posted
I am very excited that on my upcoming trip I am taking the Capitol Ltd eastbound from Chicago to DC for the first time. I always take it westbound; this is the first time I'm taking it east (and then will take Regionals & Empire service home). I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the must-see things, esp the parts west (or do I mean north) between Toledo and Martinsburg, most of which I usually go through at night when I take the train westbound. I am familiar with Cleveland and little with Ohio west of there (from when the train has been late) so am esp interested in the area between Cleveland and Martinsburg, if anyone has any info.
Thanks so much!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Confluence PA is quite interesting, for it is where the Youghiogheny, the river you will be following on the ascent from Connelsville, the Casselman, the river you will follow descending to Cumberland, and the Laurel Run all converge,
It is also within 15 miles of the United 93 site.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
The summit of the former B&O line over the Alleghenies is at Rockwood, PA, and from there it's a curving descent along a creek down into the valley of the Potomac River just west of Cumberland. At Viaduct Junction the former B&O line that once went to St. Louis joins, and then you'll make your Cumberland stop.
East of Cumberland, there is some lovely running right along the Potomac River to just east of Hancock, MD (which is on the north side of the river, and which you therefore won't see), but the marker is the junction with the former Western Maryland at Cherry Run. Beyond that point, you leave the river and run overland through pretty WV countryside to Martinsburg and then return to the Potomac Valley just west of Harper's Ferry. Coming into Harper's Ferry the line is at the foot of about a 200 foot cliff (great view from the lounge car). Then you'll make your stop and immediately head across the river and through a short tunnel to the north (Maryland) side of the river, which you'll follow fairly closely to Point of Rocks (another tunnel and then a very scenic railroad station that sits between the line to Baltimore (the "Old Main Line") and the Metropolitan Sub to Washington.
East of Point of Rocks you'll follow the Potomac to Dickerson, although you probably can't see it. You may get a few glimpses of the C&O Canal between Brunswick and Point of Rocks.
East of Dickerson the line strikes out across country for Washington, through some small towns and then into the DC suburbs. At Rockville you'll see the adjacent Washington Metro tracks, which will follow for a while, and then another Metro line from Silver Spring down into Union Station.
It's a lovely ride east from Cumberland. Enjoy!
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
You don't want to miss Sand Patch grade, and Harpers Ferry, to really beautiful places.
Posts: 465 | From: elgin (s-line) | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have always found Cumberland interesting.Also at Rockville is F. Scott Fitzgerald's grave. If you get an attendant who knows the area he/she can point it out. Larry Picard is one who knows the history of the places in addition to being one of the best attendants
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
thank you all for the input. I am very excited about going this way and will look for everything (including the Fitzgerald grave--and Larry Picard)
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sojourner, Larry's car has always been 3000,the first after/before the diner. BTW the grave site will will be on the right side just before the Rockville stop. We have ridden with Larry for years and he always remembered our preferences, separate blankets, no wake up call etc. With my husband's illness we haven't ridden for several years so I don't know if he is still there. I would be interested to find out. The other fabulous one is Nathan and he told me that Larry trained him.I had acquired a horrible cough in Denver and Nathan "babied" me all the way from Chicago to DC.bringing hot tea unasked and all our meals.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I saw Larry in Wash. Union station a couple months ago, He is still working the sleepers on the Capital.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
