Back once again. We have reached the middle of the week, and time to relax for a bit by sharing some of our rail journeys we have taken. Whether on board or trackside, it is interesting to share what we have encountered of the real world of railroading.
Jumping back a month, this was an early morning view of Steamtown's excursion train preparing for a run to Delaware Water Gap, PA, which is 60 miles Southeast of Scranton. We had planned on having the Lackawanna F3 pair lead all of the trains this fall, but no. 664 developed problems with leaks. It happens at 69 years of age. So, 663 was paired with Central RR of New Jersey no. 1554, an RS3 from 1952.
With a few slow orders along the way, we came to our station stop in Delaware Water Gap about 30 minutes late. The station has been under restoration on and off for around 20 years. In the upper background, we see the toll booths of Interstate 80.
In Delaware Water Gap, we met up with some locals trying to sell us on a canoe trip. With limited time, we decided to pass.
Hiking back to the station, we see the train is re-positioned for the return to Scranton.
You can say what you will about modern locomotives. We know they are more powerful, and need to perform more duties than their older counterparts, but somehow, the railroads had a little more style in the past than we have now.
The Sun was hiding from us most of the day, but as our train rolled through Gouldsboro, it decided to enter the coach for the rest of the trip. We arrived back in Scranton only about 15 minutes off schedule.
That is what I have to offer for this week. If you have any chance encounters with the railroad that you would like to share, please add your photos here. Thank you to all who have contributed over the years. It is always interesting to see what railroading is near you.
