BNSF 2026 leading, pre-dawn Z passes a Metra, CSX, rail train, three way with AMTK160, BNSF 25th

Original film date: August 4, 2026 Locations: Downers Grove, Hinsdale and Western Springs, IL The main feature of this short compilation was BNSF 2026, one of three red, white, and blue liveried ES44ACH engines honoring America’s 250th anniversary. BNSF 2026 departed Portland, OR back on August 1, 2026 leading priority intermodal Z-PTLCHC7-01A bound for Cicero, IL. After setting out some domestic containers and picking up some international containers in St. Paul, MN on August 3, 2026, BNSF 2026 is the third of three Cicero-bound intermodal trains to enter the Chicago area prior to the morning Metra rush hour. This train passed through Hinsdale, IL at 5:49am, prior to the Metra rush hour going into full swing. Prior to BNSF 2026’s pass, guaranteed service intermodal Q-SSECHC (South Seattle, WA - Cicero, IL) passes through Downers Grove, IL around 4:25am. Then Z-SSECHC2-01A (the expedited priority intermodal) passes through Hinsdale, IL passing Metra 1200 east, the first Metra train of the morning around 4:45am. Other trains seen later in the day include: Westbound BNSF rail train being led by H1 1089 and H2 5158. BNSF8135 pulling a deadhead Amtrak Illinois Zephyr 380 consist. At Western Springs, IL a three way meet with BNSF priority intermodal Z-CHCSSE1-04U (Cicero, IL - South Seattle, WA), Metra 1260 east, and Amtrak Southwest Chief 3 with phase III 160 leading Amtrak California Zephyr 6 meets a short westbound BNSF manifest with some dumpsters **BNSF 2026 went out leading Z-CHCSSE1-05U on Aug 5, 2026. We didn’t get out to see that one.