Community Forums

smlranger · 08-23-2016, 06:11 AM

We are heading west again and after a visit to HWH in Moscow, IA, we are considering our route to Buffalo, WY. We've been I90 x3 and are considering taking I80 this time. We like trains and have read about the Golden Spike tower tour in North Platte.

Anyone been there and if so, was it worth the stop?

98FPA · 08-23-2016, 06:41 AM

I only live about 100 miles from North Platte and I have been to the Golden Spike. I am railroad buff as well. I'd definitely recommend it. You may see things along the Union Pacific line that you well never see anywhere else. Going on Highway 30 from Kearney to North Platte should provide you with a lot of action. Usually get close to 150 trains per day going through this corridor. Cheyenne is also a hot spot as well, currently restoring a UP Big Boy there. Also UP steamers 3985 and 844 are there.

smlranger · 08-23-2016, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98FPA

I only live about 100 miles from North Platte and I have been to the Golden Spike. I am railroad buff as well. I'd definitely recommend it. You may see things along the Union Pacific line that you well never see anywhere else. Going on Highway 30 from Kearney to North Platte should provide you with a lot of action. Usually get close to 150 trains per day going through this corridor. Cheyenne is also a hot spot as well, currently restoring a UP Big Boy there. Also UP steamers 3985 and 844 are there.

Thanks for the tip. Is Highway 30 an acceptable route for a larger coach? I know the roads are pretty flat and straight in that park of the country.

psi500 · 08-23-2016, 07:25 AM

X 2 on the Golden Spike.

98FPA · 08-23-2016, 09:55 AM

Yeah, I do not think you will have any problems taking 30 from Kearney to North Platte, I have driven my MH from Kearney to Ogallala to do some rail fanning. Last time I did, I saw a passenger train go by with all different rail lines, oddly none were Union Pacific.

Big Dude · 08-23-2016, 10:43 AM

We stopped there last fall and as a railfan I loved it. You get a great view of Bailey Yard and there was a retiree up there answering questions, which I really liked. Below is my blog post which has some pictures.

Big Dude's Eclectic Ramblings: Search results for bailey yard

Loggenrock · 08-23-2016, 10:34 PM

BTW, if you have a AAA card you get a discount on admission! We enjoyed stopping there - tough part is crossing the rail lines to get there - use an approach on the east side!!! ST