Railfanning From MARTA
There are several areas in Atlanta and surrounding area where you can ride MARTA and be able to view the CSX or the NS. The north south line is a good example of this. If one gets on the MARTA system at the Atlanta airport going north you will be able to view the CSX Atlanta terminal side of the A&WP sub. Upon leaving the East Point station, the NS Griffen district is visible on the left as well. Between the East Point and Lakewood stations, you will be able to view the Industry yard area. The line follows the MARTA line all the way until West End station where it crosses over the joint trackage andis no longer visible.
Once the north/south line emerges from the underground running, it emerges on the north side of Atlanta and follows the NS Piedmont Division. The line is visible and offers some nice views of the tracks. Also one is able to view NS activities in the Chamblee area from the MARTA platform.
The east /west line is not as rail fan friendly. However, the line going towards Avendale, does offer some nice overhead views of the CSX Hulsey intermodal yard area upon leaving the Georgia State station. In order to get the best view, you would need to sit on the right side of the MARTA train.
View of a MARTA train passsing the Hulsey yard area when it was used as a fright yard
In the view above the area to the right of the MARTA train is the Hulsey yard area as it was when it was used as a freight yard. The track confiuration is no longer like this due to the track improvements made when it become an intermodal faclity. This was the old Georgia and Atlanta & West Point yard. (Tilford yard served the L&N and the SCL. )
From the Chamblee MARTA station you are able to gain trackside acess to the NS line and take photos.
MARTA and NS
View of MARTA and NS from the platform at the Doraville station
admin | 
February 26, 2010 8:42 pm
Subscribe