by number1tfan
Hey guys, I know I started posting in another thread, but I will start a new one based on several questions I have:
I have recently been very interested in the WMATA. I think its a very nice system and I hope I can get the chance to ride it. I have mapped it out on google maps so I know what each section looks like. I have also been viewing pictures and videos and have been reading all about the system. I am from Boston and have railfaned all around the MBTA. I love the T and its the system I'm most familiar with (and its my favorite too). The WMATA is a close second. Even though I have never ridden it, I am very fascinated by the station architecture, the cleanliness, the trains, and the different routes. The layout is similar to Boston, which is something I like about it.
At some point, I will make a special trip to DC and take a day to railfan the system. The most recent times I have been to DC was with a summer camp so I had no time to ride the metro. The next time I'm going will also be with a group and I bet they will rent a private transportation service. This means I will make a separate trip with my family to do this. Here is where I am most interested in seeing. I will try to get to as much of the system, but here are my top priorities:
Red Line out to Shady Grove - Looks like a nice stretch overground from after Medical Center to Shady Grove (with a couple tunnels along the way). I am interested in seeing Grosevenor because its got a cool bridge across the beltway. Also, I like the fact that the area between Twinbrook and Shady Grove runs with the MARC system. Plus, its the furthest out the system will take you, and I always like railfaning far (such as to Braintree on the MBTA).
Yellow Line across the Potomac River - Some of the best views the system will give you. I saw the bridge last time I went to DC, and I bet it will have a great view of the city and the river.
Orange Line towards Vienna/Fairfax, going at least as far as West Falls Chruch - I have always wondered what riding in the median of a highway would be like. I also want to see the junction the trains make into the yard at West Falls Church.
Blue Line towards Franconia Springfield or Yellow Line to Huntington - Goes by some interesting sites such as the Airport. I am also interested in the Junction at King Street. Also, it goes along with the VRE system.
Green Line towards Greenbelt - An interesting area where the train ducks in and out of tunnels. It also goes with the MARC for a bit, and I also am interested in the lower portion of Fort Totten, with the half over and half under ground look.
Anyways, please give me as many suggestions as you can about where to go to. As I mentioned, I will go to as many parts of the system as I can, and as long as my group will let me go for.
Also, how far can I go on one fare? I know that the MBTA charges only for entrance, but the WMATA charges per distance.
Also, I am learning to tell the difference between the different cars. Which cars run most often where?
Please tell me the best way to railfan the system in one day. I probably won't be doing this for a few months, but I like planning ahead.
I have recently been very interested in the WMATA. I think its a very nice system and I hope I can get the chance to ride it. I have mapped it out on google maps so I know what each section looks like. I have also been viewing pictures and videos and have been reading all about the system. I am from Boston and have railfaned all around the MBTA. I love the T and its the system I'm most familiar with (and its my favorite too). The WMATA is a close second. Even though I have never ridden it, I am very fascinated by the station architecture, the cleanliness, the trains, and the different routes. The layout is similar to Boston, which is something I like about it.
At some point, I will make a special trip to DC and take a day to railfan the system. The most recent times I have been to DC was with a summer camp so I had no time to ride the metro. The next time I'm going will also be with a group and I bet they will rent a private transportation service. This means I will make a separate trip with my family to do this. Here is where I am most interested in seeing. I will try to get to as much of the system, but here are my top priorities:
Red Line out to Shady Grove - Looks like a nice stretch overground from after Medical Center to Shady Grove (with a couple tunnels along the way). I am interested in seeing Grosevenor because its got a cool bridge across the beltway. Also, I like the fact that the area between Twinbrook and Shady Grove runs with the MARC system. Plus, its the furthest out the system will take you, and I always like railfaning far (such as to Braintree on the MBTA).
Yellow Line across the Potomac River - Some of the best views the system will give you. I saw the bridge last time I went to DC, and I bet it will have a great view of the city and the river.
Orange Line towards Vienna/Fairfax, going at least as far as West Falls Chruch - I have always wondered what riding in the median of a highway would be like. I also want to see the junction the trains make into the yard at West Falls Church.
Blue Line towards Franconia Springfield or Yellow Line to Huntington - Goes by some interesting sites such as the Airport. I am also interested in the Junction at King Street. Also, it goes along with the VRE system.
Green Line towards Greenbelt - An interesting area where the train ducks in and out of tunnels. It also goes with the MARC for a bit, and I also am interested in the lower portion of Fort Totten, with the half over and half under ground look.
Anyways, please give me as many suggestions as you can about where to go to. As I mentioned, I will go to as many parts of the system as I can, and as long as my group will let me go for.
Also, how far can I go on one fare? I know that the MBTA charges only for entrance, but the WMATA charges per distance.
Also, I am learning to tell the difference between the different cars. Which cars run most often where?
Please tell me the best way to railfan the system in one day. I probably won't be doing this for a few months, but I like planning ahead.
Bring double deckers to the north side!