Rather than turn-by-turn driving direc-tions as furnished in some Railpace Train Chase Guides, we present detailed, street-level topographic maps to assist you in finding the best photo locations. This feature will primarily explore the many photographic opportunities along the scenic line from Long Branch to Bay Head, including its stations, causeways and bridges.

There have been several fine books and numerous magazine articles on the history of the NY&LB, and its present day incarnation as NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line. Afterwards, fleets of E7 and E8s graced the rails under PRR, Penn Central, NJDOT and NJ Transit ownership. Photographers remained attracted to the line as Central Railroad of New Jersey operated its rare Baldwin Double-enders for a few more years, and Pennsy deployed its Sharknose A- and B-units on the line until the mid-1960s.

The NY&LB was renowned for being one of the last bastions of Pennsylvania Railroad steam, with the final trip of a K4 made November 4, 1957. Trains have been calling on the North Jersey coast since the New York & Long Branch Railroad bridged the Raritan River in 1875.

North jersey coast line schedule