(Three Oaks, Michigan) I was heading home from the laundromat Tuesday afternoon in the snow storm when I was stopped at the Schwark Road crossing just north of US 12 for a train. Two trains, to be exact. You see, two of Amtrak’s Wolverines were passing in review. First Train 352, the eastbound Wolverine, made her way east on the main on her way to Pontiac. Gee, I thought, that so-called high-speed train is moving mighty slowly, snow or no snow. Then, as 352 passed, I looked to the right and saw that the westbound Wolverine, Train 353, was moving west along the passing siding on his way to Chicago Union Station. I just so happened to have my trusty Canon SX160 at the ready, and so I learned the key to successful train spotting is being at the right crossing at the right time with the right camera. (Oh, to book your own spot on Amtrak, please visit: AMTRAK.COM or call: 1-800-USA-RAIL.)
The gates are down, but no train is coming. Wait, here comes . . .
Train 352, the eastbound Wolverine. Hmm, that must mean that . . .
Train 353, the westbound Wolverine, is making his way west through the snow.
Great photos! I’m taking the train tomorrow to Philly to visit friends – my favorite way to travel.
Thank you. I just enjoyed watching the video on your post today. Enjoy your trip.
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Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.
I enjoy everything about your blog! It is one of my favorites!
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I’m deeply flattered!
Charley, I think my grandson, Greg, is on the westbound train to Union Station on his way to Milwaukee to see his girlfriend. I’ll let him know to go to your blog. Don’t know when he’ll be returning to Grand Rapids. Bob I like the blue color!
I thought there was only one set of tracks there — how did they pass each other???
There are two sets of tracks between Elm Street in Three Oaks and Lakeside Road on the west. One set is the mainline, and the other is the passing siding. These are the kinds of things train nuts think about.
Well that’s a relief!
Glad to be of help.
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Charley, I’m checking further with my grandson, Greg, to find out some specifics about that snow pile on the tracks. Hopefully he will give me a firsthand report. More later……Bob