Passenger Trains > Metra SD70s operate on Saturdays?

For the Chicago guys, we're going to be in the big city this coming Saturday.  I haven't been to Chicago since pre-Covid and am hoping to catch the Metra SD70s in service.  Do they seem to be mainly weekday power or do you think my chances are good on a Saturday?  I'm figuring on the north side of CUS and maybe a trip out to Western Ave.

Andy

The SD70MACH's should be operating. Metra is also running extra service systemwide due to the St Pat's parade and river dyeing on Saturday. You should have a good shot of seeing them.

They do. I've seen them on the weekend on both MILW-N and MILW-W lines, which also seem to be either the only lines using them or the lines that use the most of them. Both of those lines have "full" (by Metra standards) weekend service.

Based on that you can see them on both services anywhere between CUS and Western Ave. They'll also be sitting inside the north concourse of CUS on trainsets, and it's often quiet on weekends and you can walk the platforms.

inCHI Wrote:
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> They do. I've seen them on the weekend on both
> MILW-N and MILW-W lines, which also seem to be
> either the only lines using them or the lines that
> use the most of them. Both of those lines have
> "full" (by Metra standards) weekend service.
>
Yes, I've ridden behind them twice on weekends on the MILW-N line.

MC

Good info, thanks everyone!

AB

inCHI Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They do. I've seen them on the weekend on both
> MILW-N and MILW-W lines, which also seem to be
> either the only lines using them or the lines that
> use the most of them. Both of those lines have
> "full" (by Metra standards) weekend service.
>
> Based on that you can see them on both services
> anywhere between CUS and Western Ave. They'll also
> be sitting inside the north concourse of CUS on
> trainsets, and it's often quiet on weekends and
> you can walk the platforms.

Same. I’ve only seen them on the ex milw lines. They may be elsewhere but I’ve not seen them yet.

Got to say they look nice. Usually a bigger fan of pax locos but these look real good in Metra colors.

Posted from iPhone



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/25 08:31 by Jonny_Chi.

I hope you have as much luck tomorrow with the SD70MACH’s as I did with the Iowa Interstate this morning!

Posted from iPhone

Good excuse to post this.  3:22 PM Friday 3/14, North side of CUS.  I was just passing through so have no train details.

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kevink Wrote:
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> I hope you have as much luck tomorrow with the
> SD70MACH’s as I did with the Iowa Interstate
> this morning!

Well shoot, I didn't go up yesterday morning so must've missed you.  I got home from work and was tired so just watched on the West Lib. cam.  I'm glad you had a good morning!

Andy