Best spots in the US for spotting

[Tim R-T-C]

Hi folks,

I am planning a late break for mid September and thinking abour a city break in the US. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a city that has some good/safe spotting locations.

Thanks

 

[Holly]

Hi folks,
I am planning a late break for mid September and thinking abour a city break in the US. I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a city that has some good/safe spotting locations.

Oakland, California.

Amtrak and freight trains running through city streets are pretty exotic for a Brit. Sacramento railroad museum, historic street cars and cable cars in San Francisco, plus commuter trains and BART.
Lots of rail by North American standards plus everyone should see San Francisco once in their life (including the preserved Liberty Ship).

 

[WestCoast]

Depends what you're looking for I guess. The Oakland idea sounds particularly tempting.

I spent a week or so in New York/New Jersey earlier on in the year and had a great time all in all. Would recommend Princeton Junction and Rathway (both in NJ) on the North East Corridor Line for spotting. Northeast Regional and Acela Express, as well as NJ Commuter stock can all be seen here.

Rush hour in Jamaica on the LIRR is also a great sight.

 

[theblackwatch]

Plenty round Chicago. Blue Island crossing has a good amount of freight activity - about a 15 minute walk from a station (the name of which I forget but can look up if required).