Get Out
Go Railfanning

Sunday, June 20, 2004; Page M06

For most Washingtonians, watching a train pass usually translates to 
missing the Metro by a few seconds. But for an obsessed -- er, dedicated 
-- subset of the local population, train watching is a pastime of choice, 
invoking a heated passion that other people might save for their local 
sports team (or a Trekkie convention). For railfans, there's no greater 
thrill than feeling the breeze from a 10,000-ton freight train whipping by 
at 60 miles per hour.

Some railfans focus on photography, taking pictures of trains winding 
through dramatic scenery. Others take meticulous notes of each train that 
passes by, jotting down minutiae such as the locomotive number, type of 
train or number of cars. The hobby also draws history buffs -- the trains 
serve as a romantic reminder of a bygone era when the rails opened 
highways of commerce up, down and across America.

What to Expect: The D.C. area is home to a relatively high proportion of 
passenger trains, with regular appearances by the Virginia Railway Express 
(VRE), Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) and Amtrak. The primary freight 
companies passing through are CSX and Norfolk Southern. "The best time to 
go is in the morning, or midafternoon to evening, Tuesday through 
Saturday," says Tony Hill of the trainspotting site www.frograil.com, 
which offers instructions for self-guided tours across the country, 
including the D.C. area. "For some reason, there seems a universal absence 
of train activity between about 11 a.m. to 2 p.m." Even if you can't go at 
the ideal time, Hill knows plenty of people who visit the rails whenever 
they have a few minutes or hours to spend track-side.

What to Bring: A camera, a notebook, sunscreen and a detailed map of the 
area. A good guidebook is "The Basic Railfan Book" by Ernest H. Robl, 
available at www.robl.w1.com/brfb.

Cost: Free -- as long as you stay on public land. "While there are some 
idiots who trespass blatantly, most of us are respectful of private 
property and keep safety at the forefront," Hill says. In other words, 
don't risk life and limb (or a big fat fine) in pursuit of that perfect 
view. Anya Sostek

Prime Trainspotting

Here's where you can legally -- and safely -- watch the wheels go by.

Alexandria's Union Station. 110 Callahan Dr. (at King Street). This spot 
is notable for its sheer quantity and variety of trains. From a nice shady 
bench to the south of the station, you'll spot engines from VRE, Amtrak, 
CSX and Norfolk Southern.

East Potomac Park. 1090 Ohio Dr. SW (third parking lot on the left after 
you enter). Nestled between two railroad bridges spanning the Potomac, 
this is one of the most scenic places to see trains inside the Beltway.

Manassas Regional Airport. Wakeman Drive and Observation Road. This grassy 
patch just outside the airport is ideal for seeing Norfolk Southern 
freight trains. If time lags between locomotives, you can also turn around 
and see small propeller planes taking off and landing.

MARC Station, Garrett Park. Kenilworth and Rokeby avenues. This tiny town 
revolves around the station -- residents still come to the post office at 
the tracks to pick up mail. When Penn Place, which houses the post office 
and town center, reopens this summer after a long renovation, visitors 
will be able to enjoy a meal at the new restaurant, Black Market, while 
watching the trains.

MARC Station, Riverdale. Queensbury Road and Cleveland Avenue. Not only 
does this station have a large free parking lot, excellent visibility, a 
nearby coffee shop and an active railfan community -- you'll also find an 
enclosed waiting area with a display on the history of the B&O railroad inside.

© 2004 The Washington Post Company