frank754 wrote:http://viewoftheblue.com/photography/csssb10_2.html
"After Gary, the line is mostly single tracked, except for some non-electrified double-track to accomodate freight service."
There are long sidings near Bailey on both sides of the single track main. Where you took your picture of 2002 appears to be one of those sidings (west of Dune Park). Although the west end of the north siding is automated (remote switch and CTC signals to allow coal trains to enter and exit the mainline) the other siding entrances (south siding and east facing switches on the north siding) are all manual throw and the sidings are unsignalled (except for their connection to the main line).
The true double track segments east of Gary ARE electrified. This includes the miles just east of Miller (Wilson to Wagner), the passing siding at Dune Park (Tremont), the passing siding east of Beverly Shores (Tamarack) and the passing siding just west of Michigan City (Power to Sheridan). All electrified. (The passing tracks east of Michigan City at Birchim, Olive and the "airport runaround" along Bendix Drive are also electrified.)
Otherwise, a nice collection of photos ... it is a shame the weather wasn't better for you.
It is probably too late for me to help Otto with his trip. The Blue Chip is probably the best hotel near the South Shore ... walking distance if you're healthy. The neighborhood between Michigan Ave and Shops is fine to drive through (with Holliday St along the tracks) and I've seen some locals walking along there. Roeske Ave bridge is a photo hot spot for the yard. I refreshed my yard photos from there last weekend and have seen others on that bridge. The 11th St station is the downtown photo hotspot. If you have a car make the trip west to Beverly Shores (and visit the museum there, if you wish).
