Who has information on railfanning in Philadelphia? I’m looking for places to watch trains at, and anything relating to train numbers and times to expect them. CSX, NS, and CP trains all run to Philly. Info on any of these roads is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
good number of spots along the Northeast Corridor (great for Amtrak and Septa…) though seems that the best spots i’ve found (such as around Bridesburg and Frankford Septa stations) seem to be heavy traffic (i prefer lighter traffic areas… less weird looks from people)…
i like watching the Delair branch near the Betsy Ross Bridge (and there is some ground level running serving the port and chemical companies, great for stuff still in Conrail colors)… i am some what cautious around there though… the parking along the parallel street is real limited, and the proximity to the chemical companies can be troublesome in this post-9/11 world… good amount of NS and CSX with regular NJ transits coming through
there’s some action around the line by Lehigh and Aramingo…
there’s a yard hidden in the brush by Richmond and Lehigh, i’ve regularly seen a CSX GP and occasionally a NS GP which i believe is R/C… the yard by Aramingo and Church and the track servicing the chemical companies occasionally have a switcher or two servicing them
down along C. Columbus ave in South Philly you can see trains serving the ports, plus a CP GP38-2 with a CP caboose… I’ve heard there’s a D & H unit there too, but, i’ve never see it
check out the Frankford transportation center at Bridge and Pratt… nice spot to watch the trains come and go on the El, and if you’re lucky you might see some MOW equipment, or even the previous version of the El trains.
Not sure of the exact locations, but there also is the CSX Philly sub (i believe 30th Spring Garden is a good location, but will have too look it up… never had a chance to fan it yet) and the NS highline as well… will get back ASAP with locations for watching
The parking lot for the zoo is real good… back row only seperated from tracks by a fence.
And of course we can not forget about 30th Station and accompanying yard, now can we
In King of Prussia, Upper Merion Township, at the North end of Henderson Rd. there is a NS yard that seems very busy. There is a double track that runs along the Schuylkill river. This trackage runs through Valley Forge National Park to the North. There is a small stone lot alongside the rails adjacent to the road, I see several people sittng there all the time. I don’t think anyone bothers them. Also, up in the park there are some great camera angles and interesting backrounds, and its public land![:D]
try north philadelphia amtrak/septa station. see septa and amtrak with nj transit
Try looking at trains at the Homesburg station. Or anywhere along I95. I myself watch trains at the old Brill tower in SW Phily. I live in Darby, Pa. and I watch trains in Darby, Sharon Hill and Folcroft stations.
Stay away from NJT or you may end up in the slammer!![:(!][:(!][:(!]