Headed to Washington D.C. in a Week

[Dough]

I'm headed to D.C. on Amtrak in a week, and I was wondering what I should check out train related if I have the time. Just looking at a map, I see that the old RF&P route has a huge bridge over the Potomac. Also, is their anything good around Union Station?

Other than that I don't have a clue so I was hoping that some of you that live up, or have been, that way could point out the interesting areas.

Thanks![;)]

[FThunder11]

If ur coming from the north, take the ACELA EXPRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow][bow]

[Dough]

Sorry, coming from the south on the former Southern Crescent.[;)]

[Modelcar]

....Union Station in itself for railroad interests is a jewel of a building so stop and walk around and take a good look at what's there. The renovation some years ago sure has made it a beautiful structure again.

[RudyRockvilleMD]

If you plan to arrive in Washington between Wednesday, June 9, and Friday, June 11, I would stay away from any tracks in downtown Washington because security will be tight due to the funeral of the Late President Ronald Reagan. If you are near any tracks in downtown Washington you might be questioned about why you are there, and what you are doing. Any other day might be ok.

By the way that bridge was formerly owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail. It is used by trains of Amtrak, VRE, and CSX so it is pretty busy especially during the morning and the evening VRE commuter rushes. The closest public transportation would probably be the Bureau of Engraving busses which run on 14th Street; even at that the bridge is somewhat of a walk.

If you are interested in photographing trains crossing the Potomac River Bridge it has a moveable truss span, and it has mostly through girder spans so views of the train's running gear is cut off.

There is nothing to see in the vicinity of Union Station because the tracks from the south enter the station through a tunnel. The area to the north of Union Station is not safe. I strongly recommend going to the Smithsonian Museum on 12th and Constitution; it has an interesting railroad exhibit.

June in Washington is hot, and the humidity is frequently high

[M636C]

If you will be there when the VRE commuter trains run, you might be able to get photos at the Alexandria station south of Washington DC. You can get there on the Metro to King Street, and some photos can be taken from the Metro platforms, which overlook the CSX tracks. Some years ago, I was able to photograph both VRE commuter trains and CSx freights at Alexandria with no problems, but I can't guarantee that there will be no problems now, of course. VRE locomotives generally ran on the south end of trains, using a cab control car in the Washington DC direction. There is a very impressive George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple near the Alexandria station, and I believe the tower was available for viewing, but again I don't know if that is the case now. Don't miss riding on the Metro outside the peak hours. It is clean and fast and not too expensive. The Smithsonian is good, too.

Peter

[daveklepper]

There is also the National Capitol trolley museum north of the city, and you can get the details via this TRAINS website by clicking on the appropriate titles - museums. Maryland, etc. Another place where Metro and freight, commuter, and Amtrak are close by is Silver Spring, where there should be some similar photo opportunities. If you have the time, of course visit Baltimore as well. A fine city. The light rail line includes old Baltimore Northern ex Pennsylkvania trackage and is a scenic ride. And the B&O musuem, of course. There is so much passenger service between the two cities that they can be considered railroad suburbs of each other. And by all meas enjoy your ride on Amtrak's Southern Crescent.

[StillGrande]

Right across the street from Union Station is the U.S. Postal Museum. There is some interesting information on mail by rail there, including a mock up of a Postal car you can walk through. They have some really interesting stuff in there (more than just stamps!). You can also get free postcards there (and mail them from the museum).

The museum of American History just reopened the transportation display. In my opinion, they ruined the train displays. The big pacific still makes noise, but you can't really hear it and the wigwag crossing warning still doesn't work (did when I was little)!

If you get the chance, the Old Post Office tower has an excellent view of the city (and a much shorter line than the Washington Monument). This is about half way between the capitol and the White house.

The WW2 memorial is nice. I highly recommend the Roosevelt Memorial. I the DC Ducks are running, that is a nice tour. If you get lucky, you can catch a train or 2 crossing the Potomac from the water.

If you can get out to the Air and Space Museum annex (at Dulles Airport) I would. It is airplanes and space stuff, but it is huge (the A&S on the Mall is tiny compared to it - and crowded).

For a good display of military items, the Navy Yard is fantastic. You have to have valid drivers license to get in, but it is fantastic. They are also not as uptight about you touching stuff there as they are at the Smithsonian. You can get in some of the diving bells, a space capsule, and a couple of gun mounts. There are also tours of a Destroyer docked there (though if you are older than 25 the sailors can make you feel really old by saying things like "way back in the 80's")



If you are looking for something, just ask. Locals are used to tourists and don't mind questions (makes us feel important).

There is a bunch of stuff hidden away that locals know about and the tourists seldom find.

[JoeKoh]

if your coming from the south on the way back try to get to Roanoke Va to see the N&W 611-J
stay safe
Joe

[Anonymous]

Do us a favour and take some pictures that you can share with us.... [:)]

Please?

[Train Guy 3]

Last time i was at Union Station i watched trains come in and out from the parking deck. It was a good view of the yard and platforms. I wouldn't suggest doing that thought, unless you also want to get a glimpse of the FBI building down the street.

[FThunder11]

QUOTE: Sorry, coming from the south on the former Southern Crescent.

Well, you're on the platforms look for the Acela Express and take some pics of it and then send them to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rixflix]

You need a lot of time to get to the best spots in DC. Sans car, I would take a quick trip on Metro.Red line to Silver Spring. It parallels CSX (former B&O) to the west and has interesting views of Union Station and Ivy City yards as well as Metro's Brentwood yard. Metro also parallels rr's on the Red line to Shady Grove, the Orange to New Carrolton and the Blue to Franconia. and the Yellow for a brief stretch across the Potomac opposite the rr bridge.
Suspect you'll only have time for an hour or two . I would either take the escalators up from the concourse , out the door and up some more to the top of the parking garage. Great views of platforms and lead tracks. Complex train movements in early morning and late afternoon. Mid-day, not much. Or a jaunt up the Red line to Silver Spring and back from Union Station.
But go to the Smithsonian's American History Museum's transportation exhibit if there's no time for anything else.
Rixflix

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FThunder11

QUOTE: Sorry, coming from the south on the former Southern Crescent.

Well, you're on the platforms look for the Acela Express and take some pics of it and then send them to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't advise Union Station or DC area NEC photography since, as I hear, it is now ILLEGAL!!!. If you are caught in or around uNion Station taking photos, it is considered a possible terrorist act and your camera and film can be confiscated by security.[V][V][V]