We are fast approaching the end of 2015, and boy did this year go by fast. I was able to visit some new places and revisit some favorites over the course of the year, and I thought it would be cool to make a railfan bucket list for 2016. Here is my list of the top 16 things and places I want to do and visit.
1. Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show – West Springfield, MA
I haven’t been to this train show in years. It’s the largest in New England; so large that it is hosted at the Eastern States Exposition center in West Springfield, MA. It’s nearly 8 acres of train things in four of the largest buildings on the property.
One of my friends who is also a railfan, Will Grueb, is looking to start a model train layout. Will told me he has never been to this train show, so I said that we have to go this upcoming year.
2. Ride the Worcester MBTA Line
My friend and co-contributor of trainaficionado.com, Jonah Soolman, told me this is one of his favorite lines to ride within the MBTA Commuter Rail network. I’m looking forward to my first trip on this commuter rail line, maybe Jonah will take the round trip with me.
3. Photograph Hell Gate Bridge – Astoria, NY
This spring I hope to take a road trip to NYC to see Hell Gate Bridge. This is a 1,017 foot bridge that crosses the East River and was built in the early 1900s.
4. Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum – Shelburne Falls, MA
This is one place I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time. The museum is located in Western Massachusetts, not far from the Hoosac Train Tunnel. Maybe I can visit both and catch a train coming out of the East Portal of the tunnel.
5. Tour of South Station – Boston, MA
This is something I keep meaning to do!
6. 2016 New England Rail Forum & Expo Engineering & Transit – Worcester, MA (March 22, 2016)
At this event, you get to see the Providence and Worcester Railroad equipment up close at their Worcester headquarters, plus see the latest technology coming to railroading at the expo.
7. Overnight Railfanning – Palmer, MA
I’ve been wanting to do this for years! I’ve always taken a few moments to hang out there when visiting the Steaming Tender Restaurant. I always hear activity on the online scanner feed, even at night, and I would love to able to spend the day there.
8. CapeFlyer Revisit – Cape Cod, MA
I haven’t been on the CapeFlyer since the “trial run”; it’s been two years and I think it’s time to see how this service has taken shape.
9. Seashore Trolley Museum – Kennebunkport, ME
One of my favorite places in New England! I’m sad to say I didn’t pay one visit to it in 2015, and I need to make up for that in 2016.
10. Conway Scenic Railroad [Notch Train] – North Conway, NH
I’ve been on the stretch of track that runs south to Conway Station, it’s time to go to the north to Crawford Station. From all the photos I’ve seen, this looks like a really cool trip.
11. The Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad
This 13-mile railroad branch was abandoned back in 1933, but the interesting twist to this is that they left two steam locomotives on the rail line and that’s where they have been ever since then. The only way you can get there is by hiking to this site.
12. Hoosac Valley Service Train Ride – Adams, MA
Scenic train rides are back in the Berkshires! I was never able to do this ride before, so I want to make a point of doing so in 2016.
13. Cape Cod Central Railroad – Woods Hole Branch
I know CCCR has hosted a special train ride down the remaining Woods Hole Branch in the past, and If they do it again this year, count me in!
14. Downeast Scenic Railroad – Ellsworth, ME
It’s been nearly 4 years since I visited Downeast Scenic Railroad in Ellsworth, ME. I really enjoyed this 10 mile scenic trip through the woods of Maine, plus it’s near one of my favorite spots, Bar Harbor.
15. Photograph and Write About More Forgotten Railroads
Jonah and I will keep exploring New England looking for forgotten railroads in 2016.
16. Night Shoot
It was back in March of 2014 when I was able to try my photography skills at a group railfanning night shoot. I was able to shoot the Maine Narrow Gauge Engine No. 4 before its federal boiler certificate expired. I would like to do another one of these this year.
