Chicago's Coolest Railroad: A Tour of the Indiana Harbor Belt's East End

Рет қаралды 27,699

Жыл бұрын

Hate my narrating? Just want to hear raw EMD noise? Narration free version here:
• Chicago's Coolest Rail...
In this video presentation, we explore some of the rail action along the eastern half of the Indiana Harbor Belt. Hot metal trains, end cab switchers, and other hard working EMD locomotives are just some of the many things we'll see as we follow this fascinating stretch of railroad.
This is my first "Pentrex" style production, as I've recently fell back into the world of railroad videography. With that said, any feedback - good or bad - would be IMMENSELY welcomed and appreciated. Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 136

@jayvasquez6711 Жыл бұрын

Harbor belt sucks

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for a comment from you! Preach on, Jay. 🙏

@Unsound_advice Жыл бұрын

Sorry you couldn’t hack it. LOL

@jayvasquez6711 Жыл бұрын

@S M yes but your mother was able to hack it.

@Unsound_advice Жыл бұрын

@@jayvasquez6711 shes dead thanks. Hope you’re living your best life.

@jayvasquez6711 Жыл бұрын

@@Unsound_advice I am couldn't ask for anything better.

@TheIronweed-vx5lg 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. I always enjoy anything Chicago based.

@trtrproductions 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! I'm very fortunate to live in such an amazing place for railroading, that's for sure!

@sweynforkbeardtraindude Жыл бұрын

Great stuff! As an expat Hoosier who used to hang out in The Region, I appreciate the memories!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed! I've called The Region home my entire life, I've always held that as both a very good and very bad thing lol! Thanks for watching!

@seanny4296 Жыл бұрын

This is hands down one of my favorite rail fanning videos of all time. Just marvelous work!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed. Comments like this make it all the more worth it to put these together. Thanks for watching!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Howdy everyone. When I posted this video, I had just over 200 subscribers, and little hope that anyone would see this video. With that being said, I am beyond humbled by the addition of over ONE HUNDRED new subscribers since posting this video six days ago, and not to mention the overwhelming amount of views, comments, and positivity it's since gathered. I am so grateful for each and every one of you that's watched! Thank you guys, more to come!

@EmpireBeltRR Жыл бұрын

March 4th, 10K views and counting!!!

@loonetick4491 Жыл бұрын

395 396, very peaceful .

@stevenikitas8170 Жыл бұрын

Great video and narration. It's nice to see short-line action instead of the usual Union Pacific, Tehachapi Loop, BNSF Transcon, etc., which all have been done over and over. One suggestion - it would be nice to have a map of the IHB inserted into the video at some point so that we know where the trains are going.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve! Someone else mentioned adding a map, I will definitely look into some ways of potentially animating one into future videos. Thanks for watching!

@mattgamble9907 Жыл бұрын

Very cool video. It would have been nice to link a map or an overlay in the video, but I still haven't even figured out how to upload a video to You Tube, so who am I to say. Great work!! I really enjoyed it.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt! Someone else mentioned a map being a nice feature, I will definitely look into that. There should be a fairly easy to learn way of going about it I'm sure!

@NorthernIndianaRails Жыл бұрын

Just found this channel, and wow! Amazing work!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that Kyle, thanks! More to come!

@CharlieKrampitz Жыл бұрын

Awesome absolutely awesome

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Charlie, greatly appreciate the enthusiasm! :)

@kevc2009CC Жыл бұрын

Outstanding video with informative narration!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kevin, glad you enjoyed! Love your videos too!

@kevc2009CC Жыл бұрын

@@trtrproductions Thank you!

@dawdawes 7 ай бұрын

Love the narration, being a railfan but living across the pond, it's nice to know loco,train types,numbers and locations, also love the longer videos, reminds me of video I could purchase from SPV (Steam powered video) years ago. Good job and thanks from Lancashire

@trtrproductions 6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for watching, Dave! It never fails to amaze me how wide of a reach this platform has. Glad you enjoyed the narration and didn't mind the length... a good amount of inspiration when making this came from old Pentrex tapes I watched as a child. Thanks again!

@timh975 Жыл бұрын

I work for IHB out of Gibson, mainly on GA-6. You did a great job on this video!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Tim, thank you! Very cool to hear from someone that works at the railroad! Perhaps that was you at 01:08:00?

@peterbeesley8904 8 ай бұрын

Just discovered the channel. Excellent coverage of the fascinating IHB. Thanks

@trtrproductions 8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much, Peter! Glad you enjoyed!

@Brianrockrailfan Жыл бұрын

Awesome video

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Brian!

@gp3829 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic and Fascinating. I'm in the UK and a big fan of the CSS & IHB. Our Railways are nothing like as interesting as this. I noted NS GP60 7114 with a Free-Flow Air Duct and a couple of Coil-Cars with Angle Hoods. The footage and narration was spot-on with well-chosen settings and thoughtful camera work. In case you are ever able to film the IHB interchanging at CSS Burnham Yard - please do not hesitate. Thanks for posting.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching, so neat that this little slice of railroading is known worldwide! Those NS GP60s are some of my favorite locomotives on the rails these days. I am working on a CSS video, and will try my best to get a shot of Chicago's two orange railroads interchanging. Thanks again!

@gp3829 Жыл бұрын

@@trtrproductions Thank you. I hope you are able to get the footage. I also like the settings of Steelworks, Chemicals - anything Industrial.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

@@gp3829 Howdy! Just as a quick follow up, I was making my rounds trackside today and sure enough, happened to stumble into a Harbor Belt SW1500 switching in the South Shore's Burnham Yard... so I'm happy to say that when a CSS video is released, there will absolutely be footage of the interchange happening!

@gp3829 Жыл бұрын

@@trtrproductions Brilliant - I'm looking forward to it. 23:10 UK time, so I'm off for some kip. Thanks.

@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video 👍👍👍 the narration was great to.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed, thank you! You like my narration more than I do lol!

@wrrail Жыл бұрын

Underrated

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

That means a lot! Thank you for watching!

@markhayes6407 Жыл бұрын

Really cool video. Switching Industries right up my alley. The IHB is definitely a cool railroad to watch operations. Thanks for posting

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

...and thank you for watching, Mark! Glad you enjoyed!

@BF-qt2wp Жыл бұрын

Awesome video keep up the good work and be safe out there.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, will do!

@SamLovesTrains Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I applaud you for spending the time to put this all together! I’ll be watching for more videos.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Sam, glad you liked it!! More to come!

@keithranker3908 9 ай бұрын

Excelleny video andnsound! I just found you on YoTube. After watching for a few minutes, I subscribed. I also shared the link with sone east coast friends and others.

@beelzeboss22 10 ай бұрын

Those loaded pig iron bottles glow at night. Pretty cool to see

@trtrproductions 9 ай бұрын

They are a sight for sure, 20 years of watching them go by and I still never tire of them. Thanks again!

@raycooney7632 Жыл бұрын

Very nice with great narration.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Ray! Glad you enjoyed!

@ellisjackson3355 10 ай бұрын

I love Indiana harbor belt. It so industrial with interesting sights. I'm partial to EJ&E myself

@trtrproductions 9 ай бұрын

I REALLY wish I was old enough to fully appreciate the J when it was still around... I'm sure I would have already released a video on their own east end if that was the case! Thanks for watching!

@ellisjackson3355 9 ай бұрын

@@trtrproductions I used to live in the south suburbs right next to their line, so I would see their locomotives all the time. Plus a DM&IR every once in a while

@FallenFlagPhotography Жыл бұрын

Definitely an underrated channel! This deserves more subs, I subscribed. Great job on this video, looking forward to more like this.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

That means more than words can say, Ryan. Thank you so much, both for watching the video and subscribing! Glad you enjoyed!

@EmpireBeltRR Жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT Production!! Thoroughly enjoyed the video and informative narration. Looking forward to your next video as I'm now subscriber 310!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

John, thank you! I cannot believe I've gained over 100 subscribers in the six days since posting this video, I am beyond humbled. With that said, thank YOU for being one of them!

@ChicagoCrossingRR Ай бұрын

Phenomenal video - a fantastic resource for Chicago modelers.

@royjennings4781 Жыл бұрын

Wow lots of changes since I was there last.

@nstrainmaster2 Жыл бұрын

1:23:30 Film shot of the CENTURY! Good job!!!!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you got to see the finished project! Thanks!

@chriscalton9763 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video! I love the IHB. We toured the roundhouse the last time we were there and got to photograph the Veteran's Unit. I love the detailed info and camera work!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris! I love the 3800 as well. Unfortunately during the months I was following the railroad, the power set with it never seemed to come east, only west! I will definitely have to do a follow up that includes it!

@michaelgriffin-bb2ub Жыл бұрын

thank you for a great video, I live 30 miles away in Michigan City, In and didn't know this much about the IHB. Maybe you can do a video of the CSS out of Michigan City, I believe they interchanged with IHB, again thanks

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael. I have a bit of footage already to do a CSS video, I'm hoping to get more this summer and make a very similar video to this one, perhaps one for the freight side and one for passenger. Thanks for watching!

@kahunatiki6498 7 ай бұрын

Finally had time to watch. Outstanding!!

@trtrproductions 6 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video, Scott! Thanks for watching!

@owboky102050 7 ай бұрын

I work for the ihb in the early 70s Had my blue tag as a conductor working out of the Blue Island yard. Still running the wood slated caboose . fireman riding on the engines waiting for retirement Still had the ice House icing box cars then Still using fuses to pass signals Oh ya I had to ride a dinosaur to work 🤪

@CombsTowerProductions Жыл бұрын

Pretty rad video of the IHB, big thumbs up!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Sam. Hope you've been well buddy

@nstrainmaster2 Жыл бұрын

Same

@CombsTowerProductions Жыл бұрын

And to both of you as well

@beelzeboss22 10 ай бұрын

I think I’ve seen you filming on my drive home from work in East Chicago. Lots of train traffic on that line.

@trtrproductions 9 ай бұрын

Likely so! I'm fortunate to live right over the bridge in Hessville, so naturally the five minute drive from home is too tempting to pass up after work for me most days! Thanks for watching!

@paulcarpenito3290 Жыл бұрын

I really love this video. Great work.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to hear you love it Paul! Thank you for watching!

@jeffreysheridan5205 4 ай бұрын

When I worked at Conrail, it was called the Belt. We took a lot of traffic off that road. Owned about 47% of it I belive.

@portrail3305 Жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable and informative, thank you

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank YOU for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

@broyobrogdon6403 Жыл бұрын

Great job!!!!Really enjoyed this..loved it.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for watching!

@broyobrogdon6403 Жыл бұрын

@@trtrproductions thank you for making it.i know it took a lot time and hard work!!!

@coolawesomeepicman4513 2 ай бұрын

A Well painted fleet, especially a short line really is a treat. Harbor Belt isn't a big railroad, but I commend attention to livery preservation

@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video man great job 👍 👏 👌

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

I appreciate it William, thanks for watching!

@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808 Жыл бұрын

@@trtrproductions your welcome 🙏

@Steven_Williams Жыл бұрын

Very awesome!!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Steven! Glad you enjoyed.

@danb715 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, keep them coming. IHB is the coolest railroad. :)

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan! I couldn't agree more, the IHB will always be my personal favorite!

@scotabot7826 Жыл бұрын

Awesome place for trains, but dismal and horrible place to live in and around!!!! Very well put together video and filming!!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I grew up in East Chicago, and live in Hammond today. That said I can absolutely attest to your observation lol! Thanks for watching!

@johnmacqueen1777 Жыл бұрын

Great video. And your narration is just fine. Definitely has me planning a trip!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you John! I've always said that this stretch of railroad would be worth the trip even for someone that lives in Europe. I may be a bit biased though lol!

@charlesb3208 8 ай бұрын

beautiful job

@trtrproductions 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, Charles! Glad you enjoyed!

@dwdrummer9044 Жыл бұрын

Great job, awesome video!!!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed

@davidwalton9940 Жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with your narration. I subscribed too. GREAT video!!!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much David, for all three compliments! Greatly appreciate it sir!

@alexmanne Жыл бұрын

Well done. I enjoyed this video.

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Alex! Glad you enjoyed!

@illinois_rails Жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed!

@SouthernBelleACe Жыл бұрын

Sweet video! Beautiful job. Did the engineer on the 4022 have a message for you?

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve! No, he was camera shy and blocking his face with his switch list, he did it at every location I filmed them that day! So I guess his unspoken message for me would've been "Why the hell are you doing this to me?" Lol!

@lashendawest7509 11 ай бұрын

Great long video and awesome catches

@trtrproductions 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

@jeffmiller9313 11 ай бұрын

I see that the IHB is phasing out the alternating ditch lights.

@midwest_railfan_4793 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video man, thank you. I watched the narrated version. Certainly didn't hate it. Loved the information you provided. I hope to railfan this area with a friend this summer. Gave us some good places to look up! Is Blue Island still accessible for fanning? Haven't been since 2015 but I've heard the railroads aren't as railfan friendly as they used to be over there ..

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed! The diamonds at Blue Island are still very much accessible, I typically park on or around Vine Street (immediately west of the tracks off of Broadway) and walk over. I've heard parking in the gravel east of the diamond hardly ever attracts attention, but I've never felt like testing the waters. Along the east end, stay away from the steel mills around Indiana Harbor/CP 502. Plant security has become absolutely relentless in the last few months, and they don't seem to care whether you're actually on their property or not... Otherwise, there are many publicly accessible spots shown in this video that shouldn't give you any issue!

@mistersurogat Жыл бұрын

good video

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

@DarlaGoudeau 10 ай бұрын

It's a Chicago original but it does suck when you have to wait 20 minutes at the gates..

@trtrproductions 9 ай бұрын

I grew up in East Chicago and still live in Hammond to this day... with that being said I'll also say that the trains are only interesting as long as I'm behind a camera and not trying to get somewhere myself lol! I've had my fair share of frustrations as well!

@cassandraflores5896 Жыл бұрын

Soy Miguel Navarrete cruz me gustan estos trenes de diferentes colores 🌈🌈🌈🌝🌝

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

¡Muchas gracias Miguel! ¡Qué bueno que te gustaron!

@Berkshire1225 Жыл бұрын

2:06

@iancontreras7688 7 ай бұрын

Heyyyy it’s the video guy

@trtrproductions 6 ай бұрын

Oh no... the picture guy found it. My worst dreams realized!

@Berkshire1225 Жыл бұрын

29:27

@stuartcandis1874 Жыл бұрын

where is the GARY AND WESTERN railroad have u hidden it show us in the next video???

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Today, the Gary & Western is simply the timetable name for the IHB sidings east of Gibson Junction. The original Gary & Western was a subsidiary of the New York Central, and is today abandoned east of Chase Street, though many of the railroad's bridges are still in place. If interested, Gary Indiana Railfan is a great resource to learn some more history on the line. www.youtube.com/@GaryIndianaRailfan/videos

@trainman1849 Жыл бұрын

When were these clips taken?

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

All footage from this project was shot between July and December of last year. (2022)

@denveroutlaws06 Жыл бұрын

Will you be doing the west end?

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

In due time I may... I've always paid far more attention to the east end of the railroad, so some research will be of order first! Thanks for watching!

@tomstarcevich1147 Жыл бұрын

🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃👍

@anthonyhunt701 8 ай бұрын

All those lines with the orange & black stripes and letters to indicate what RR it is…🤔👎🏻 Harbor…stays true. Area ( Chicago) 🚂fan

@lynwoodme8558 Жыл бұрын

Did the IHB back all the way to the old budd plant, on the G&W from Gibson yard? Seems strange if it did with the conductor riding the tank car, all the way!

@trtrproductions Жыл бұрын

Hey there Lynwood! The trains shoving at Gibson were Michigan Avenue based local trains shoving their outbound carloads into the Gary & Western sidings. This is the normal routine since Michigan Avenue is so busy. They shove the train as far east as Ivanhoe Junction, cut off the train and return lite engine. Every local does this routine and an outbound manifest for Blue Island ends up being built at the end of the day. Thanks for watching!