Why the Metro Closing is a Good Thing, Actually Trains Are Awesome 2026-09-19 | Why the Metro Closing is a Good Thing, Actually
What are Cab Cars? Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-30 | This video goes into more depth on a subject we briefly discussed in our recent "Amtrak City of New Orleans" video. Today, we talk about the cab car, control car, or driving trailer, whichever term you prefer. Find out what their purpose is, and how they work, as well as some interesting examples from around the world!Some of the footage in this video was generously provided to me by @NonstopEurotrip . Check out his awesome channel here: youtube.com/c/NonstopEurotrip Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:56 Confusion in the Comments2:23 A Truly International Subject2:41 Train sets versus Locomotive-Hauled Trains4:00 The Problem of Turning Around4:14 Possible Solutions4:42 Introducing Cab Cars!5:18 Benefits of Cab Cars5:31 The Railjet in Austria6:08 Cab Cars in the US6:42 How do they work?7:25 Compatibility is Key8:07 Notable Examples: NS DDAR8:38 Notable Examples: DB ICE 28:50 Notable Examples: Amtrak NPCU9:28 Conclusion
I Helped Decide the Destination of this Train Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-25 | It's time for another ride aboard Metra, Chicago's commuter rail system! Today we're featuring the Southwest Service, which only has weekday service. This line has gone by many names in the past, like the Norfolk Southern Line, or my personal favorite, the Orland Park Cannonball.Most trains terminate in Orland Park, while a few continue south to Manhattan, Illinois. A few of these trains are special "flag to discharge" trains, which will only run to Manhattan upon request. I was aboard one of those, and asked the conductor to run the train all the way to Manhattan.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:38 Chicago Union Station1:49 Interior Tour3:18 Departure3:46 Flag to Discharge, explained5:17 History of the Southwest Service6:38 Oak Lawn Patriot Station6:59 It gets greener7:46 Orland Park8:22 Laraway Road10:01 Manhattan12:04 Lyft Ride to New Lenox12:28 New Lenox Station12:52 Eating a Hot Dog at Joey's 13:14 Taking the Rock Island District back to Chicago
End of the Line for Chicago’s Weirdest Bus Route | X98 Avon Express Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-22 | Route X98 ran from the Avon factory (later Fareva) in Morton Grove to Jefferson Park station in Chicago. It ran with no intermediate stops, using Interstate 94. What made this bus really unique was its schedule: it only ran in one direction, once a day, at 12:40 AM. Due to low ridership, the bus ran its last run in the early morning of Saturday, March 18, 2023. On average, only 3 people were on this bus. Of course I had to ride this route while I still could, so here is my report on board the very last run of the X98. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Which is better? Greyhound or Indian Trails? Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-18 | Greyhound. Perhaps the most dreaded mode of transport, yet it plays an undeniable role in the American culture. We recently had our first trip on Greyhound, which we combined with Michigan-based company Indian Trails to travel from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago IL. Which coach company delivered a better product? Find out in our final evaluation!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Riding the Metrolink San Bernardino Line Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-11 | Metrolink is the commuter rail service in the greater Los Angeles area. Trains serve LA, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura Counties. Today we are riding the San Bernardino Line along its full route, from Los Angeles Union Station to Downtown San Bernardino. This video was filmed on a Saturday, so we were able to use a Metrolink Weekend Day Pass, which only costs $10.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapter0:00 Welcome to LA0:52 LA Union Station2:40 Waiting to Board our Train3:52 Our Consist Today4:24 Boarding5:08 Seat Review5:39 Departing LA7:03 In the Middle of the Freeway8:10 A Kid making the Announcements8:24 Thom Tests Toilets9:15 The Future of Rancho Cucamonga11:24 Some Positives11:41 San Bernardino Depot12:15 San Bernardino Downtown
How the CTA stops Ice Trains Are Awesome 2023-03-04 | Winter weather: it gets in the way of everything. But not the Chicago L! In this video, we ride along on a Blue Line train that has special anti-icing equipment on board. Find out how the CTA uses trains in regular passenger service to prevent ice from forming on the third rail.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Winter in Chicago0:55 CTA 7000 series in the snow1:42 Trains are good in the snow2:22 the Netherlands and snow2:53 Issues in the snow3:15 Infrastructure issues4:02 Third rail5:05 Anti-icing trains, explained6:17 Midwest7:22 Conclusion
Why the Amtrak City of New Orleans leaves Chicago Backwards Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-25 | I'm the train they call the city of New Orleans,I'll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.Well, that may not be the schedule anymore, but the Amtrak City of New Orleans remains an iconic train. And one with a surprise: in this video, we take a look at the City of New Orleans, and its Illinois counterparts, the Illini and the Saluki. These trains leave Chicago Union station backwards, with the locomotive pushing rather than pulling. This is a very unusual operation in Chicago, so we're here to get to the bottom of it. Discover why this happens, and what route it takes out of Chicago.Then, join us as we take a ride aboard the CONO, pulled by one of Amtrak's brand-new ALC-42 Charger locomotives!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:40 It's running... BACKWARDS?1:44 How trains switch directions2:49 Why locomotives are always up front3:46 Not these three trains though4:28 Illini 393 at McCormick Place5:04 The great backup5:22 History of the City of New Orleans6:11 Why Union Station is inconvenient...6:47 Which route does it take?7:18 Option A: St Charles Airline9:05 Option B: Freeport Subdivision11:18 Future Improvements13:15 Riding on the City of New Orleans14:49 Brand-new ALC-4215:26 Seat Reservation and Review16:26 Departure16:58 Crossing the Chicago River17:18 Switching Directions18:33 Underneath the McCormick Place19:17 Sightseer Lounge19:35 Traveling through Southern Illinois20:00 Champaign-Urbana
We found a SECRET LOUNGE at Chicago Union Station #chicago #train #unionstation #amtrak Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-22 | ...
FEVE: Scenic Narrow Gauge Railways in Spain Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-22 | Reupload, because I accidentally deleted it… please show this video some love!Join us as we travel from Santander to Oviedo, in Spain. We're riding FEVE: Spain's meter gauge railway network. Our 166km (100 mile) trip will take 5:30 hours, taking us past lush green mountains and the bright blue Atlantic Ocean. This is the kind of trip bucket lists are made of.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Thom in the Midwest: Altoona Wisconsin Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-15 | Welcome back to "Thom in the Midwest," a series where I explore small Midwestern towns that I would otherwise probably never go. Along the way, we discover that many of these places have interesting railroad history. Today we are in Altoona, WI, next to the larger city of Eau Claire. It's very cold outside, but that doesn't stop us from exploring for a little bit. We finish it all off with a delicious burger from the local bar.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
We took an MBTA train from the WORST STATION Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-11 | After riding the Fairmount Line earlier, it was time to ride another MBTA Commuter Rail line. This time, we're taking a 20 minute trip on the Framingham/Worcester Line. For $6.50 a person, we traveled from Newtonville to Boston South Station. Newtonville happens to be one of the crappiest stations on the entire commuter rail network in Boston, and you'll see why.Correction: the newest Metra station actually opened in 2018, not 2006. However, this station is only served 3x a day in each direction. So still bad. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction2:00 Newtonville Station3:23 Train 582 Arrives4:33 Boston Landing, Lansdowne, and Back Bay5:24 Improvements6:30 South Station to Logan Airport
This is NOT a Blue Line Train Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-04 | Explanation of 5000 series trains on the blue line. The CTA Blue Line is the longest line in Chicago’s “L” system. Normally, trains run between O’Hare and Forest Park, using the oldest and the newest trains in the CTA fleet. However, for a variety of reasons, you normally do not see any 5000 series trains. On weekday rush periods, though, you do have a chance to ride a 5000 series. These are stored in a Pink Line yard and take the Loomis Ramp from the Pink Line onto the Blue Line. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
This Chicago Restaurant Serves your Food on a Train! Trains Are Awesome 2023-02-01 | Are you in the Chicago area and are you looking for a fun place to eat! The Junction Diner in Forest Park, IL is just a short walk away from the CTA Blue Line. Inside, you'll find all sorts of cool train memorabilia. The best part? Your delicious diner-style food arrives to your seat on a miniature train!Trains Are AwesomeThe Junction Diner:7401 Madison StForest Park IL 60130thejunctiondiner.comSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:48 The Train-themed decorations1:48 Food on a Train3:18 Food Review4:51 After Dinner5:47 Final Recommendation
Why do these buses run on the left? The El Monte Busway in LA Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-28 | Interstate 10, also known as the San Bernardino Freeway, has a unique feature between El Monte and Los Angeles Union Station. The El Monte Busway is a combination between a bus lane and a carpool lane. It is shared by Metro buses and Foothill Transit buses, most notably by the "J Line" and "Silver Streak" services, respectively.The El Monte Busway has a long stretch of road where traffic runs on the left-hand side. This is obviously an anomaly in the United States. So why do these buses drive on the left? Find out in today's video!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters:0:00 Left and Right0:42 Welcome to LA1:08 We're talking about buses today1:30 Chicago: How it's different from LA2:04 Explaining the LA bus system3:06 Character 1: LA Metro3:30 What is BRT?4:49 Character 2: Foothills Transit5:31 Character 3: Interstate 106:25 Arriving at Cal State/LA on Metrolink6:56 The Bus Platform7:17 What lines run here?7:42 Riding the Silver Streak9:01 Why on the left?10:48 Riding the J Line
I finally got to ride the CTA 7000 series!!! #train #newtrain #chicago Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-25 | ...
This New Trains Troublesome History | NS ICNG Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-21 | The Netherlands is getting ready to welcome a new fleet of Intercity trains. Branded "ICNG," short for "Intercity New Generation," these trains will have a top speed of 200 km/h. They will be running on domestic services as well as international services to Belgium. They will run over the High Speed Line which runs from Amsterdam to the Belgian border. But that high speed line is 14 years old. So why are these trains only entering service now? Join us as we dive into the messy history of high speed rail in the Netherlands. Will the ICNG be the end of all the drama?Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelNews Article Translations:~NOS News Article, June 3, 2013: "NS Wants to Stop with Fyra" ~Treinreiziger.nl Article, June 28, 2021: "Traxx trains cause 50 million Euros in damage to the HSL"~"Verdict of the Netherlands Arbitrage Institute (NAI) about the cost distribution of the reparations to the rail damage caused by use of TRAXX locomotives on the HSL Zuid." Published by Parliament on June 14, 2021Chapters0:00 Introducing the HSL Zuid0:58 History of the HSL Zuid1:40 FYRA: Origins2:18 The AnsaldoBreda Debacle4:22 Back to Slow Trains4:47 Intercity Direct5:17 Intercity The Hague - Eindhoven5:33 International train rerouted to the high speed line5:56 Announcing ICNG6:58 ICNG Test Train in Amersfoort7:37 Why the Old Trains Need to Go9:08 Why the New Trains are not Ideal9:28 Why they are so late9:49 Good news, but...10:32 Future Service Plans10:53 Conclusion
New York is getting Light Rail Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-19 | In the book accompanying her State of the State address, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced that light rail had been chosen for the new Interborough Express in New York City. The IBX is a new line connecting Brooklyn and Queens that will use existing freight tracks. In order to run both rapid transit and freight, light rail was selected as the most affordable option. It will be interesting to see streetcars running in America’s largest city. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
South Shore Line but with buses (it’s not great) Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-14 | Today we're traveling on one of our favorites, the South Shore Line. One of America's last interurbans, this line connects Chicago with Michigan City and South Bend, Indiana. Normally, you can take an electric train all the way down the line. However, due to a bunch of track improvement projects, a section of the line has been out of service for almost a year. To bridge the gap, the South Shore Line has been offering "bustitution," a.k.a. bus replacement service. While the agency communicates one thing via their website, in reality things are quite a bit different. Find out how chaotic the transfer to the bus was.Trains Are Awesome!Date of filming: 10/21/2022Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction1:35 What is Bustitution?2:15 Walking from Washington to Millennium3:06 Millennium Station3:56 Buying tickets4:49 The train ride8:01 Transferring to the bus9:17 Bus review9:53 Why are we on a bus?11:30 Why it's not good12:33 Arriving at Carroll Ave13:13 Highliner and Freight Trains13:32 Conclusion
Is this America’s Worst Commuter Rail? Northstar in Minnesota Trains Are Awesome 2023-01-07 | Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Northstar commuter rail service in Minnesota sees a depressingly small amount of traffic. Each day, 400 passengers are served by a mere two round trips. Does such a measly timetable mean we can call this America’s worst commuter rail? What other factors play a part? Find out!Trains Are Awesome!Date of filming: 11/03/2022Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Railfanning in Chicago and the Midwest - Fall 2022 Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-31 | Before we enter the new year, here’s a compilation of all the trains I filmed in the months of September, October, November, and December. Most shots are from Chicago, but some are from Central Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
What else could go wrong? Wolverine Edition Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-28 | There’s no place like home for the holidays. So we thought we’d take a quick trip aboard one of America’s fastest trains back to Chicago. The day had other plans. From a car ending up to the tracks to a broken down locomotive, find out how delays kept accumulating like the snow outside. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
CTA Holiday Train - 2022 Scenes Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-24 | The 2022 Season for the CTA Holiday Train has come to an end. Every year, this festive train runs on all eight 'L' lines in Chicago. We had several opportunities to ride it and see it over the past few weeks, so please enjoy this compilation as a special Christmas treat.Merry Christmas, and Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:54 Green Line3:14 Brown Line8:56 Red Line11:07 Blue Line12:03 Yellow Line - Skokie Swift
CTA Holiday Bus - 2022 Scenes Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-21 | Welcome to the third holiday special this year! Today we're riding the AMAZING Holiday Bus, run by the CTA in Chicago. This bus is decked out inside and out with holiday cheer. Make sure to watch our video on the CTA Holiday Train on Christmas Eve!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
The Metra Holiday Train Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-17 | Welcome to our second 2022 Christmas special. In today’s video, we ride the special holiday train that ran on the Metra Electric District Line. We rode it from Homewood to Millennium Station, and along the way we enjoyed the lights, decorations, music, and appearances by Santa, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf. At the North Po… eh, Millennium Station, there was free hot cocoa and popcorn; as well as gift bags for all the kids. This was a truly unforgettable experience that got us into the Holiday Spirit. The Metra Holiday Train ran on three Saturdays in December. It ran from University Park to Chicago in the morning and back to University Park in the afternoon. Date of Filming: 12/10/2022Price: $5 per person Trains Are Awesome!
Introducing the New Amtrak Airo Trains Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-16 | On December 15th, 2022, Amtrak released the details about the new Intercity Trainsets that will enter service in 2025. Branded “Airo,” these trains will be made up of Siemens Charger locomotives and Venture cars. Most sets will have a unique way of running on both electricity and diesel. They will run on the following routes:-Northeast Regional-Hartford Line-Valley Flyer-Downeaster -Keystone Service-Pennsylvanian-Palmetto-Carolinian-Empire Service-Maple Leaf-Adirondack-Ethan Allen Express-CascadesTrains Are Awesome!Image sources:-Exterior and interior renderings: Amtrak Media, found at: media.amtrak.com/introducing-amtrak-airoCascades rendering: Washington State -Department of Transportation, found at flickr.com/photos/wsdot -Technical drawing: Sandy Johnston, found at twitter.com/sandypsj/status/1499396807096418306
The Brand New K Line in LA Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-14 | On October 7th, 2022, LA Metro opened a brand new light rail line: the K Line. This train is intended to eventually connect to LAX Airport, providing a long overdue rail connection to the airport. However, for now, it only runs between Expo/Crenshaw and Westchester/Veterans. Nevertheless, the service is good, and the brand new stations look very impressive.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Bensenville, IL Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-10 | It’s the first 2022 Christmas special on the channel! Join us as we head to Bensenville, IL, to catch a glimpse of the famous Canadian Pacific Holiday Train! This train runs through Canada and the United States, attracting thousands of people at each stop who come to see the lights and the live music. The train also raises awareness about food insecurity in the communities, and there are local food drives collecting. Trains Are Awesome!Do you need help providing enough food for yourself or your family? Here are some links to find a local food pantry near you:USA:feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbankfoodfinder.usChicago:freefood.org/c/il-chicago
A Scenic Fall Trip aboard the Coopersville & Marne Railway, Michigan Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-08 | The Coopersville and Marne Railway is a heritage railway in West Michigan, not too far from Grand Rapids. It operates year-round excursions on a short track that used to be part of a major line. Join us as we admire the beautiful fall foliage on the 2022 Pumpkin Train. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
What are we doing for Christmas this year? Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-05 | We're planning several special videos to celebrate the holidays this year! Find out more in this video!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
The train that changed how Italians travel: ITALO Trains Are Awesome 2022-12-03 | Welcome to a new high speed trip report! We're in Italy, traveling with private operator NTV. NTV operates the "Italo" trains, and today we are taking one from Florence to Bologna. Italo runs on an Open Access basis, and their low fares have forced state operator Trenitalia to drastically lower the fares of their own high speed trains. Now, the vast majority of Italians choose the train over flying or driving between city pairs like Rome and Milan. Italo trains have a reputation for being luxurious. Are they worth the hype? Find out right here!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
A Scenic Regional Train in Italy (Pisa to Florence) Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-30 | Today we are in the Italian region of Tuscany, riding a Regional Train from Pisa to Florence. This line follows the Arno River and offers beautiful views of one of Italy's most charming regions. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 The Leaning Tower of Niles1:34 Welcome to Pisa2:00 Pisa Centrale Station2:35 Italian Regional Trains3:09 Our train arrives4:31 Today's route explained5:10 The Old, Scenic Route5:36 Approaching Florence6:21 Welcome to Florence
The Missing O’Hare Train Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-27 | Not many travelers know about the Metra North Central Service. This train runs between Chicago Union Station and Antioch, IL... but only 6 times a day. One interesting feature of the North Central Service is that there is actually an O'Hare Airport station. Since the transit connections to O'Hare are fairly slow, Thom decided to try out the North Central Service to see if it was a good way to get to the airport. It was not, so in this video, we're talking about what we would change and improve. These improvements could transform the line into a high-quality airport access train.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction1:14 What Other Countries Do2:07 Introducing the North Central Service3:22 Chicago Union Station4:41 Boarding the Train5:37 Departure6:41 Western Avenue7:50 Passing Intermediate Stations8:59 Moving onto the CN Line9:26 O'Hare Transfer Metra Station11:58 Walking to the ATS12:47 Riding the ATS14:13 The North Central Service is NOT a good alternative14:29 Fares14:49 Speeding up the Route15:41 Redeveloping O'Hare Transfer Station17:19 My Proposed Service17:56 Why I Made this Video19:05 The USHSRA's Proposal
What I’d Improve on the MBTA Fairmount Line Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-23 | Some commuter rail lines are good. Some are bad. All can be improved. And the Fairmount Line in Boston is a great example of a line that could be transformed into a great product, with little effort. It’s short length, recent modernization, and low fares could make it an attractive option to travel, if a few more upgrades are made. Join us as we ride the Fairmount Line from Blue Hill Avenue to Boston South Station. We look at the history, and we dream about the future. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 What is Commuter Rail?1:41 About the Fairmount Line3:40 Riding the Fairmount Line9:09 The Issues and the Solutions
California’s Newest Train: Arrow Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-19 | Support us on patreon.com/trainsareawesome !Arrow opened on October 24, 2022. What is Arrow? It’s a 9-mile commuter rail line that runs between San Bernardino and Redlands, CA. It essentially acts as an extension of the Metrolink network. Metrolink and passes are valid on Arrow. What’s interesting about this line is that instead of classic locomotive-hauled trains, Arrow uses trainsets. These FLIRT trains (yes, I will explain the acronym in the video) are built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler. They’re a very popular train in Europe, and are slowly starting to be seen more in the US. For Thom, there was the thrill of a new train mixed with the familiarity of the Stadler FLIRT. See one of the first video reports of this new train service right here, at Trains Are Awesome.Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Elizabeth Line Through-Running Begins Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-17 | The Elizabeth line (formerly known as Crossrail) opened with much anticipation in May 2022. At that time, service was split up into 3 separate sections. On November 6, 2022, all service was routed into the tunnel section. Sunday service also began on that day. My dad was on the scene to report. Correction: the maps I made accidentally say Heathrow T5 twice. One of those, of course, should be T4. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Chicago’s Newest Train Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-12 | To celebrate 7000 subscribers, we’re going to take you on a quick ride aboard the newest ‘L’ trains in Chicago. These are the 7000 series, built by CRRC. Though they’re not in full revenue service yet, they are running tests in passenger service. Lindsey took a ride on the new trains, and is here to report. Thanks everyone for the subscriptions, likes, and comments!Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Metro Blue Line in Minneapolis | Mall of America to Target Field Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-05 | It's time to try out one of America's best-known light rail systems: the Metro Light Rail, in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Minneapolis and St. Paul are the two largest cities in the state, and they are located only a few miles from each other. They make up the same metropolitan area, and so they have a shared transit system. This includes two light rail lines, the Blue Line and the Green Line. Today we are riding the Blue Line. This 14 mile line opened in 2004, and it connects the Mall of America (the largest mall in the US) with MSP Airport and downtown Minneapolis. Find out what it's like to ride the Metro Blue Line and come along with us!Trains Are AwesomeSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 The Mall of America1:42 MOA Transit Station3:30 Bus Replacement Service5:05 Bombardier Flexity Tour6:14 Free Airport Shuttle7:09 The Rest of the Line9:52 Target Field11:54 Siemens S7013:42 Scenes of Trains Running Through Downtown
Construction Update: Southwest LRT Trains Are Awesome 2022-11-02 | On a recent trip to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I came across a station and some tracks in the town of Eden Prairie. They were clearly brand-new, but not used. This is a site of the new light rail line known as the Southwest LRT. Once completed, it will act as an extension of the current Green Line. It will connect downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis with the western suburbs. Trains Are Awesome!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channel
Why there are Metrolink cars in Chicago Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-31 | Metrolink is the commuter rail operator in Los Angeles, California. So imagine my surprise when I was railfanning in Chicago and came across a few Metrolink cars! Turns out these are headed to a factory in Wisconsin for refurbishment.Trains Are Awesome!
Free and Battery-Powered: The Hop in Milwaukee Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-29 | The Hop is the second streetcar network to exist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Network might be a big word though, since the sole line is only 2 miles long (with another shorter line scheduled to open soon). Nevertheless, the Hop has some advantages. It connects the Amtrak station with downtown and the lakeshore, and it is completely free to ride. What’s more, the middle section of the tracks has no overhead catenary, meaning the fleet of 5 Brookville Liberty trams run on battery power!Trains Are Awesome!
I went to a random town in Wisconsin Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-26 | Have you ever heard of Waupaca, Wisconsin? I hadn’t. However, I found myself spending the night at a hotel in this town of 6000. The weather was nice, I was determined to go out and explore. After consulting with my friend Google, I realized Waupaca had an electric streetcar line running from the train station to the Veterans Home. It opened in 1899 and was closed by 1925. Though its history was short-lived, I wanted to know what its legacy was. I walked the route from my hotel to the old train depot. What did I see along the way? Find out!Trains Are Awesome!Chapters0:00 Thom in the Midwest0:32 I am in Waupaca2:28 Fulton Street and County Road QQ3:20 MILK3:42 Dinner at Mo’s5:56 Main Street6:49 Waupaca Falls7:49 The Old Depot10:09 Recap
The Amtrak Carl Sandburg Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-22 | Did you know that you can visit the park where Abraham Lincoln debated slavery, before he ever became president? Or that you can take a train over the same tracks freed slaves used on their way up from the South to Canada? Quincy, Illinois may be a small town of only about 40000 people, it has a rich history that make it a fascinating place to visit. You can fly there with Cape Air, like we did in our last video, or you can take Amtrak. There are two round trips between Quincy and Chicago. These trains are called the Illinois Zephyr and the Carl Sandburg. We took the Carl Sandburg, leaving Quincy in the afternoon, arriving in Chicago in the evening. Our train was made up of Amfleet II cars, normally reserved for long-distance routes. This meant that we had extra comfortable seats, which together with the rural Illinois sunset, made this a peaceful and unforgettable train journey.Trains Are AwesomeSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:51 Quincy, where Lincoln debated Douglas1:54 Thanks, Quincy Museum!2:10 BBQ Rec2:30 The Underground Railroad3:49 Bugs and Eagles4:17 Quincy Station7:45 Our Train Arrives8:56 Amfleet II Seat Review10:21 Departure, stopping at Macomb11:16 Toilet Review12:22 Galesburg through Plano15:52 Sunset and the Final Stretch17:28 Arriving in Chicago18:25 The Other Quincy Station
A Propeller Plane from O’Hare Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-19 | It’s our first time on a propeller plane! What an experience this was. We flew Cape Air from Chicago to Quincy, IL. . This flight took about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Our plane was a Tecnam P2012 Traveler, the newest plane in the fleet, and also one of the most comfortable planes we've ever flown on. Cape Air flies this route as part of the “Essential Air Service” program, meaning they have a contract with the federal government to fly between these two cities, and in return they will receive funding from the government. This is why despite there being only 3 passengers on board, each ticket only cost $59.0:00 Thom in the Midwest0:52 At O'Hare3:31 Boarding the plane4:25 Features of the Tecnam P2012 Traveler5:58 About Cape Air7:09 Landing7:57 Quincy Reginal Airport9:24 Our Thoughts11:05 Taking a Lyft to Downtown Quincy
Train Station Pizza in Saint Joseph, Michigan Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-15 | This is the first installment of our new series, Thom in the Midwest. In this series, Thom goes to different towns across the Midwestern states that he previously did not know well yet. The goal: explore, eat good food, and maybe see a train. Today we are in the state of Michigan, in the southern town of St. Joseph. With a population of around 8000, it’s a small town, but popular with beach-goers from around the region. While its railroad bridge and beaches are famous, perhaps most well-known is the local pizza joint: Silver Beach pizza. This restaurant is located inside the Amtrak train station!Thom had always wanted to try it, and while waiting for Amtrak Pere Marquette 370, he finally got to order some silver beach pizza. What’s the final verdict on the pizza, and on St. Joe? Find out!Trains Are Awesome!
LIVE with Thom! Help me celebrate my birthday Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-13 | DROP YOUR QUESTIONS IN THE CHAT! It’s been a while since I’ve gone live, and what better occasion than a birthday month to sit down and talk to you all again. Thanks everyone for supporting the channel. In today’s stream, I want to talk about channel updates, train news, as well as address some observations I’ve made about the transit community here on YouTube.
Pan Am… Railways?? Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-08 | When I say Pan Am, you probably think of the airline. Though Pan Am World Airways does not exist anymore, it was certainly one of the most iconic airlines to ever fly the skies. If you go on a trip to New England in the Northeastern United States, you may see trains running around with the Pan Am logo and name. Is there a connection between the old airline, and Pan Am Railways? There is, in fact! Find all about it in this video! Featuring artwork by my amazingly talented sister.Trains Are AwesomeSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/trainsareawesomeOur Instagram: instagram.com/tra_channelChapters0:00 Introduction0:30 The Airline2:46 The Railway3:11 The part where Thom rants5:06 The Railway, continued5:58 Passenger Trains on the Pan Am network6:25 CSX takeoverFair Use DisclaimerThis video may include small segments of copyrighted material for which no explicit authorization was granted by its copyright holders. It is in good faith that I believe my use of these clips is protected as fair use by the U.S. Copyright Act Section 107:"Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright."As I have used segments lasting no more than several seconds, with the purpose of educating and criticizing, I believe my use of this content to be within the framework of fare use.All rights and credit go to the copyright holders, who are cited below:Boeing 747-121, Pan Am JP5894156. By Jon Proctor. April 1978.://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boeing_747-121,_Pan_Am_JP5894156.jpgBoeing 747-121, Pan American World Airways - Pan Am AN1915191. By Steve Fitzgerald.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boeing_747-121,_Pan_American_World_Airways_-_Pan_Am_AN1915191.jpgPan Am Boeing 747-121 N732PA Bidini. By Aldo Bidini. September 1978.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pan_Am_Boeing_747-121_N732PA_Bidini.jpgBoeing 747-121(SF), Pan American World Airways - Pan Am AN0197940. By JetPix. N.d.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boeing_747-121(SF),_Pan_American_World_Airways_-_Pan_Am_AN0197940.jpgHet verongelukte KLM-toestel De Rijn, Bestanddeelnr 929-1003. By Nationaal Archief. March 27 1977.upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Het_verongelukte_KLM-toestel_De_Rijn%2C_Bestanddeelnr_929-1003_%28cropped%29.jpgPan Am Flight 103. Crashed Lockerbie, Scotland. By Air Accident Investigation Branch. August 6 1990. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Pan_Am_Flight_103._Crashed_Lockerbie%2C_Scotland%2C_21_December_1988.jpgKim Kardashian clip: from Hulu's "The Kardashians." 2022.Borat clip: "Borat, Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Country of Kazachstan). 2006.Washington Post Article: June 18, 2022.
Chicago’s ‘L’-themed Ice Cream Shop Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-05 | From January 2020 to October 2022, Sundae Stop on Belmont in Chicago served people frozen treats in a space that was remodeled to include different elements celebrating the city’s transit network, the ‘L.’ It unfortunately closed recently, so in this video we visited it one last time. Trains Are Awesome!
CTA 75th Anniversary Celebration (with heritage trains and buses) Trains Are Awesome 2022-10-02 | In 1947, the Illinois state government created the Chicago Transit Authority to take over train and streetcar operations in the Windy City. The CTA would go on to take over bus operations in 1952 as well. On October 1st, 2022, the CTA celebrated their 75th anniversary by running a fleet of heritage trains and buses throughout the Loop. We wouldn’t miss this for the world, so here is our video report of the day’s events. The trains and buses featured:CTA 4000 series train: built in 1923, retired in the 1970s. CTA 6000 series train: built in 1950, retired in 1992. CTA 2400 series train: built in 1976, retired in 2014. Bus 3706: built in 1969, retired in 1991. Narrow bus, used on Lake Street Route. Bus 301: built in 1962, retired in 1983. Bus 8499: built in 1960, retired in the 1970s. Used to experiment with new design elements. Trains Are Awesome!Chapters0:00 Introduction 0:49 History of the CTA6:41 Arriving at the Celebration 10:56 Riding the 6000 Series17:03 Riding the 2400 Series21:38 Riding the 4000 Series26:59 Bus 370628:48 Bus 30132:47 Bus 8499
