Though the popularity of trains has dwindled over the past few decades, they’re still a fairly common form of transportation in New Jersey. We have hundreds of trains running throughout the state at any given time, from PATH trains to NJ Transit to Amtrak and the light rail, along with several others. It seems as though we have quite the affinity for locomotives in New Jersey. We have Northlandz, the world’s largest model railway, The New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Allaire State Park, The Whippany Railway Museum and the Friar Mountain Railroad Museum in Sparta, along with numerous smaller exhibits throughout the state. If you’re one of New Jersey’s railway lovers, you’ll appreciate the following photos!
- The NYSW 150 was originally built for the military in 1942, but was sold in 1946 to New York Susquehanna & Western. For the next 12 years, it was used as a pierside switcher at the Susquehanna’s Edgewater, NJ piers. Enjoy its beauty in person at the Whippany Railway Museum.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
- This “bobber” caboose was built in 1899 for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad and was sold to the Morristown and Erie Railroad in 1937. The caboose was once an essential part of a train, but it is now a relic of the past. If you’d like to ride on a caboose, you can purchase tickets from the Whippany Railway Museum.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
- Though not as visually appealing as the trains above, PATH trains are air conditioned and operate 24 hours a day. They travel between several North Jersey cities and into New York. PATH stands for Port Authority Trans Hudson.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
- Founded in 1952, New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s Pine Creek Railroad is one of the oldest operating narrow gauge railway exhibits in the country. Enjoy a ride for just $4!
Flickr/Jazz Guy
- The Delaware and Hudson was originally a canal company, but evolved into a railway. Trains ran throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, all the way into Canada. This cheerful looking car can be found at the Whippany Railway Museum.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
- Another Whippany Railway gem, this train line has been serving the south since the 1830’s. Still in operation, explore a 1921 line map below.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Wikimedia/Public Domain
- The NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line serves Northeastern New Jersey’s suburbs and New York State with connections to NYC available. The line ends in Spring Valley to the North and Hoboken to the South.
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
- A Black River and Western train running through Ringoes. BR&W offers scenic train tours throughout Hunterdon County along with themed rides like “The Great Train Robbery”!
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- This Morristown and Erie car can be found at the Whippany Railway Museum. It is a section gang car, built circa 1956, and was meant to transport workers maintaining the tracks.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
- This Acela express train was snapped waiting in Newark Penn Station. These long distance trains can reach speeds of 150 miles per hour. The line runs between Boston and Washinton DC, stopping in major cities along the way.
Flickr/Jim Maurer
- Though you can’t ride or even visit this train, locomotive lovers will appreciate this shot of a Jersey Central Railway train circa 1940.
Flickr/Richard
From scenic tours to commuter trains and open air vintage museums, we really do love our locomotives in New Jersey! I highly recommend taking a Black River and Western tour, it is a family-friendly experience that you’ll never forget. If you’re a true train buff or enjoy history, I’d also recommend visiting the Whippany Railway Museum! If you’ve ever been, share your thoughts and photos in the comments or on the Only In New Jersey Facebook Page.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Flickr/Jazz Guy
Wikimedia/Public Domain
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
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Flickr/Jim Maurer
Flickr/Richard
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