Railfanning at Ridgefield Park, NJ

Rail fanning at Ridgefield Park, NJ has been pretty good. There has been a lot of action there on the weekends.

How do I found out the trains call signs (E.X. Q105)

I have a scanner but I do not here it over the air.

Is there a website that gives me CSX's schedules and train sings?

Check http://www.bullsheet.com for rough schedules. Be advised, freight trains do NOT have set schedules, so don't assume any of the info there for fact with the trains you see.

As for not being able to hear the trains, I'm pretty sure they call signals down there - they do everywhere else on CSX. Thus, unless I'm wrong, all I can really guess is that your scanner just isn't picking it up. You could try a new antenna for this (if that doesn't work, then it's time for a radio).

Hope this helps a bit...

You hear them on the air. They call the signals northbound at CP5 and southbound at either cp10 or cp7. I dont hear cp10 from RP, but do if in teaneck. Like wise I dont hear cp5 in teaneck.

CSX crews in the former conrail territories, depending on the Division/subdivision will call out only the absolute(home or interlocking) signals, and not the intermediate ones, nor will they answer via radio any radio alarm detectors.

I once heard somewhere that on the CSX River Line, the trains that call out w/ an odd train number (line Q103) are northbounds, while the even number trains are southbounds. (OR VICE VERSA)

Is there any truth to it? And if so can someone clarify which is which?

FireChaserE3 wrote:I once heard somewhere that on the CSX River Line, the trains that call out w/ an odd train number (line Q103) are northbounds, while the even number trains are southbounds. (OR VICE VERSA)

Is there any truth to it? And if so can someone clarify which is which?

That's true for the 100 and 200 series trains, but it's the opposite for trains in the 400 series. ex. Q157 is a northbound and Q118 is a southbound. Q439 is a southbound while Q434 is a northbound.

Mike...Do you ever get further up the river line at all, such as Iona Island?

The River Line is best at night and in the early morning hours. Usually during the day its very quiet.

lakeshoredave wrote:The River Line is best at night and in the early morning hours. Usually during the day its very quiet.

like today. 2 hours down at the old station and 2 southbounds was it.

How's the Ridgefield Park station for photography though? Neighborhood and people wise... Has there been any incidents where railfans run into police officers and asked to leave?

I personally have encountered the police there. At CP5, I've had the local police ask me to leave, and further up I've had CSX police tell me I couldn't shoot pictures. This was a while ago though (over a year)...not sure if they are still enforcing that.

As long as you stay off railroad property, and you're not blocking traffic, you should be fine. Use common sense.

-otto-

right about now if you get there at first light you'll have a very busy 2-3 hours.then a lull, and a few more mid afternoon. NewBridge Rd. has been hassle free. 3 times in the past week iv'e been "hassled" on public property down by R.P. "Oh, just wanted to know why you were parked here, can i see some i.d? - o.k, have anice day" passive agressive b.s. doesnt cut it w/ me, i dont buy that post 9/11 line.
Teaneck pedestrian overpass, caught a 4 way meet the other day. somebody cut some holes in the chain link so it's easier to shoot through.

bionicworm1 wrote:Hi All,

New Bridge Road is where I go with my camera. I work next to the tracks and they tease me all day "hey Mike there's another". Early morning hours till just about noon is busy, and again it starts up about 6pm. I've counted a dozen plus in the morning alone. I'm looking to get a scanner cause by the time the building shakes the head end is just passing and I want to get it comming at me.

What area of CP is New Bridge Road? I believe they start counting South West and I need to know where I am and when I'll hear them.

Hese's some YouTube video's I shot at New Bridge Road:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrPt8X4zl9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNIf71pBwjw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCj5GRkOf1g

The last one was a chilly morning and since I missed the power I just shot from the warm car.

Mike Rapp

Closest control point is CP-10 just south of New Bridge Road.
Noel Weaver