METUCHEN, N.J. — My anticipation grew with each passing stop: Linden, Rahway, Metropark.
It used to be Newark Penn Station was the first stop outside the city, but today Secaucus Junction holds that honor.
There are “new” stops along the Northeast Corridor. Others — such as North Rahway — are gone, but the line is otherwise much the way I remember it.
After departing Metropark, we grab our effects and make our way toward the door. Our stop — Metuchen — is next.
Stepping out onto the platform, the feeling is familiar. The trains, however, do not have a familiar feel.
On this particular day, our train is comprised of an ALP-46 pulling a consist of Bombardier MultiLevel coaches, a decidedly modern tinge on this historic line.
The famed Arrow III coaches are practically relegated to New Jersey commuter history. Some might call it progress.
Metuchen is a great place to watch trains. Situated along the famed Northeast Corridor, about 25 miles from New York City, Metuchen sees dozens of — mostly passenger — trains every day, from N.J. Transit commuter trains to Amtrak trains that blow through the station without stopping.
If not for Metuchen, Railfanning.org probably would not exist. It was watching trains on these very platforms many moons ago I grew to love trains.
The venerable Meatballs are gone, but Metuchen is still here. And, it is still a great place to watch trains.
