Where to railfan in Cumberland MD?

[Anonymous]

I'll be visiting Cumberland MD in a few weeks and I'll have a free afternoon or two to railfan - any suggestions?!?!?  Thanks in advance!!

[fifedog]

Mattysdad - First off --->.

Cumberland is literally built around the railroad, and being trackside is easy.  I'll start you off in the center of town.  Across from the Holiday Inn is the Amtrak station.  Always a good place to watch trains, and in the evenings there are usually some local railfans to hob-nob with.  The e/b Capitol Limited (Train P030) arrives around 10.  The w/b Capitol (Train P029) around 8.  Check the time table at the station, just don't set your watch by these trains.

Heading south from the Amtrak station, take Industrial Blvd (51) down to Virginia Ave (you parallel the tracks).  At the light make a right, and you'll emerge from under the tracks at the Cumberland Roundhouse facility.  Do not trespass, but you shouldn't have to.

Heading further south on Industrial Blvd, there's a little cul-de-sac past the Ice Cream place that is at the edge of the hump yard.

A little further south is Mexico Farms Road, which is a favority railfan spot overlooking the south throat of the yard.

A little further south is PPG road at North Branch.  Keep going south and you will eventually cross into Pawpaw, WV...but that's another trip.

Heading west from the Amtrak station, follow 40 along the tracks into the Cumberland Narrows.  The Bud Billboard is a great shot during the middle of the day.

Heading further west along Wills Creek is Eckardt Jct.  Make a right when you see the Big WESTERN MARYLAND Railway bridge, and that gives you a view from the west (or railroad north) end of the narrows.

Heading further west follow rte 36 towards Corriganville.  Lots of good spots to chase trains through here.  Keep note- you will see Cash Valley Road on the left***that road will take you up to the famous Helmstetters curve.

If time permits, take a ride on the Western Maryland scenic  (at the end of Baltimore St in the center of town).

Hope this helps...a little.

 

[Anonymous]

Fifedog,

WOW - that info helps a great deal!  We'll be riding the Western Maryland Scenic on a Saturday afternoon (reservations confirmed).  We'll then have the rest of Saturday & most of Sunday to railfan the area before heading back to southeastern Pennsylvania.  My 10 year old son is a budding railfan, so I hope Western Maryland Scenic & CSX put on a show for us!

Thanks & best regards,

Mattysdad