Railfanning Marion, OH or Butler, IN

[Toppysager]

Okay. So this spring I am thinking about either going to Butler, IN or Marion Oh. I can only go to one. I have been to Marion several times it sees steady, but Butler seems busier. what should I expect from the daily train count at Butler? I know the NS Water- Level Route is busy but not much about the NS ex - WAB. If you can give me some advice about each spot and which one would be better that would be great! also what are the best times to catch CP trains?

[MagnumForce]

Butler is busier but I would still choose Marion.

[TrainWatcher]

Butler is busier but I would still choose Marion.

I would agree with Brent. I like the photo spots at Marion more than the few I have tried while traveling thru Butler. And the Shovel and the local gas station help ease any food or restroom problems if the Depot isn't open.

[MagnumForce]

The issue with Butler is that you can't see everything from one spot.

[trainfan12]

The issue with Butler is that you can't see everything from one spot.

I agree with you on that one. I do like seeing the CP run- through trains though.

[Notch 8]

SE Quadrant, you can park there its a street, Its the Ghetto of Butler, However you can see everything..

[berkmeister]

Granted, it's the best place to see everything going over the diamonds, but i've heard those residents will call the Butler city police on you if you hang around very long. Berkmeister

[trainfan12]

Granted, it's the best place to see everything going over the diamonds, but i've heard those residents will call the Butler city police on you if you hang around very long. Berkmeister

To add to that, the shrubbery was really high last time i was there. It got in the way of west bounds. Every other direction was fine though. If you are looking for shots, there's a signal bridge in Waterloo just west of the Amtrak depot.