We all have those days.
Work runs late. The car’s in the shop. The weather turns dramatic. Or maybe you just can’t make it out trackside or down to the layout room at the club.
Good news: the railroad never really sleeps… and thanks to live cameras, neither does railfanning.
When you can’t be out chasing trains in person — and can’t join us at the club — here are five great places to railfan virtually from home. Grab a cup of coffee, turn up the speakers, and let the sound of steel on steel do its thing.
Right in the high desert, Mojave is a fascinating junction where multiple lines meet. Freight action is steady, and you never quite know what will roll through next.
As of this posting, there’s even a crew out switching — proof that live rail cams always have a surprise waiting.
Small-town depot, big-time railroading. Tehachapi sits on one of the most famous freight corridors in the country. Long manifests, heavy grades, and helper power make this a railfan favorite.
Watching trains grind upgrade here gives you a real appreciation for mountain railroading.
One of the most legendary engineering feats in American railroading. Trains literally cross over themselves as they climb the pass. Long freights curl around the hillside like giant steel snakes — and the live cam view lets you see the whole show.
If you’ve never watched a full train loop itself, you’re in for a treat.
Tucked into the pass, Cable Siding is all about drama — steep grades, helpers, and hard-working locomotives digging in for the climb. It’s mountain railroading at its most intense, and the camera gives you a front-row seat without the hike.
Trains Anytime, Anywhere
These live feeds are a great reminder of why we love this hobby. Even when we can’t be trackside, the railroad is still out there moving freight, climbing grades, and sounding those horns across the landscape.
But of course… watching on a screen is only half the fun.
If you’re missing the smell of scenery materials, the rumble of model trains, and the chance to talk railroading with fellow enthusiasts, we’d love to see you in person at a future open house. There’s nothing like standing next to the layout, watching long trains roll through detailed scenes, and sharing stories with people who get it.
Keep the virtual trains rolling at home — and then come see the real magic happen with us.
All green lights, and we’ll see you down the line. 🚦🚂
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