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I've made a couple trips (one by auto, one by plane) to the northeast in the past month and saw a few interesting rail related things on the way:
Lynchburg, VA station looks like it's ready for the new train this fall. Station is in good shape - a restored historic building. It's built on a hillside so top level is at street level and has a nice Greyhound area. Offices on second and Amtrak on lower level by the tracks. Sidetrack next to the station looks like it is ready for the train to stay there overnight.
Charlottesville, VA was very active. The Crescent looked very crowded with 4 coaches, am lounge, diner, and sleeper in that order. Nice to see the sleepers on the rear. Cardinal managed to lose 3 hours between Clifton Forge and Charlottesville (Buchingham Branch track problem on a siding). Train was packed but only 3 coaches. Unlike Lynchburg, the station is in a nice location, midway between downtown (with dog friendly restaurants) and the University. A new Hampton Inn is an easy walk from the station. Charlottesville is a very attractive and historic town and surrounding country with plenty of vineyards to sample.
Old Saybrook, CT. Great old restored station that invited an extended stay with benches trackside on the NEC. But only had 15 min. and saw Acela, a Regional and P&W freight with good looking engines working both ends.
Rode an Amtrak shuttle Hartford, CT to New Haven. Friendliest train crew I have encountered on Amtrak. They invited us to inspect the cab car and nice conversation the whole trip. Had a great view out the front window. Only 2 car train but on time. Nicely restored stations in both cities and had a good meal in New Haven's Little Italy (as recommend by the engineer).
Had a good dinner at the Steamin' Tender in Palmer, MA. Another beautifully restored station (from 1885 if memory serves) located at the cross track of B&A/NYC/CSX and CV/New England Central. Interesting reverse move required there for the Vermonter. The LSL also passes by. Not far is the somewhat restored station in Springfield - not as well done as others we saw. The LSL was several hours late but I was impressed by the freshly shopped (6/09) Horizon cafe car. Sleeper on the rear.
On our way to Niagara Falls, we stopped in Northeast, PA. Nicely restored NYC passenger and freight stations is home to the Lake Shore Railway museum. The former Nickel Plate is just across the NYC/Conrail/CSX main line. Well worth a stop on I-90.
Elkins, WV is fast becoming the Alamosa of the east. Several steam and diesel powered excursion trains operate in the area. It is becoming a real draw for these small towns that don't have much else (other than great scenry) going for them.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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