I agree a good map is helpful. Not all of the state DOT maps show railroad lines, or if they do they might only show lines with passenger service, either Amtrak or commuter. I have found the DeLorme atlases for various states to be the most useful when planning a railfan journey or out railfanning. Also you can often buy street atlases for many cities and their surrounding areas. These often show where railroad lines are located in cities with more detail than the DeLorme atlases are able to.
Several threads recently---Bergie's included--have asked about train spotting and locations to fan from:
1.) Local infromation is always helpful.
2.) A good map is especially helpful.
Specific railroad maps are available from TRAINS advertisers. Another often overlooked resource is the individual State's Highway Department map. They are usually free, and can be picked up from Welcome Centers, or if you have enough time, can be requested by U.S. mail; usually loacated in the State of interest in the vicinity of the State Lines upon entering. These maps are usually current, and will show raillines and main county roads as well as state highways by numbers. Within larger cities they will indicate the main raillines, but will be sketchy on the local details. THose State DOT maps can be a real asset in railfanning expecitions..
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