Where to Catch Out in Illinios

Chicago

Chicago has been my starting point for most trips. For Corwith what more could you ask for- fly into Midway, subway a couple of stops, then a bus out to an overpass at ther end of the yard that provides nice shelter as you wait for one of the trains that will creep under the bridge and often stop. SF traffic out of Corwith seemed to be primarily intermodal. For BN and SP, the commuter rail platform at the BN yard provides great shelter and a good observation point for westbound trains. You might not want to spend the night there as we did under the bridge by Corwith, but if you're not picky you shouldn't have to wait long at either spot. Chicago is a reliable hub for westbound travel.

In reference to my previous post regarding hopping out of Chicago, I checked my maps and by the look of it the nice bridge we camped under waiting for a Sante Fe freight was the Pulaski Rd. bridge over the canal and Stevenson Expressway. The tracks exit north out of Corwith yard and wye onto an East /West main. Trains exit the wye and enter the main line at yard speed and often stop under this bridge. SF security patrols the a parallel dirt road on the north side of the tracks. Your best hiding spot is under the bridge or in the grass on the north side of the tracks. You are somewhat hidden there, yet have a pretty good view.

This is a fairly remote, car oriented area with few immediate ammenities; however, I believe there is a Pulaski bus and there is a new subway stop on the midway line a bit south. Adjacent to the subway is a supermarket.

BN's Cicero yard is walkable from this Pulaski bridge (it was not my favorite walk with a heavy pack, in summer weather and intermitent sidewalks.).