Passenger Trains > Amtrak 3, 4, 5 & 6, July 4, 2026, Western Springs, IL

This is my contribution to the images celebrating America's 250th Birthday yesterday.

No unique paint schemes or special equipment.  Just another day of Amtrak trying to get trains in and out of Chicago via the "racetrack".

1) #3 the westbound Southwest Chief.

2) #5 the westbound California Zephyr

3) #4 the eastbound Southwest Chief came to a stop short of the signal and waited a few minutes for an improved aspect before slowly continuing through the station.  There is a stainless steel private car on the back but I didn't get a good look at it as a westbound freight on track 2 passed just after this shot.

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4 #6 the eastbound California Zephyr made it by the station without stopping first, but...

5) Didn't make it very far.  #6 has come top stop behind #4 just east of Wolf Rd in a bit of a traffic jam.  Looks like #4 is getting crossed over from #3 to #2 track at Congress Park and I assume #6 will follow.

6) Bonus shot, #383 the westbound Illinois Zephyr to Quincy, IL



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/26 18:49 by redoveryellow.

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7) #382 the eastbound Carl Sandburg from Quincy, IL

8) Westbound BNSF mixed freight.  The fog didn't help those who went to see a fireworks show but it certainly helped with this pan shot.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/26 19:00 by redoveryellow.

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Nice series; gotta love the racetrack!  Check out my post above for a shot of the PV.

Andy

Great stuff, got to see a bit of the racetrack on our family trip to Chicago years ago, would love to hang out and watch the trains roll by - some day!  In the meantime, this series is very enjoyable.

Nathan