Top spots

I plan on visiting the Island in Feb, been years. Could you guys help me out, the question is, if you only had 3 days, what would you recommend as the best places to see and take pictures of? (Nassau/Sulf). Thanks...

On the same line of question, is Jamaica still a good spot? What about problems with photography with all of the photography bans & "heightend security" etc. ?

I can help you out. Jamacia, you get everything except the Port Washington. The infrastructure there is interesting with a flyover just west of the station. However, in terms of picture taking, there are times when you are lucky and times when you are not. Where are you heading to on the island? If you are heading anywhere out toward the eastern end, there are plenty of photo angles. However, the train service is limited. Maybe you could even ride one of the lines out to the eastern end like the Montauk or greenport.

Ronkonkoma, Port Jeff, Patchouge, Medford, Yaphank and my home turf-MM56 on the Greenpoint branch, are my favorite spots. If I could, I would spend some time at Hicksville and Jamaica. As for the Photo ban, I have had MTA cops stand about 50 feet from me, look right at me while taping, and did not say a word. Just don't act stupid or anything along those lines.

I think Jamica is a little too risky if you ask me. I was there when the Republican Convention was going on and still got shots but that was really pushing it. I'd be safe than sorry, because security there is still high. Last thing you need is a special escort in a MTA car for questioning....

As for locations to view/photo, places around Ronkonoma and east are perfect. There is this park that has a path (it's like a 1/4 mile walk) that leads to the tracks and the scenery over there is very nice. I was there when the leaves were changing colors. I think the park is about 1-2miles west of KO.

The scoot for Greenport usually leaves around 9:13am I think? It's around there. Again, limited LIRR service goes out that far. NYA switches places east during the week. If you know the area a little, places in Medford, Yaphank, and Riverhead are perfect. Some shots I've taken doesn't even resemble what Long Island is about.

As for Nassau, Mineola sees a lot of action but again it's as risky as Jamica since MTA police are littered. Safest bet is Suffok Co.

Jamaica is OK for watching or taking pictures of LIRR action but its kinda hard to see everything because its so big. I am a big fan of rail fanning at Mineola either at the Main Street Crossing by Nassau or towards the west end of the platform. Another good place is Bellerose. Stand at the west end of the platform for a great view of the the eastern limits of Queens interlocking. If you go at morning rush you'll be able to watch the signals clear, if you go at afternoon rush you'll see all the eastbound "rockets" snake thru the interlocking from ML4 to ML2. My final place is New Hyde Park. I suggest morning rush because the trains are better spaced. Both Mineola and NHP have grade crossings and high speed limits so you get very loud and fast trains. Its exciting.

Sorry to my south shore friends. Im a North Shore guy so I haven't railfanned much on the south shore except for Valley Stream. Im a diesel fan and not much diesel action is seen on the south shore west of Babylon.

Enjoy your trip,

Indiana

Go to Woodside. There you'll see everything. Stand at the west end of the platform and you can get a shot of trains coming from around a curve, and passing under a six track position-light signal bridge. Where else will you find that? If you go during the PM rush, by the time the cops come to chase you away, you will already have seen enough trains to make you happy.

Mineola is definately a top spot for railfanning. You've got OB, PJ, Ronkonkoma, and Montauk line trains going through there. And you've also got Nassau Tower as something to have in your shot too.

And a little suggestion, ride the FBA line. It's really fun. Be sure though to get the RFW. If you get stuck with an M7, then it's really not much of a thrill. The tracks practically hang off the el structure

As for the cops, they can be anywhere, at anytime, and with any kind of intention. I took a shot of a train leaving Patchogue right in front of a few Suffolk County cops, no problem. Same thing at Jamaica with 2 MTA cops. I've been stopped at Mineola for taking pictures by an MTA cop, but easily explained to him that taking pictures in fact IS legal. My friend was stopped at HPA by 2 MTA cops, but he didn't argue it. Then there was that whole state trooper incident at Ronkonkoma. That guy would not let up. Same with the 2 MTA cops who stopped me on the PW line for filming.

Basically, it's the luck of the draw.

Don't be too concerned about Suffolk and Nassau police. They never stopped me before. Just don't take any pictures of tank cars and you should be fine

Mineola, without a doubt, is a GREAT spot.

I've never been nagged by anyone. Park on the side street by the Davenport Press. metered.

And oh yeah, cross the street and support a few local merchants while your there - lots of places to get food nearby.

Just stay the heck off the tracks - Nassau watches them and we don't want you getting squished. (It'll delay my train and make me late!!!!)

I don't know why people are scared of taking pictures of a train with a tank car. Can somebody explain to me why this is?

Woodside has all electric lines (including PW) and the IRT 7 Train.

I would recommend Hunterspoint Avenue (if you can do it on a weekday). Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit and the 7 Train are all here. If you are in the LIC area you can also witness ESA construction.

Shea Stadium has of the PW branch and the 7's Corona Yard from a pedestrian bridge.

Hunterspoint always has an MTA police car parked along side the tracks. Don't take out a camera on the platform because you're guaranteed to get shooed away, especially during off peak hours when there are no passengers on the platform and it's just you with a camera.

Thanks alot fellows, greatly appreciated...I would like to concentrate on the Island, Suffolk & Nassau, the city is just to much of a hassle and I like country railroadding more.
Which train ride would you reccomend for the greatest bang for the buck and would show the most?
If I could get NIMBY to tie up the MTA police at Mineola while I peruse the rest of the LIRR, that would be great!

Thanks, Mac

Go all the way...to Montauk. Plenty of running over inlets and other scenic high points, plus you are parallel to the ocean as you head from Amagansett to Montauk.

Be warned, however, that the Montauk station is fairly isolated. You will need to walk about a half mile into town to find some food.