The Horseshoe Curve cam, from time to time, gives one of the most impressive progression of views of 21st Century railroading.
Following a train as its engines enter the viewing range of the moveable camera, panning to follow the engine through the entirety of the curve, which when followed to its maximum extent shows the train with the engines exiting the curve and the balance of the train still entering the curve - all the while the mid-section of the train continues moving behind the camera position. I don't know the length, in feet, from the entry point to the exit point - but it takes some large trains to occupy the space in its entirety and to have the engines exit the field of view minutes ahead of seeing the rear of the train come into view at the entrance of the curve.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Flagstaff, La Plata, both Tehachapi cams (loop coming soon), Belen, San Juan Capistrano, Barstow. All enjoyable, but La Plata seems to have the heaviest “watcher count” numbers. There's also a Dutch site that is interesting from time to time.
I've been watching the Truckee webcam recently, on the Donner Pass route east of the summit. You can see two Amtrak Zephyrs stopping at the station and about 6 to 8 Union Pacific freights during the typical 16 or so hours that are recorded in fast-motion (time-lapse) each day (about 7 am to 11 pm local time). There's more to see than trains. This week, snow appeared on the mountains nearby, and the town set up and briefly tested the lights on a giant holiday tree in front of the station, probably in preparation for a lighting ceremony in a few days.
- Ed Kyle
I subscribed to Virtual Railfan almost a year ago. I don't really have a favorite location but; tend to pull up the cams at Horseshoe Curve; Ashland, VA; Greencastle, Strasburg and Paradise, PA; Waupaca, WI; and the 360 at La Plata, MO most frequently.
If my conductor son is working between Atlanta and Chattanooga, I'll also tune in the Dalton, GA cam to see him go by.
Having been there a number of times, I like to watch the Deshler feed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5eIj7-j0is .
You have to be signed up on YT to comment, but just watching is usually pretty good. The chat keeps you up on the trains passing through (in all four directions, no less). Current counts are around 60 trains a day. There are two cameras - one is fixed on the diamond, the other is a PTZ that the mods can move to follow trains on the transfers (wyes).
The outfit that runs the cameras (Virtual Railfan) there is a paid subscription service with cameras all over the place.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
https://www.railroadcity.com/media/live-feed/
I use this one a lot when I need cheered up at work. Does anyone know if this camera is controlled by someone? Or does it pan in randomly?
Regards - Steve
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