How do you get a freight train schedule? Is it possible? Its 2 min from my house but I'm too sick to be out waiting and by the time I hear it it's too late to go.
Dont discourage me please I know this,method suxks.
Freight trains aren't going to operate on a regular or strict schedule. Times and frequency are going to vary.
Depending on the load & length, they may not be going very fast, at all. Something to consider.
If the tracks are owned by the freight company in your region, they may share them with companies such as Amtrak. You can find station to station schedules on their website. That's the closest you're going to get to a schedule, and even then you'll have to do the math on when it'll be where you are.
If you really wanted to go this far with it, you could get a radio, look up their frequencies online and listen for when they're coming. This will still probably involve calculations.
As mentioned by other users, choosing this method will involve other people. A freight train will have a conductor and engineer. Passenger train speaks for itself. Be sure you're okay with this. I get why people advise against this method for that reason, but I don't judge you for it, at all.
The last apartment I rented had active, busy railroads right near it. I lost count of how many times I went there in the dead of night to stand on the tracks and do what you're looking to do. I couldn't do it, too scared of surviving with horrific pain and injuries. I'd run off and find cover so they didn't see me. If SI is an issue for you, wouldn't recommend this method.
Lastly, if you are spotted on the tracks, the crew on board will radio their dispatch, who will call the police.
Hope this was informative.