Name: Let’s Go Railfanning (Ian and Rob Thaeler)
Address: 85 Potomac Avenue, Shenandoah Junction, WV
Description: The site marks the intersection point of the CSX Cumberland Sub and the NS Hagerstown Line. It also hosts a Railstream camera. The viewing area is on private property, but the property owners allow railfans to view the trains. The best feature is the railroad bridge that takes the Hagerstown Line over the Cumberland Sub. Railfans from all around flock here trying to film or take pictures of an Over/Under meet.
Additional Description: The Shenandoah Junction area also has a grade crossing for the Hagerstown Line at Shenandoah Junction Road, about a half mile south. Many railfans enjoy this alternative location to get good shots of the NS traffic. Additionally, the area includes a maintenance siding where close-up views of maintenance-of-way equipment can occasionally be had.
Railway Companies: CSX, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, MARC.
District: Hagerstown Line / NS Virginia Division – Cumberland Sub / CSX Baltimore Division
Approx. Number of Trains / Day: Something like 40. About 20 on each line.
Appealing Aspects: The over/under bridge is the most appealing aspect of this site, given the chance to catch Over/Under meets. Photography along the Cumberland Sub is generally good, with late afternoon light of the Cumberland Sub to the east of the observation being often outstanding. Close to defect detectors on both lines, so scanner listeners get good warning of NS southbound trains and CSX eastbound trains. Trains generally run at track speed through the area, although some larger freights have to work pretty hard working westbound up the grade from the Harpers Ferry area.
Significant Junctions / Yards / Stations: The closest NS is Vardo Yard in Hagerstown, MD. The closest CSX facility is Brunswick Yard in Brunswick, MD.
Milepost: 22 on the NS Hagerstown Line. 89.2 on the CSX Cumberland Sub.
Scanner Frequencies: NS Road – AAR 56 – 160.950. CSX Road – AAR 8 – 160.230. CSX BB Dispatch – AAR 94 – 161.520.
Restaurants: Lots of restaurant offerings in Charlestown, WV particularly near the horse racing track and casino. Choices include Mexican, Mediterranean, American, Pizza, etc. We don’t have a recommendation, but we’re sure good stuff can be found!
