Trip report for rerouted 301
I read about the reroute on train orders. 301, 303 and 21 would be rerouted on the Metra Rock Island district on 7/27 so CN could replace a diamond at Corwith. I jumped on the opportunity for rare mileage and booked a round trip to St. Louis.
I drove to union station with a my usual stop at the White Palace Cafe for Breakfast. Check in at Metropolitan Lounge was pleasant. 301 boarded at 6:35. The engine was at the end closest to the station. Business Class was on the rear. Perfect. I could spend time at the railfan window.
An announcement was made that the detour would add 45 minutes to 1 hour to the trip time. The explanation was clear. Passengers grumbled. I mentioned that this happens on planes all the time. Then someone said, “that’s why I drive.” I didn’t waste effort mentioning traffic.
Departed on time at 7:00 am. 7:05 am we stop in the yard. 7:07 we are on the move. 7:12 we stop and prepare to pull forward into the St. Charles Airline. 7:15 am we are on the move up the airline. At 7:21 we make a right turn onto the Rock Island line. A fast run at 50 to 70 mph until approximately 115th street. At 7:35 conductor makes announcement that the train will be operating at speeds of 30 mph because the engine does not have the required cab signaling to run faster.
8:05. into Joliet. Depart Joliet 8:35 am.
Arrived Bloomington Normal at 9:54 am. 41 minutes late.
We took the Merchant’s Bridge line into St Louis. We backed into the station. We arrived at 12:55 pm.
I read about the reroute on train orders. 301, 303 and 21 would be rerouted on the Metra Rock Island district on 7/27 so CN could replace a diamond at Corwith. I jumped on the opportunity for rare mileage and booked a round trip to St. Louis.
I drove to union station with a my usual stop at the White Palace Cafe for Breakfast. Check in at Metropolitan Lounge was pleasant. 301 boarded at 6:35. The engine was at the end closest to the station. Business Class was on the rear. Perfect. I could spend time at the railfan window.
An announcement was made that the detour would add 45 minutes to 1 hour to the trip time. The explanation was clear. Passengers grumbled. I mentioned that this happens on planes all the time. Then someone said, “that’s why I drive.” I didn’t waste effort mentioning traffic.
Departed on time at 7:00 am. 7:05 am we stop in the yard. 7:07 we are on the move. 7:12 we stop and prepare to pull forward into the St. Charles Airline. 7:15 am we are on the move up the airline. At 7:21 we make a right turn onto the Rock Island line. A fast run at 50 to 70 mph until approximately 115th street. At 7:35 conductor makes announcement that the train will be operating at speeds of 30 mph because the engine does not have the required cab signaling to run faster.
8:05. into Joliet. Depart Joliet 8:35 am.
Arrived Bloomington Normal at 9:54 am. 41 minutes late.
We took the Merchant’s Bridge line into St Louis. We backed into the station. We arrived at 12:55 pm.
