Most of the MARC and Amtrak trains arrive at stub-end platforms
at ground level adjacent to the main terminal. All three MARC lines
terminate here, and all types of equipment appear at this station.
Amtrak AEM7s, E60s, Amfleet cars, and old Heritage equipment can all
be seen.
It is difficult to take pictures from the platform unless you are a
passenger, as no one without a ticket is allowed beyond the waiting room.
However, if you live outside the city and arrive by MARC, Amtrak, or
VRE, you can probably stay on the platform for a few extra minutes.
I have done this several times to photograph equipment. The
Superliners are more difficult to reach on their platforms below the
terminal.
Union Station has a number of shops and restaurants in the mall
adjacent to the terminal. Washington residents often frequent this
recent addition. Just across from the main waiting area is the
mall's Great Train Store, a model train chain which has shops in a
number of other cities. The store has an interesting selection of
LGB, HO, and N scale equipment, as well as magazines and books, but
features prices at or above retail.
Union Station
Washington D.C.'s Union Station is a hub for passenger service along
the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak trains routinely depart from here for
Florida, Chicago, and New England. MARC and Virginia Rail Express
also bring commuters into the Capitol from the Maryland and Virginia
suburbs.
