MARC Camden Line Cab Ride - Washington to Baltimore (2002)

This video was produced by a friend in 2002 aboard an eastbound MARC Camden Line train running from Washington Union Station to Baltimore Camden Station via the CSX Capitol Subdivision. Some things to note include the B&O Color Position Light signals along the entire line and the continued use of "Heritage" type coaches from the early days of MARC. These were soon to be phased out by the availability of MARC III bi-levels.
This morning train served the smaller flow of Baltimore bound commuters and also re-positioned equipment in Baltimore for additional runs south to DC.

[@dragondancer1814]

I grew up in that northern part of Prince George’s County, and I’ve driven up and down Route 1 by the tracks between College Park and Laurel a million times! It’s so neat seeing my old stomping grounds from the train’s perspective and recognizing the roads and bridges crossing the tracks! The area has changed a _LOT,_ but the tracks and MARC stops remain a constant! Thanks for the visit through my old neighborhood!

[@shortliner68]

I used to do a lot of train watching at various locations between Bailey and Halethorpe back in the 1960s and '70s, being from west Baltimore. A tower operator at HX Tower in Halethorpe was railfan friendly and would invite you up to the tower. It was pretty neat watching him throwing levers to line up crossover moves at the interlocking. While on lunch break at work as a field inspector, I'd park under the Ostend St. bridge at Bailey or out at West Baltimore to check out switching action. Brings back many memories of Baltimore area train activity back then. What I didn't remember was the Baltimore/Washington line having that many curves though i understand it could be a camera setting making it appear more curvy than in reality. Passenger trains, even the former BUDD RDC commuter runs, did go a bit faster than this along the line back in B&O days. Enjoyed the ride!

[@PositionLight]

Thanks for the info!

[@googoo-gjoob]

from Dorsey east its almost exclusively curves. the curve MP17-18 is almost 2 miles long. the curve MP26-27 is over 1 mile long.

[@trainmancorey]

I have a feeling you have a load of these amazing cab ride videos stored. Can't wait for more.

[@chief1b]

Time gone past. At Union Station on the left Metro train riding past the site of now a new Metro station that was only grass in 2002. WOW. Great trip with lots of memories I use to ride the train from College Park to Baltimore in my college days in the 80's Thanks for sharing

[@jaymorgenthal9479]

Yes, this is the former B&O route of the Royal Blue. Lots of old B&O signals still intact. WAMTA Green and Yellow lines run parallel up to their Greenbelt Terminus

[@robertgambling502]

I noticed that several commenters complained about the apparent slowness. That is because the camera was in telephoto probably because of constrictions in the locomotive cab. That and the height of the cab off the ground level accentuated the slowness. You can remedy that by going into your settings and hit playback speed and hit 2X. At 2X, the audio is not too distorted and you get a faster ride plus your viewing time is cut in half.

[@wizardofodds8239]

Camera lens was definitely in telephoto mode, truncating the approaching scenery and rail.

[@christopherbentley7289]

In those days I was in regular touch across the Water with somebody - living in Ellicott City - who ran a site entitled 'Art Deco Architecture' who had come in on our - unfortunately unsuccessful! - campaign over saving the former Bus and Coach Station in my home city of Derby, UK, so it's very good to get an insight of travelling around the Baltimore area around the turn of the Millennium and very shortly thereafter. We have a beauty spot in North Derbyshire called 'Surprise View', where one goes round a corner in the road to be confronted by a view of a large, wide vale. That being confronted by the Baltimore skyline round a curve after going through leafy countryside is very reminiscent of that. You could call it the 'Surprise View' of Maryland!

[@harvey2465]

Slow and curvy line to Camden station, close to stadium, but a walk just to the edge of downtown Baltimore.

[@googoo-gjoob]

well..... that was a fun trip down memory lane. thanks.

[@PGHammer21A]

To the left (leaving Union Station) is the Galludet University/NoMa subway station (aboveground) - this line also services Union Station (Red Line). On the right is Ivy City - a multi-customer service center (AMTRAK, MARC, and VRE).

[@MelloMathTeacher]

This video was recorded in 2002; the NoMa-Gallaudet University station wasn't constructed until 2004 (known then as "New York Avenue," then renamed to include Florida Avenue and Gallaudet U, then renamed again to the current name).

[@douglasengle2704]

Thanks for the video. I measured 11.22 mi using google maps mesaure tool between St. Denis Departure 34:50 and Camden Yards Arrival 53:10 that took 18 min 20 sec for an average moving speed of 37.72 mph. I was surprised it was actually that fast. I've always known speeds on a train can seem a lot slower than you are actually going. This uses the times in the film and assumes the film ran continues and there were no gaps. I've always wondered what the non northeast corridor B&O tracks where between D.C. and Baltimore these turned out to be those tracks. Pretty cool!

[@arnoldstollar5375]

The train is a miracle

[@humphery1950]

Wonder how his deck turned out?

[@jamielacourse7578]

I've learned how to read the signals up here in frostbitten Canada...... we use the stack of three lights most times....

[@PositionLight]

Unfortunately your typically simple layouts don't get to make good use of some of your more crazy signal indications.

[@PGHammer21A]

Riverdale Park is a suburb of College Park - not merely of DC; it is along US 1 - not either the BW Parkway or NEC.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Just saw these now-these cab rides are incredible and this one is no exception. Was this filmed from inside a GP39H-3 or GP40WH-2?

[@PositionLight]

I think a WH.

[@eastamericantrains589]

Jersey Mike's Rail Videos it’s a 39 you can tell because you can see the railing to climb up to the cab. WH is mainly entered through the back and the front is hard to get in.

[@hmitchell8618]

It’s a WH because of the way the yellow bar is facing.

[@zygmundzygmundowski]

Does anyone know if this train finally make it to Baltimore?

[@daveporter8351]

I remember5 on the front in 2ooo....at lake erie div .....what happened and its flat up there

[@LexTheTrainFan315]

3:05 why is there a Sounder Commuter Rail on the NEC. It normally operates of the Pacific NW.

[@PositionLight]

MARC was leasing some Sounder sets in the 2000's

[@nycsubwayproduction3507]

Jersey Mike's rail video are you a train operator or do you get permission

[@PositionLight]

Read the description. This video was produced by a friend.

[@tact86]

Good video, Thanks for sharing!

[@ZorriMusic]

Why is this train so slow and why are stations so short?

[@PositionLight]

It's a 70mph line with most traffic going to Dorsey and Laurel. Trains are only about 3-6 cars.

[@dmvgrower9290]

Live in the area and this is super awesome 👍

[@SailorMoonRailfan]

Do you mind if I use this for a Sound-set for Railworks Train Simulator 2020 please?

[@PositionLight]

You'll probably want to cut out the conversations? Otherwise you can if you link me the finished result.

[@SailorMoonRailfan]

Okay I will.

[@jamesnichols2188]

Nice enjoyed very munch thanks

[@judpowell1756]

the route of B&O's Royal Blue trains

[@PGHammer21A]

The Camden line is a non-electrified line; I typically take the Penn Line (services the same two endpoints, but uses different routing in between). The Penn Line uses the NEC, basically; the Camden Line does not.

[@daniellucas6573]

Enjoyed it!

[@RyanHatterer-Ryanns999]

What was that Bi-Level set in the Yard of Amtrak at 3:15? Looks like a set for CA base on the design of the cars.

[@AllAboardAudio.]

Ryan Hatterer That is actually a Sounder commuter consist. Sounder operates out of Washington state.

[@RyanHatterer-Ryanns999]

Since when? I don't remember Sounder even running on the east coast.

[@RyanHatterer-Ryanns999]

Sorry, got it wrong, I miss read the state as station lol. I was wondering why it was over 2,000 miles away from home.

[@PotomacRails]

Sounder cars were leased by the Virginia Railway express back in the early 2000s, along with an f59phi for their commuter trains.

[@RyanHatterer-Ryanns999]

Something told me that, but I thought they ask Amtrak for a set instead of sending a set from the west and pay for the trip. But either way thank you and it throw me off so much.

[@AllAboardAudio.]

Golden

[@googoo-gjoob]

"i think i know where youre talkin about. but i cant think of the name tho i know what youre talkin about"

[@Wingnutcaseman]

Why do the air brakes sometimes sound like a screaming woman?

[@PositionLight]

The equalizing reservoir vents into the cab and makes a whistling noise.

[@PGHammer21A]

The Camden line is not powered - unlike the Penn Line (which also runs from DC to Baltimore) - hence the use of DE power (and the lack of caternaries).

[@Robbi496]

This is NOT a quiet cab, that brake reservoir screams like s scared cat!

[@cats0182]

Was this the route of the B&O "Royal Blue" between NJ and DC?

[@Wingnutcaseman]

Yes it was.

[@susanwood4171]

At time stamp 44:11, what is the signal indication? That is the only 3 head signal on the route. What's up with that?

[@DCRailfanner]

I think it's a stop indication, but the signal could be down for maintenance.

[@GP30RDMT]

That's Lansdowne. It looks like at the time, the signal was only for 3 and 1, not 2 track the train is traveling on. Currently, it's an absolute for 3 and 1, and another set of heads has been added as an intermediate for track 2.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@GP30RDMT , correct. absolute signals _almost_ always exist to coincide with a switch. Lansdowne has no switch on #1.

[@sethtriggs]

Wow this is a great video! Nice to see this route. What kind of locomotive is driving it?

[@PositionLight]

Probably a GP40WH-2

[@ElectronicsTech09]

Is this a freight or passenger train ?

[@PositionLight]

Passenger.

[@robertswickard8355]

AND THIS IS WHY THE PENNSY OWNED THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR , PENNSY ------ NYC TO D.C. 1.5 HRS. FAST B&O. ------ BALT TO D.C.1.5 HRS SLOW

[@ElectronicsTech09]

What is the top speed on this line ?

[@PositionLight]

70mph

[@jwslijm7278]

My God. It is that it is now 18 years ago, but so commutertravel will be a thing of the past in the USA! But besides that nice video!

[@PositionLight]

Not sure I get what you mean. Even this diesel service is faster than driving to downtown DC in the peak period.

[@douglasengle2704]

Do you mean COVID-19 had seriously taken out the patronage public transport needs to make reasonable sense at least in the current way funding is seen. At 25% capacity which is what a lot of couch travel is using as a social distancing measure doesn't seem reasonable for future investment. Right now Sep 8, 2020 public travel is reporting occupancies of 5% in some locations so enforcing 25% capacity isn't an issue. Amtrak sleepers are in much heavier use than the coaches.

[@jwslijm7278]

@@douglasengle2704 My answer / post was in January 2020 (?!). I think that the Covid-19 / Coronavirus was at that time not a real issue in the world.

[@lilburrellbaby]

15:56 why are are y'alls tracks connecting to the metro's tracks? 16:10 why are those tracks connected? Why is it that some tracks have overhead wires and some don't? Why are y'all going to slow? 16:40 & 16:46 & 31:38 why was y'alls tracks connected to CSX tracks? 34:31 where do those tracks go? 40:03 where do those tracks go to? 41:36 where do those tracks go to? 42:59 where do those tracks go to? 45:30 where do those tracks go to? 47:48 - the end .. why we're you going extremely slow?

[@PositionLight]

Most of what you are asking about are just freight delivery sidings.

[@Mikewells90]

lilburrellbaby why do ask so many fricken questions

[@robertmason7553]

@TC FenstermakerThat's funny because Im from DC but I live in Nebraska and I work for a steel company that delivers the metal for the new Metro cars at Kawasaki in Lincoln. I go down all the time and watch them test run the new cars in their yard. I see them before any decals or road numbers and then every once in a while I will see one on a stretched out semi being hauled down I-80. They are pretty sweet cars.

[@robertmason7553]

BTW Kawasaki is hiring like fools except im not moving back to Lincoln. I love my steel job and too many liberals down there. I lived in Lincoln for two years and couldn't stand it like I cant stand DC or MD.

[@paulw.woodring7304]

OK, I was a CSX conductor and engineer out of Baltimore in that era. The train left Union Station from track 15, to the left of "K" Tower. Just before Greenbelt station on the left was the siding for the Washington Post Greenbelt, MD printing plant. After Greenbelt station is the Greenbelt MetroRail maintenance facility, and the switch is there` so Metro can receive and send out equipment by rail. Just past that is Sunnyside Rd. and the beginning of the Beltsville USDA Agricultural Research Center. The spurs in this area serve commercial and industrial customers in Beltsville. (I lived up one of the streets off of US Rt. 1, which was to the left of the railroad before Ammendale Interlocking). Muirkirk station is actually named for the road, it's in Beltsville, just south of Laurel MD S. Rt. 200, the "Intercounty Connector", ends on Rt. 1 just north of the station. When the train gets up to Savage there is another industrial track to businesses in that area. As the train left Savage station you could see the power for a "Rock Runner" and it's train being loaded at the stone quarry. They used to have a radio-controlled GE that was ex-Lehigh Valley and Conrail. The signal at CP 'PA" on track #1 controls the entrance to Jessup yard, one of the largest automobile loading/unloading facilities on the East Coast. As you rounded the curve there you could briefly see the MD state prison at Jessup to the right. Again there are more industrial spurs, the Columbia and Waterloo branches come off of the east lead at Jessup. The Dorsey Industrial Track comes off on the left up a steep grade just East of Dorsey station. Approaching Baltimore at Relay (there used to be a hotel where the Old Main Line and the Cap came together at the monument to the viaduct), the Thomas Viaduct was built in 1833, and is not the oldest existing railroad bridge in the U. S. That honor goes to the Carrollton Viaduct on the Mt. Clare Branch, which comes off of track 3 past W. Baltimore. Past CP Halethorpe (since replaced by one at St. Denis) was the lead to the Halethorpe I. T., which was the fairgrounds for the 1927 B&O Fair of the Iron Horse. At W. Baltimore, if you go to the right off of Tr. 3, you go over the mainline on Zepps Bridge and Mt. Winans yard (used to hold trains and cuts of cars, to the left of the train) towards Curtis Bay yard. The Mt. Clare branch loops around through what was a series of yards (A thru D) that led to the Mt. Clare shops (now the B&O Museum), crosses Washington Blvd. by the old Montgomery Wards, and rejoins the main at CP Carroll. The local freight that the train passed at CP Carroll was turning off down the South Baltimore Industrial Track, which goes to the Curtis Bay Branch at CP Clifford. The MARC train was getting signals that most would never see on a typical main track because of the many different moves a train could make there. There are explanations of B&O CPL signals available on the net, so I won't go into them here. Just before the train entered the platform at Camden Station you could see the South Portal of the Howard St. Tunnel off to the right. Straight ahead before the train passed Raven's Stadium began the Locust Point branch to Locust Point yard which forms the Bailey Wye. Baltimore Terminal had wye tracks there, at Curtis Bay Junction next to Mt. Winans Yard, and at Bay View Yard on the east side. I've been gone from CSX for over 10 years now so I don't know what's left of all of that.

[@googoo-gjoob]

43:49 i think i saw Kenny Cain at the Lansdowne Inn

[@robertwshephard4454]

Telephoto lenses suck.

[@Wingnutcaseman]

I agree. But Mike says the guy who recorded this did so to give a full picture view on screen. I personally wouldn’t have minded having part of the image blocked by the window frame and hood for better perception.

[@josealmeida8282]

What a hell of speed is that? Is this a passenger service? What kind of crap of locomotive is that??? Are you joking with trains and passengers??? Is that a JOKE??? MARC OF JOKING???

[@PositionLight]

It's a 60-70mph line. Performance is pretty standard for diesel commuter lines.

[@Wingnutcaseman]

The videographer had the camera zoomed out for a full screen picture but at the cost of speed and depth perception.

[@electricsparks4251]

Why is this train running so slow? Should be going at least 60 MPH.

[@PositionLight]

Line speed is 70. The camera had to zoom through the front window and past the short hood. That flattens the image and makes things appear slower.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@PositionLight , additionally, csx rules require a max of 40 when 'delayed in block'

[@LouisDefaux]

Interested to watch movies with trains without machinist? You can watch if you get time: UNSTOPPABLE and RUNAWAY TRAIN.Don't worry. Only movies but awesome to watch: these are THRILLER films.

[@mshotz1]

Bryn Marr? Berwick? Brandywine?

[@PositionLight]

Huh?

[@mshotz1]

@@PositionLight The town in PA near Philadelphia.

[@rosannemcdonald2607]

Baeden

[@westrain2]

Very curvy line

[@PositionLight]

It actually has very few permanent speed restrictions. Almost the entire line is good for 70mph.

[@Austinxddd]

I bet all those signals are replaced

[@PositionLight]

Yes, all except the ones at Greenbelt.

[@carlosarias9882]

This was a diesel??

[@PositionLight]

Yes.

[@wizardofodds8239]

I must be. Sounds like the dang thing has thrown a rod!!

[@davidbarnett9312]

After watching cab views of passenger/commuter trains in the UK yesterday, this is pathetic. The folks who ride this train must not be in any hurry. The UK trains rock 'n roll at high speeds between stops, but this one plods along.

[@voidjavelin23]

Atleast a leaf cant stop a train in america

[@user-gj7td4nn9d]

9:40 UMDCP

[@ricksclick]

Historically interesting (kind-of) but I couldn't take the shaky, low resolution image for 54:40 minutes. Sorry.

[@PositionLight]

Sorry i couldn't send a 4k camera back in time.

[@FanRailer]

You're being dramatic... it wasn't THAT bad. I've seen WAY worse from amateurs with 4k equipment equipped with automatic stabilizers.

[@southernrailfanning5516]

He ran a red signal at timestamp 44:09 !

[@PositionLight]

The old LANSDOWNE interlocking was only in service on the middle two tracks. Note the rightmost signal is mounted to left of the rightmost track the train is running on. That means it applies to the track to the left.

[@robertswickard8355]

I had to turn down the volume , the guy talking has a higher pitch voice that sounds like a 7 year old boy

[@susiejohnson8235]

What a mess you has he to clean it up

[@jonathanng2390]

Easier to watch with the sound turned off. SMFH

[@mrkongsimr]

Nice , but looks so slow . Thanks

[@pauludulutch4353]

Nice video dude asking the annoying questions needs to shut up. He’ll never get another cab ride!

[@dragicevicgeorges-dorde8225]

It's a snail train. The environment cannot be seen from too high a speed

[@voidjavelin23]

No shit its fast but its just that they use telephoto look like its slow

[@beckettmurtaugh3170]

Holy shit its slow

[@Wingnutcaseman]

A zoom lens is being used. A traditional view would give better speed and depth perception. The tradeoff is that much of the view would be blocked by the window frame.

[@caseywedel1969]

19,000 tons going up Balfour hill is about 17 mph average when i ride a coal train. Freight is heavy sir. This is music to my ears with that prime mover wound up

[@SupernalOne]

railroad yards sure are dismal, nasty, and dangerous! The open line is nice though.

[@rapman5363]

SupernalOne rail yards are not for the weak at heart, that’s for sure!! An unforgiving and dirty environment that will kick your ass in a New York minute.

[@josealmeida8282]

Who the hell talk alot? The enginer talk to much faster then the loco,so weird!!!

[@SLRNUT]

Investment difference. Painful to watch coming from europe. 37mph average!

[@daveyboy_]

Pretty damm slow

[@PositionLight]

Faster than the beltway.

[@jg-7780]

It also looks a bit slower than it is at times because the cab is so high off the ground it messes with your perspective and makes it look slower, kinda like how when you’re on an airplane it doesn’t feel like you’re going as fast as you are, just this time on a smaller scale.

[@daveyboy_]

@@jg-7780 I watch other train videos's and they're bookin' . This ; you can tell its s.l.o

[@jg-7780]

Most passenger engines sit closer to the ground, so there is no perspective weirdness

[@corpsevoice]

snail(typically american!!) pace!!!!!!!

[@jorgemunozaguilar]

Que aburrido y fome.

[@voidjavelin23]

entonces no lo mires...