RAILforum: Riding the NEC

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Posted by Italiancanuck89 (Member # 1873) on :

I'm thinking about taking a ride somewhere in the NEC. Any suggestions as to which is better: NYC - BOS or NYC - WAS?

Posted by Amtrak288 (Member # 1967) on :

Last September, I rode The Federal it's entire length from DC to Boston, but as you know, that train runs entirely overnight so you really can't see much until morning before arriving in Boston especially this time of the year. Last August, I rode First Class on the Acela Express in the evening between NYP and BOS and that was awesome, so depends on what's more important, scenery or mileage.

Posted by dnsommer (Member # 2825) on :

I think the line between New Haven, CT and Westerly, RI is the most scenic. It offers views of the Connecticut shoreline.

David

Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :

The shoreline along the N.Y.C. to Boston route is the more scenic one.

Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :

Your initial post doesn't include your criteria for a good train trip. So it's hard to say which stretch of track would be "best" for you.

Overall, the NEC trains have more of a "commuter rail" feel than those on most Amtrak routes, even though they use the same equipment.

Regardless of your direction of travel, the entire NEC (from Boston to Washington) is virtually one continuous stretch of urban and suburban sprawl. There are lots of great old factories from the late 1800s and early 1900s along the way. But for the most part, the few stretches of natural beauty are merely "okay."

In other words, don't expect the high quality scenery you'll find along many other Amtrak routes. In the Northeast, almost all of it was built over, and paved over, many years ago.

[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 12-28-2003).]

Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :

Everybody seems to diss the scenery on the NEC. I'll have to rise to its defense, since I live in the PHL area and am a frequent rider to both NYP and WAS and less often to BOS.

First, Dilly, the NEC is not *entirely* paved over. New Jersey is the most densely settled state in the US, and CT is mostly a suburb, but there are several rural areas along the NEC.

From the BOS end, here are some scenic highlights north to south.

1) Along the shore of Long Island Sound from Westerly, RI to New Haven, CT. At places, the tracks are right on the beach. The crossing of the Thames River at New London is an especially nice spot. Water is on the left side of the train.

2) From the Hell Gate Bridge to Sunnyside Yard. The view of the NY skyline (right side of train, SB) can't be beat, day or night.

3) Coming into PHL, the crossing of the Schuylkill River affords a nice view of the towers of Center City, and a nice view of the boathouses along the river (especially at night, when they're outlined with lights). Left side of train.

4) The best scenery between NYP and WAS lies between Elkton, MD (south of Wilmington) and Baltimore. The tracks skirt the shore of Chesapeake Bay for a considerable distance (left side of train, best view in fall and winter when the leaves are down), cross the Susquehanna River on a high bridge (literal high point of the trip), then cross two long bridges over the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers (both arms of Chesapeake Bay. This stretch takes about 40 minutes to cover, so by no means is the Northeast "entirely paved over".

And of course, for the railfan there's the thrill of 135 MPH to 150 MPH speeds, multiple track, lots of trains, flyover junctions, and a service frequency that can be found nowhere else in America.

Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :

quote:
Originally posted by rresor:
. . .by no means is the Northeast "entirely paved over".

Actually, I didn't say the landscape bordering the NEC tracks has been "entirely" paved over. Only that most of it has been.

Personally, I love seeing old factories and other industrial sites along railroad right-of-ways. I find them preferable to "pretty scenery." But many train travelers simply find them grim. And boring.

It's true that there are some noteworthy, widely-spaced sights along the NEC -- notably Chesapeake Bay -- although I wouldn't consider Philly's generic skyline particularly memorable.

For most of the route, however, you're gazing out at nothing but industrial and suburban sprawl, mile after mile after mile.

If you're a passenger like me, who finds man-made ugliness interesting, you'll have a swell time. But if you're in the market for a classically "scenic" train experience, you're apt to find the NEC disappointing.

In the case of Mr. Italiancanuck89, it all comes down to what he's looking for.

[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 12-28-2003).]

Posted by JonA (Member # 2690) on :

Couple of suggestions. If you have never done the NYC to ALB run do that first. Even if you only go as far as RHI making it a 1.5 hour trip one way you will have a killer trip.

As far as the NEC, I think NY to BOS has "prettier" scenery with the LI sound and all. The run to WAS is more industrial, but equally interesting to look at.

My suggestion, do them BOTH!

Jon

Posted by Italiancanuck89 (Member # 1873) on :

Being from Buffalo, I have made the trip to NYC once and Poughkeepsie just recently. JonA, you certainly are correct about the scenery. It's really something else. As for the NEC, scenery and speed are of equal value. You've all been helpful and I thank all of you. I'm sure I'll have a great trip either way I go.

Posted by mlrr (Member # 2970) on :

I have to say that the NYP-BOS is more scenic. The high point of that journey is when you cross the Hellgate Bridge over the East River into Queens before heading under the east river tunnels into Penn Station. From there you can see all of Manhattan's skyline. I take the train to and from school between Philadelphia (PHL) and Stamford, CT (STM) and that view "never gets old".

Hope this helps!

------------------
http://www.marylindsayrr.vze.com

Posted by RDG484 (Member # 2907) on :

You should treat yourself to Acela Express First Class. VERY expensive, but worth it to do at least once. Another highlight of the NY-BOS trip is the 150 MPH running in RI and MA.

Posted by JonA (Member # 2690) on :

Doing the Acela thing once is a GREAT idea. One way you can do NYP-BOS for 99 bucks and the first class upgrade is only another 50.

The price is about 50% higher for the Penn-WAS run.

Personally, I think once is worth it but usually enjoy the overall experience of the Regional more but maybe I'll start another post on that subject.