CP Muncy is located off SR 405, just north of the Saegar Station Rd grade crossing, approximately 2 miles north of Montgomery. Views of north and south bound trains are best in the morning to early afternoon sun. Continuing south on SR 405 into Montgomery, there are various locations to grab a photo. The grade crossing at Thomas Ave, a left turn off SR 405, offers good views in both directions. Also, the Second St grade crossing offers some interesting angles. From here, follow SR 405 south, approximately 1-1 1/2 miles south of Montgomery, and make a right turn onto River Rd., just prior to the intersection with SR 405 & SR 54. Following River Rd, you will soon come to the railroad bridge. Early morning views of a south bound train, with the sun at your back, can be found by climbing the bank to the north side of the bridge. The next stop is a few miles south of the bridge, where River Rd meets back up with the tracks, just south of the signals and MP 238.0 DED. From here you can follow River Rd. south into the village of Dewart, or take the dirt road to the left, to return to SR 405 and continue south.
CP North Fair will be the next photo stop along the way, and can be accesed by following SR 405 south through Watsontown and turning left onto Port May Rd, which is also the entrance to the Watsontown Brick Company. Parking is plentiful here, with a large gravel lot next to the railroad. The signals for CP North Fair are located approximately 1/8th of a mile below the crossing, and is the beginning of the 13,750 foot siding. Looking north, from the east side of the grade crossing, the signals for CP Wat can also be seen. Sun angles are pretty good here most of the day. The direction of the train will indicate what side of the tracks you'll need to be on. From North Fair, a two mile trip south on SR 405 will bring us to our next stop, the grade crossing at the Turbot Hills Golf Course. Sun angles are good here all day long for south bounds. From here, return to SR 405 and continue south through Milton. Chasing from here to Northumberland is pretty much out of the question, as the traffic and traffic lights through Milton will slow you down, as the train continues on at a track speed of 50 mph. Once you're through town, watch for Milton Transportation on your right. Approximately one mile south, turn left onto Housels Run Rd. and continue to the grade crossing. The MP 247.4 detector is located just north of this crossing. Different photo angles can be worked here. Continuing south on Housels Run Rd. will bring you to an intersection, with a blinking light, in the village of Montandon. A right turn here onto SR 45 will take you to another grade crossing, or you may wish to continue south on Housels Run Rd. There are numerous places to stop along this route to grab a photo. Following Housels Run Rd. south, you will again meet up with SR 405. Turn left and proceed to the intersection with SR 147, turn right and proceed south. A favorite spot of mine is the private crossing to the rear of Kohl's Market, which can be accessed by a turning right off SR 147 onto a dirt road just past the market itself.
CP Norry is a favorite spot of alot of railfans in the area. To reach CP Norry, follow SR 147 south into the borough of Northumberland, continue south (on what is now Duke St.) and proceed to the last right turn before the traffic light. This will be the entrance into Front Street Station. Parking here is plentiful, with the old station platform next to the tracks. This is also the location of the North Shore Railroads' connection to the Buffalo Line. From CP Norry, following SR 147 south will take you into the city of Sunbury. There are numerous grade crossings within the city. Two of my favorites are Packer St and Race St. Exploring is your best bet here. Continuing south on SR 147 from Sunbury, there is a viaduct that offers nice views of trains passing below your feet. Moving on, the highway parallels the tracks for approximately a mile before turning away. You will once again rejoin the tracks at Fishers Ferry. Again, exploration is your best bet.
CP South Boyles will be our last stop. CP South Boyles is the southern end of the 14,750 foot siding. When you arrive in the borough of Herndon, make a right turn at the Herndon House. The Herndon Fire Department is also at this intersction, on your right. If you miss this turn, don't panic, just take the next street to the right, and look for the tracks. There are numerous photo angles here. It is also a good area to just set up and wait for the traffic. The MP 265.8 detector to the north, and the MP 276.0 detector to the south, will give advance warning of approaching trains.
I hope this information assists you with your trip to the Buffalo Line in Central Pennsylvania.
Please .... respect the railroad and their property. Be careful and have fun.
160.860 NS Road CH 3
161.070 Northumberland Yard
161.475 CP Rail Road
160.455 North Shore Railroad
161.115 NS E.O.T. Device
457.937 E.O.T. Device
