New London, CT
The 1887 New London Union Station (a H.H. Richardson design) sits between the NEC and the Thames River waterfront. The adjacent public waterfront walk and the Cross Sound Ferry terminal area give views of NEC trains plus the Thames River bridge — a moveable bridge that opens for ship traffic.
Public waterfront and platform are safe. Do not cross the active NEC tracks — there are no legal pedestrian crossings near the bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is north of the station; photography of CG facilities is permitted but be respectful of security.
Station has a paid lot; downtown New London has metered street parking and a public garage on Water St.
Afternoon for west-facing shots from the waterfront. The bridge openings are unpredictable but worth waiting for.
Moderate to high — all Amtrak NEC through-trains pass (most stop), plus Shore Line East commuter service.
Downtown New London restaurants, the Garde Arts Center, ferry to Long Island. Restrooms in the station during operating hours.
For the parent, spouse, or friend along for the ride — restrooms, food, and what to do while your railfan watches trains.
You're in for a treat while your railfan enjoys the trains at New London Union Station!
While your railfan is busy watching the trains, take a stroll along the waterfront for beautiful views of the Thames River. You can also explore nearby restaurants like Kin D Thai and Sushi or Wings 'n' Pies for a quick bite. If you're up for it, check out the Garde Arts Center for any events happening nearby.
Safety: Make sure to keep your kid at least 25 feet back from any track and avoid crossing the active NEC tracks.
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The starter kit serious railfans wish they'd bought day one. Each link earns us a small Amazon Associates referral — we only list gear we'd actually carry.
Reading a CSX road number off a passing unit at half a mile = magic. 10x42 is the railfan sweet spot — enough power, still light enough to hold steady. Nikon's PROSTAFF 3S is the standard recommendation: under $150 and the optics punch above the price. ($120-$170)
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Budget gateway scanner — under $30. Program the 97 AAR channels yourself (CHIRP software is free) and you have a real working scanner for the price of dinner. Most railfans owned one before they upgraded. ($25-$35)
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Class 2 reflective vest. Not for trespassing — for legitimate trackside viewing on public sidewalks and parking lots near busy lines, so the engineer sees you and you don't get a friendly 'move along' from BNSF police. Looks the part too. ($10-$20)
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