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Trains in Philadelphia

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  • Member since
    July 2003
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Trains in Philadelphia
Posted by nanshant on Sunday, July 18, 2004 4:20 PM
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.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Philadelphia, PA, USA
  • 655 posts
Posted by Mikeygaw on Sunday, July 18, 2004 7:42 PM
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
Conrail Forever!
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  • From: US
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Posted by snakespol on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 12:12 PM
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]
Paul
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 29, 2004 12:22 PM
try north philadelphia amtrak/septa station. see septa and amtrak with nj transit
  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 30, 2004 7:52 AM
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.
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  • From: West Coast
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Posted by espeefoamer on Friday, July 30, 2004 1:20 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by CHPENNSYLVANIA

try north philadelphia amtrak/septa station. see septa and amtrak with nj transit
Stay away from NJT or you may end up in the slammer!![:(!][:(!][:(!]
Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.

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