Area Description
A long expanse of grass provides a multitude of spots to get east and west traffic on the busy double tracked St. Paul subdivision of BNSF Railway's Twin Cities Division.
Located on the north side of a St. Paul city park, the city mows half of the land between the park and the right-of-way.
Forming a bowl of sorts, on either end the land elevates to provide track level photography.
Signals are visible from most spots at this site. These only light up as trains approach giving fair warning for those without scanners. Most days, trains can be heard working up from station sign Mississippi to the east nearly 5 minutes before they arrive. Photography Tips A sharp curve on the westend of Victoria makes for perfect early morning telemash shots. Throughout the morning - most of the year - long wedgies are near impossible to miss.
The afternoon sun makes photos all the way to Como Avenue obtainable. The long straight section of track also lends to the wedgie angle.
In the summer, late morning to late afternoon produces shadows from a row of trees. But for catching broadside style roster shots, a photographer can spend all day here.
The northside of the track is tree-lined, but they do not provide vibrant colors in the fall.
Located on the north side of a St. Paul city park, the city mows half of the land between the park and the right-of-way.
Forming a bowl of sorts, on either end the land elevates to provide track level photography.
Signals are visible from most spots at this site. These only light up as trains approach giving fair warning for those without scanners. Most days, trains can be heard working up from station sign Mississippi to the east nearly 5 minutes before they arrive. Photography Tips A sharp curve on the westend of Victoria makes for perfect early morning telemash shots. Throughout the morning - most of the year - long wedgies are near impossible to miss.
The afternoon sun makes photos all the way to Como Avenue obtainable. The long straight section of track also lends to the wedgie angle.
In the summer, late morning to late afternoon produces shadows from a row of trees. But for catching broadside style roster shots, a photographer can spend all day here.
The northside of the track is tree-lined, but they do not provide vibrant colors in the fall.
Area Photos
Directions
From the East
Similar to directions from the south. At the major intersection of Como/Dale/Front, either take Como to the northwest or Front to the west.
From the West
From the west, you may be on Energy Park Drive (west of Lexington Pkwy) or Front Street (east of Lexington Pkwy).
Follow Front eastbound 9 blocks. Victoria will be on the left, again, you will end up at the tracks.
Follow Front eastbound 9 blocks. Victoria will be on the left, again, you will end up at the tracks.
From the North
Follow E. Como Boulevard south until you cross railroad tracks. These are the mainline which you will be watching. Take your first right after the tracks, on Jessamine Avenue. Follow this until you get to a 90 degree turn to the left. Find a parking spot.
From the South
Exit I-94 at Dale Avenue. Head north on Dale past several large intersections. You will pass over the Midway sub, you haven't missed anything yet. At a "spaghetti junction," you will find Front St. runs east-west, Como Avenue crosses at an angle, and Dale continues north.
Either take:
Como to Jessamine Ave, the last left hand turn before the rail crossing. Stop at the 90 degree turn.
Front Street, your sharp left turn at the large intersection. 7 streets, Victoria will be on your right. This will make a 90 degree turn to the right. Park here.
Either take:
Como to Jessamine Ave, the last left hand turn before the rail crossing. Stop at the 90 degree turn.
Front Street, your sharp left turn at the large intersection. 7 streets, Victoria will be on your right. This will make a 90 degree turn to the right. Park here.
This entry was last read July 04, 2008 at 7:23 pm
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