Railfanning Washington, D.C. Union Station

Filmed from a building in DC. Don't ask where, it does you no good anyway, there is security, both Amtrak Police and other security. I have a connection to someone there and got special permission.

Please excuse the poor quality due to lack of tri-pod and not being closer to the trains (my camera has digital zoom, which is equivalent to no zoom).

Trains:
1. Amtrak 30, the Capitol Limited, 7/22/09
2. Amtrak 2166, Acela Express, 7/22/09
3. Amtrak 186, Northeast Regional, 7/22/09
4. Amtrak P42 #130 running light to Ivy City Yard, 7/22/09
5. VRE arriving from Ivy City Yard to pick up pax, 7/22/09
6. Amtrak 92, the Silver Star, 7/22/09
7. Amtrak 29, the Capitol Limited, 7/27/09 (with an awesome P42 leading)
8. Amtrak 178, Northeast Regional, 7/27/09
9. Amtrak 30, the Capitol Limited, 7/29/09
10. Amtrak/MARC light power move, 7/29/09
11. Amtrak 91, the Silver Star, 7/29/09

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Amtrak
• Washington
• D.C.
• Union
• Station
• P42
• Diesel
• Electric
• AEM-7
• EMD
• HHP-8
• Hippo
• Rhino
• Banana
• Toaster
• Bombardier
• GE
• General
• locomotive
• engine
• motor
• heritage
• baggage
• diner
• dining
• car
• Amfleet
• coach
• lounge
• cafe
• Superliner
• Sightseer
• Cross
• Country
• Cafe
• Viewliner
• Sleeping
• sleeper
• Acela
• Expres
• high
• speed
• transition
• MARC
• VRE
• Maryland
• Area
• Rail
• Commuter
• Virginia
• Railway
• railroad
• passenger
• train

[sportsmovieman]

Great job! I normally go to the top of the parking garage and watch as I wait for my train to arrive! (But I know not to use camera as I know how crazy DC police can get with railfans).

[Amtrak839]

@sportsmovieman Yeah that's a nice view from up there. I usually go up for a few minutes every time I'm at WUS.

[strench707]

I railfan from the REA building all the time! Great angle man!

[Amtrak839]

@strench707 Yeah, I love the REA Building. Group in the office I shot this from moved though, so I probably won't be filming there anymore, I'm sorry to say.

[msmith624]

2166 is the 1 PM Acela out of WAS.

[msmith624]

Acela 22's run on weekends, Acela 21's are weekday Acelas.

[msmith624]

Diesels are used for trains heading south or west of D.C.

[ke8bp]

Nice video, thanks. I watched this prior to taking the Capital Limited two years after your filmed it.  You had a great spot to film from. It sure looks different looking up at that building. I wish you were able to film from there now. Thanks again for sharing.

[gibb1991]

@penntrains That's crap. You weren't causing any harm nor were you violating any laws. I would challenge.

[penntrains]

i was just there for national train day. i was in the parking lot where this building is. i was stopped by 2 dc metro cops. they never heard of national train day. they searched me my car took my id. then they called amtrak police. 4 cars came with lights and sirens. the amtrak police said since i was a railfan there was no problem. i just couldnt be there. never again.

[yarmo28]

@gibb1991 That will be super! I'd really like to try it out from Boston to Charlotte. What a trip that would be.

[gibb1991]

Remember, if you're on public property, such as a sidewalk on an overpass or adjacent to the tracks, the police can't do anything. If I cop still challenges you, do not give them your name or ID or let them confescate your camera. If the officer takes you in, it's illegal and the police department can be challenged and/or sued.

[gibb1991]

@yarmo28 Yes. But there is no detailed plan yet.  Sometime in the future there is a plan to extend electrification and the Acela service to Charlotte, NC.