I live in the Capital District yet have rarely seen a Pan-Am train. In fact, I haven't given them much thought at all. Occasionally I will see one going through Mechanicville or parked in the CP yard in Scotia but mostly I have focused on other things. Come spring, I want to take a day and check out their operations.
The October 1998 issues of Trains magazine had (for the time) a really good article on them including a system map. I am sure much has changed in 14 years though. Also, the October 2012 issue of Railfan & Railroad covered this topic briefly, but as in depth as CSX or CP. Since I have heard that their train frequency isn't as high as, say, the just as close CSX mainline between Buffalo and NYC, I would rather chase a train or two then park and watch. Focusing on the area between Rotterdam Junction, NY, and East Deerfield, MA, I would get road maps and plan photographic spots and explore the area.
Questions:
1.) Can anyone who had focused on this line between these spots recommend good photo opportunities? I would imagine the Hoosic Tunnel would be one, but what about any others?
2.) Can anyone give me insight as to their weekday run schedules? Where would be a good place to start, and around what time should I get there?
I previously posted the question in the New York State Railfan forum, but many of the responses were "I don't know." There was some good information there, but expanding the question to more people familiar with Pan Am cannot hurt.
Thanks.
http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... 7&start=15
The October 1998 issues of Trains magazine had (for the time) a really good article on them including a system map. I am sure much has changed in 14 years though. Also, the October 2012 issue of Railfan & Railroad covered this topic briefly, but as in depth as CSX or CP. Since I have heard that their train frequency isn't as high as, say, the just as close CSX mainline between Buffalo and NYC, I would rather chase a train or two then park and watch. Focusing on the area between Rotterdam Junction, NY, and East Deerfield, MA, I would get road maps and plan photographic spots and explore the area.
Questions:
1.) Can anyone who had focused on this line between these spots recommend good photo opportunities? I would imagine the Hoosic Tunnel would be one, but what about any others?
2.) Can anyone give me insight as to their weekday run schedules? Where would be a good place to start, and around what time should I get there?
I previously posted the question in the New York State Railfan forum, but many of the responses were "I don't know." There was some good information there, but expanding the question to more people familiar with Pan Am cannot hurt.
Thanks.
http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... 7&start=15
Benjamin L. Maggi
A&A Railroad Forum Moderator
A&A Railroad Forum Moderator