diamond, but how do you access that platform because it appears there is no access
On the west side of the building right next to the former Joliet police entrance, there's a set of stairs that go straight up to it. Had to look around myself. I can't see any no trespassing signs around and so far nobody has said anything about it.
Great question. I was trying to figure out how to get to the platform too. I live roughly 25 minutes north from here, and until today, I never knew this awesome spot existed! I just happened to see this video in the Related Videos section! Haha! I gotta go visit this place!
@@bnboyjace6412 It took some trial and error. I try to abide by postings, and when you try to enter the current station on the other side, there are signs saying only ticketed passengers allowed. So I started snooping around the old station and found this entrance. No promises you won't get ran out, but I haven't seen any signage prohibiting going up there. I've also only gone on weekends. I figure (hope) JPD has better things to do than worry about a guy with a camera.
Very unsettling how the bolts at 5:36 are loose..
Now that you mention it, I looked and it even appears that one has fallen out!
it's worth having a drone just to see the other side as the train goes by mirror image the drone shot left-right and put it over the main shot. it will look like you have two trains in parallel but it's both sides of the same train, or the other if another train on the other tracks.
1:15, that’s not racket, it’s music! Reminds me of Deshler, OH not as cool as Marion, though! Good video, love the Metra!
Thank you!
Trains made Chicago what it is
Amen to that.
Is that ATCS monitor I hear in the background ? Do they have a live display of the track signals and train movements or does someone there have a laptop and SDR stick ?
Metra train make the same sound as the MBTA🚂
Joliet, Joliette
Great video with explanations. I use to live in Chicagoland and worked near Joliet. I haven’t seen a diamond that big. How much time did you spend there to see all of those trains?
Thanks! I'm guessing maybe 2 to 3 hours. They just kept coming.
I know its named after the old railroad but part of me was always bothered that the rock island line doesnt actually go to rock island 😂😂
Music to my Ears..
Same here. I replied to a comment on one of my other videos and stated that I did not see a diamond until only a few years ago. The minute I heard a train pounding through it I was hooked.
I was hoping to see a train go over all four tracks but the commuters have different plans.
Great video. But a brief history/explanation would be good. What fallen flag line do Heritage Corridor trains run on? Santa Fe or N&W? Do Rock Island trains go back into Chicago led by a “cab car?” Or do they wye them? And didn’t that guard-railed platform you were shooting from take passengers from Santa Fe’s streamliners before Amtrak moved the SW Chief off that line to the former Burlington Route to Galesburg?
HC trains run on CN tracks formerly owned by Illinois Central and originally Gulf, Mobile and Ohio. It's now CN's Joliet Sub, and becomes UP property just before reaching the Joliet station. Rock Island District Metra trains run backwards to Chicago, cab car first, to the best of my knowledge. If anyone knows otherwise they can correct me. I'm just starting to learn more about other lines since starting these videos. I'm only real familiar with BNSF operations, as I live and work near that line. It's also my understanding that this platform (at the former Joliet Union Station, which is now a banquet hall) was the main platform for both Amtrak and RTA/Metra prior to the newer Joliet Gateway Center being built on the east side of the BNSF and UP tracks.
@@TitanTrainSpotter The cab car first is correct. I am from New Lenox so I watched RI line growing up. You are correct about the platform history too. I would go to the station with my dad to watch trains and you could go out on the amtrak platform to stand in between trains as they passed. Here is a video (not mine) of the station back in 1995. ua-cam.com/video/nJ3xMmIKUXg/v-deo.html
You can see a metra on the west side of the diamonds. That old amtrak platform is what the truck is sitting on between the closest 2 tracks
@@smokeyasmr Thank you for that! Great video. Wish I had a video camera back then. Funny how all of these locations bring back fond memories for some.
I can imagine that the track ends in the cross wear down quickly.
I'm sure. Has to wear out often.
As opposed to a train load of boats im guessing
IMA GO TO BURNHAM RAILSHOPS
why the music?
How can I kill the music?
Never mind, it ends after a minute or two.
One over heated wheel bearing + you have a destructive 'train wreck"..
All 'tanker consists' should be max of 25 units..
Modern design would improve track cross over to reduce noise, etc..
IE... Directional Points type track change..
You didn't give number of units on each consist.. 🙃🙃
Fucky was here.
Bolts laying on the ground missing spikes bolts loose sure we'll see a derailment at the diamond one of these days
Ikr!
Почему так сильно качаются вагоны, - это нормально ?
This would be much better without the music. We don't need it.
What a shame it is to see all those good paying teamster jobs at Yellow Freight and UPS eliminated because they allow the companies to use rail.
Leave the damn music OFF!!!!
Calm down buddy. Turn your volume down.
Is that tower still a maned tower?
No I believe it was closed and automated when they built the new station. My understanding is the CP is controlled by UP in Omaha and BNSF in Fort Worth. They still refer to the control point as UD Tower though.
I did a quick Google search and it looks like the tower closed in 2015.
You never showed what is diamond crossing only showing what others do only the wagon no use