RAILforum: Need to find active yard around Boston

This is topic Need to find active yard around Boston in forum Eastern US at RAILforum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/9/356.html

Posted by BeanTown (Member # 3625) on :

Want to bring my son to an active train yard tomorrow (Saturday). Our local suburban station doesn't really cut it. Any suggestions?

Posted by bballjohnnynick (Member # 3183) on :

Not sure if it's too late for you but the only real yard in Boston is Beacon Park. Not the easiest yard to sit and watch but you can get a good view on the Mass Pike.

John

Posted by BeanTown (Member # 3625) on :

Sorry. Didn't really check back until today. Thanks for the info (if you're still there). What's the best way to get to Beacon Park? Is there a Conrail or CSX office there?

Posted by LakeShoreLtd (Member # 3680) on :

If you're still looking, this might help:

The Worcester intermodal yard can be seen from the Worcester MBTA/Amtrak station. They have trailer lifts and several tracks, so you should be able to see some action there. I'm not sure what hours the yard operates, but they should be open Saturday mornings if my memory serves me correctly.

The Boston rail ramp is located at the Allston/Brighton exit off the Masspike. I think this is exit 18, but I'm not sure. Anyways, you can see the yard from the highway as you take the left-hand exit. You should be able to see the action from the Doubletree hotel parking lot that overlooks the ramp. I've never tried doing this, but you might want to check it out.

Lastly, there is a third intermodal ramp and rail yard in Ayer, MA that I have never been to. Try looking for this on Mapquest.. I've heard that many railfans like this location.

I live in Brighton, and I'm telling you about this stuff off the top of my head.. I dont have a map in front of me, unfortunately. I can try and find more information on these if you're still interested.

If you're looking for better passenger train action, try any of the MBTA stations along Amtrak's NEC... some trains go through there at a decent clip.. very fun to watch.