I am planning to visit the Meyersdale-Cumberland area in the Fall. Does anyone have any information on the best places to set up for video taping movements? Also, whether the surrounding areas are in decent neighborhoods. I was recently at CP Burn in Allentown and I was surprised to find the neighborhood a little seedy. Appreciate any info.
It's been a couple years since I was there but I can tell you that I never felt threatened by anything other than deer ticks. Keep your pants tucked into your socks. There is the old Western Maryland trestle that is a favorite photog spot. Of course there is Sand Patch. I'm sure others here can chime in with more info. While there i always stayed at the Super 8 in Somerset and have always found it to be clean and pleasant.
Thanks for the information! I've been modeling for some years but only just started to train watch. I just got a scanner as part of this. Would you know a good source to get frequencies for that area plus others areas in Pennslyvannia. Thanks again
Thought maybe by now someone would have helped you out as there used to be several regulars on Trainboard who lived in the Myersdale area. As I said, it has been a while since I was there. I don't know how well railfans are tolerated by CSX at Sandpatch area anymore but back before 911 we were there and camped on top of the western tunnel opening. I doubt it's allowed anymore and I also understand that that area has been cleared out and is much different than back then. Surely someone has been there recently that can help you out?
In a twist of total irony, I will be in Cumberland this weekend. My son is off school friday so we are heading to the Western Maryland Scenic Railway for a ride and then up to Altoona for the night and a stop at Horseshoe Curve on Saturday.
The frequencies at 160.230 for the trains and 161.520 for the dispatcher on CSX. You probably won't have any problems at all down there. You have to look out more for animals than people. Last time we were there all of the gates they put in around 9/11 were hanging wide open and the railnuts were camped just about everywhere. Definitely check out the horse shoe curve at Mance. You also might get a coal train on the Salisbury branch that comes off of the mainline north of Meyersdale (just south of the WM trestle).
