Eastern Railroad Discussion > Chicago Area Question?

Hi all from the UK.

I'm going to be in the Chicago area in March 2019 and have a few questions:

1, What can I expect the weather to be like? I know that sounds a bit silly, but is the weather going to be pot luck? Or do I need to come equipped for winter still!
2, Planning a railfanning day. I was possibly going to take METRA to West Chicago. Is this a destination worth a visit? I see there is a CN / UP crossing there, are there plenty of trains?
Also not wishing to sound disrespectful to somebody's neighborhood, is West Chicago a safe destination for someone from out of town?

My back up plan is a trip on the BNSF racetrack, as have been there before, but West Chicago looks interesting to me.
Many thanks in advance.
Pete UK

Elmhurst on the UP line is easily accessible by rail, safe, and near food / services.

Just my opinion, of course.

Posted from Android

Both West Chicago and Elmhurst (closer to Chicago) are good, safe locations.  In my opinion Elmhurst has better views for imaging trrains at the station; but West Chicago does have the CN/EJ&E crossing just west of the station with a tower.  Gerry

Predict the weather in Chicago? You need to head to a more divine authority than even reside on TO!

 

Expect chilly weather, for the most part.  And it can be windy, which increases the feeling of cold.  I've come home with frozen toes after the St. Patrick's Day Southside parade.

My personal trainwatching favorite is Lagrange Rd. station on the BNSF Aurora Line.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/18 11:59 by sums007.

I would stick with West Chicago because I think it is significantly more interesting. You have a diamond, a tower, a connection, and CN is busy as well as UP. I would expect weather to be chilly but hopefully not truly cold.

Downtown West Chicago has a few simple cafes in which I ate Mexican, etc.   Got warm.  Used bathroom and enjoyed my day at W. Chicago.  

For more information on West Chicago, go here:

http://dhke.com/CRJ/turner.html

 

March weather in Chicago is a crapshoot.  One year you could be out golfing or playing ball, the next year you could be shovelling eight inches of snow.  Hopefully, your visit will be later in the month when the odds for nice weather are better.

Good advice on locations and weather already noted above. Try to avoid riding Metra on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Unless, of course, you like riding on packed trains with celebrating riders.

kevink Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Good advice on locations and weather already noted
> above. Try to avoid riding Metra on St. Patrick's
> Day weekend. Unless, of course, you like riding on
> packed trains with celebrating riders.

wear old clothes and shoes, too.  Easier to just discard them than trying to get them cleaned.

Hi all many thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Pete in the uk