Hello, I plan on going to Strasburg Friday. I was wondering where some of the best spots to watch/take pictures of the trains are? Also, are their areas where we are not allowed to go along the line?
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In my experience, as long as you don't do anything incredibly stupid or trespass, Strasburg is pretty flexible. Route 741 more or less parallels the ROW for much of the run. There are 4 public highway crossings, Fairview (Red Caboose Motel), Esbenshade, Cherry Hill, and Carpenters.
There are some things stored in Paradise beyond the highway bridge (past the run-around). My understanding is that while the track belongs to Strasburg, Amtrak owns the property and doesn't permit photographers back there. Strasburg recently built a new picnic grove next to the Amtrak line.
Since you are going on Friday, plan to ride the Mixed Train
Do the shop tour. TOTALLY worth it.
Thanks guys. I guess more of what I am asking is if I walk along the edge of the ballast away from the roads, or follow that dirt road along the tracks for more unique photos, is their going to be issues with the railroad or private residents?
Your best bet are the crossings - they offer a surprising number of photographic opportunities. AM and PM, season to season. I would not recommend walking the
entire right of way, but usually not an issue to walk in a bit from any crossing.
Stay off private property - especially the farms. I've seen people trample over
seedlings and vegetation which can only serve to make things bad for everyone
else.
At Leaman Place, do not cross the mainline - pick a side. If you are on the Strasburg side I've not encountered any difficulty walking through the tree tunnel but I stop short of the farm.
At the railroad itself - so long as you exercise caution and make it obvious, they do not seem to have any major issues walking the yard.
At the Caboose Hotel, there is a silo worth the trip to the top. Best for a late evening shot.
Shots from the road are great too - but only in the AM.
Good luck!
/Mitch
here you go!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTTmrA_gOpw
the onlything missing is "Lebanon Levi" 
LOL!
Groff's Grove is another good spot. You can stand on the bank as and you can get a whole perspective as you can almost cab height
The picnic grove is a good shot from the side of the road, but only after the corn has been harvested!
