Fun facts: Ogilvie Transportation Center is named for the former Illinois governor who created the Regional Transportation Authority, the parent agency of Metra. Also: the three UP lines (formerly Chicago and North Western Railway) are left-hand running! The reason, below, from Wikipedia: "The CNW was known for running on the left-hand side when running on double track mainlines. In the United States, most railroads used the right-hand track along double-track mainlines, while left-hand running was more common in countries where British companies built the railroads. According to a display in Metra's Lake Forest station, the reason for this was a combination of chance and inertia. When originally built as single-line trackage, the C&NW arbitrarily placed its stations on the left-hand side of the tracks (when headed inbound toward Chicago). Later, when a second track was added, it was placed on the side away from the stations so as not to force them to relocate. Since most passengers waiting at the stations were headed toward Chicago, the inbound track remained the one closest to the station platforms. The expense of reconfiguring signals and switches has prevented a conversion to right-hand operation ever since."

One of my favorite rail lies. I have ridden it several times all the way to Williams Bay - before 1966.

Hey hey, Crystal Lake resident here! It's so nice to see the line I've always taken to Chicago (hell, I've taken this line more than I've been driven to Chicago). I didn't actually know that it was weird for the train to be on the left since it's the only train I've really ever been exposed to living in the suburbs. Great video and great channel!

Another little tidbit for you. If you haven't already heard the term, the routes on Metra that seem to stop at every station are called "milk runs." When I started riding Metra in 1985 before moving here. my colleagues at work would always warn me, "Don't take the milk run. It takes for ever." In the early days, dairy farmers used to get up early to milk the cows then bring the big milk containers to their local station. They all had supply agreements with distributors in Chicago, So every railroad would have a train in the AM that had a special car for milk cans that would stop at every station then deliver it to downtown Chicago. I don't know if anyone calls them this anymore, but the term continued for decades after the milk delivery was taken over by trucking.

The McHenry branch was part of the line that ran from Elgin to Lake Geneva-most of it has been converted to trails except in Crystal Lake were the Vulcan gravel pit has devoured it.

More fun facts: The Mc Henry Line used to go all the way to Williams Bay, WI until 1966, Lake Geneva, WI until the mid 1970's, Richmond, IL until late 70's/ early 80's, when it was cut back to Mc Henry, IL. There is a long term plan to re-extend it to Johnsburg/ Ringwood at some point

What a fantastic view. Grew up in Chicago but never rode this line. Thanks for sharing!

That view is well cooler than the rear window on a loco hauled train! I've learnt about another Metra line today. Nice one Thom 🙏🏻

Your advice to check the schedule for unexpected stopping patterns is a good one. I wish I'd have followed it last winter when I tried to get on a train from Des Plaines to Arlington Heights, and ended up on one two minutes earlier that didn't stop until Barington.

I like the fact that one can view the train from the front as per the train engineer - much more interesting than only from the side - especially since you can also see the signals change. Lots of commuter trains, Thom. I must admit I felt a little uneasy towards the end when your train had stopped & another was approaching from the opposite end but on the same track as your train! Only to see it peel off, was a relief. Thank you for sharing - Summer is definitely the time to visit Chicago.

I enjoy the video👍👍

I'm not nearly so obsessed with train travel as you are, but I watch all your videos with great interest. You've grown a lot since your early ones, which is great to see.

As always, another great video! 👍

Really enjoy your videos and all you do to bring great train content to all of us!!!

I actually stayed in an Airbnb last week that was a repurposed Union Pacific caboose. It was a fun time

why do freight company's run better service then Metra itself

Me, my dad and brother used to take the line from crystal lake to chicago to go to museums every year when we were kids in the 2000s, and luckly i work a few minutes from the station so i often now will stop by after work and watch a train or 2 on my way home. Any chance youll return to this line?

Arlington park closed its doors for horse racing

Thank you for the great video Thom! Looking at the rail line on google maps, its very straight and cuts across diagonally if that makes sense. Nice to see the 3rd track being used for the different express trains :-) I definitely hope to ride it myself one day!

Cool video & unknown CN

Arlington Park is a boil on the backside of the city of Chicago. Say yes to the Chicago Bears. Just say no to the Arlington Park Karens.