The Trinity River, across which this westbound train is heading, floods a few times each year. At those times, the water is up to the bridge, and that's when they take all the publicity photos for Dallas. The other 362 days of the year you could probably step across the river, but the ferocity of those floods mandated levees and massive bridges more appropriate for the Mississippi, even if they are seldom needed. If the levees broke or the pumps failed, much of downtown Dallas would be under water on those days. It makes for some great railroad shots, though.
Over the past 30 years, Dallas has undergone a huge transformation that rid it of most of the downtown railroad tracks, though it added light rail and revitalized Union Station, one white sliver of which is visible behind the lead CSX unit. Train spotting has gotten interesting again in Dallas, with BNSF, UP, and Kansas City Southern in starring roles, with lots of supporting lines such as Trinity Railway Express, DART, and some switching roads. Even Norfolk Southern appears regularly, courtesy of the KCS "Racetrack" through Louisiana.
Of course, the real railroading happens in Fort Worth, 30 minutes west, but Dallas always has respectable rail action going on downtown. Just get your iPad, Google Maps, and camera. Dallas will provide the coffee and backdrops, maybe even a roaring river. Follow the rails!
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