The Brighton Line through Ditmas Park

The Brighton Line is my favorite route in the subway system. It may seem like a strange thing to geek out over but the open air, the varying track, the el towering over South Brooklyn and the beautiful view at Coney Island and combines for a trip unmatched in New York. I didn’t even mention the scene crossing the Manhattan Bridge, a moment that has inspired many faces pressed against subway windows, nevermind the number of jaws it has dropped.

I’m not the only fan of the line:

From a railfan’s perspective, the Brighton line is a delight.

• Varied construction (tunnel, open cut, embankment, elevated structure, ironwork in the station, canopies of most of the embankment local stops)
• Long, fast express runs
• Frequent service, so you never have to wait long for a picture
• Excellent photo opportunities abound, especially on the elevated portion between Brighton Beach and Stillwell Avenue.

I can’t be the only one who loves trains. What’re your favorite spots in the New York system? What about outside of the city? Train geeks will appreciate links.