beacon

April 4, 2017

Springtime Exploration: The Beacon Line

As April has now arrived, we look forward to the spring, to warmer weather, and lovely green leaves on the trees. It seems, as well, like a decent time to explore some of the lesser-known railroad infrastructure in the area. Most regular riders of Metro-North are familiar with the railroad’s three main lines running into Grand Central Terminal – the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines. Others may be aware of two other lines on the west side of the Hudson River that Metro-North also owns – the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines – which are operated by New...

Dashing Diesels – The Workhorses of Metro-North

While the good majority of service on Metro-North is operated by Electric Multiple Unit cars, the railroad’s dashing diesels handle the rest of the load – largely in the unelectrified territories of the Upper Hudson Line, Upper Harlem Line, and the Danbury and Waterbury Branches. West of Hudson service, operated by New Jersey Transit, is also dieselized, carrying passengers through New Jersey and into New York’s Orange and Rockland counties. Arguably, it is this diesel territory that is likely considered Metro-North’s most beautiful. Spots like Port Jervis’s Moodna Viaduct, views of the Hudson Line from the Bear Mountain Bridge, and...

Tuesday Tour of the Hudson Line: Beacon

Thus far on our tour of the Hudson Line, we’ve visited some very attractive stations. The unfortunate reality is that not every station can be that beautiful. This week’s station, Beacon, and next week’s station, Croton-Harmon, are probably two of the least attractive stations on the Hudson Line. Beacon – which has been listed on timetables as both Fishkill and Dutchess Junction in the past – is 59 miles from Grand Central, and is on the northern, un-electrified portion of the Hudson Line. Just south of Beacon station is Metro-North’s non-revenue Beacon Line, which continues east towards the Harlem Line...