Eastern Railroad Discussion > Rail fanning the Phila. Zoo -some new perspectives, Part 2

Here's part 2 of my previous thread on different perspectives of Zoo interlocking in Philadelphia...
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2,4141406

This second perspective is new - from the recently completed Zoo parking garage on the west side of the interlocking.
You can clearly see the parking garage in some of the shots from the balloon in the previous thread.
The garage is open during Zoo hours - roughly 9-5, but closing a little earlier in the winter months.
Afternoon would have the best light, but a word of caution if going in the afternoon - you will be witness to some family units in their weakest moments as parents drag their exhausted little tykes home, long past their nap time. I saw one dad do the proper thing with his unhappy little 2-year-old - took him to the edge of the roof of the garage watch a train go by, which happily distracted the boy. Perfect therapy.
You'll get good views of the two outside tracks which handle traffic from the corridor to 30th St Station, and the inside tracks take the locals to the upper level of 30th St.
Added bonus! Rte. 15 PCC trolleys avert 10 min.

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Some commuters - NJ Transit Atlantic City run - if you see one inbound, it returns about 30 min. later here. And a Silverliner set on the inside tracks headed for the NEC.

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The Silver Meteor - still with a heritage diner

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Along the road along the back side of the Zoo is another good location, but the light is better in the A.M.

And a parting shot of a Rte. 15 PCC

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Nice series.  Thanks for sharing.

Great shots - all of them, including Part 1.  John, any idea what that piece of equipment is sitting on the upper leg of the wye?  It looks to be m/w but I can't make out anything else about it.

The equipment on the track above the tunnel is Amtrak tie replacement equipment. That track was used for express trains and through freights (Broadway Ltd. most notably) that didn't  have to stop at 30th St. station. It is not used much these days.

I think that M/W equipment is a flash butt rail welder unit.
TO member Out Of Service would know...