Freight trains in Hartford/Middletown Connecticut area: best times & places to watch (B4 kids' 7:30p bedtime)?

Question

I tried to find freight train schedules on Google, but without much luck. I have good memories of watching freight trains with my parents and want to give my kids the same chance.

Answer 1

The trains you saw when you were a kid aren't exactly the same anymore - different schedules, jobs, railroads and routes. In short, at the time being there is less to see.

If you want to watch the Springfield line, Connecticut Southern operates every weekday and occasionally on the weekends. The trains run in the morning in-between Amtrak shuttles.

If you go to the Valley line, there is a weekday chance of seeing Providence and Worcester's CT-1 job to Middletown. Occasionally there will be a CT-1x to Hartford that uses CT-1's power - this was happening on Tuesday's last I checked, but that could've changed.

Answer 2

if you really want to see some action drive up to Palmer,Mass.You can see 3 or 4 trains an hour if you hit it right.The best time is ussally right after an Amtrak train because the freights wait for them.