I have just spent 3 days in the windy city, and though it looked a bit scary on the way in on the Empire Builder, after 2 days walking and riding on the Metra trains, it's not that bad at all!! I walked from Union station down to the Metra electric line, about 10 blocks I think, and it was a nice walk and I saw the elevated rail that the city is known for. Remember the scene from the Blues Bros as the race down under the girders that support the tracks over the streets, well, I was there and I couldn't stop thinking of Jake and Elwood screaming past..LOL
The guys and girls who work on the Metra were fantastic, the conductors are friendly, helpful and have loads of personality and made the trips so easy, especially for an "alien" from down under! I didn't make it out to the train watching platform at Rochelle, too far without a car , so maybe next time? Spent yesterday at the Science and Industry Museum, a wonderful place that really needs more than a day to see properly, but I saw their massive HO scale layout with some impressive scenery and a great model of Chicago city!
Off to Omaha today on the "California Zephyr" to meet up with another you-tuber to show me around and take me to Bailey yard in North Platte!
Hooroo for now Groovers!
Gregg.
