Happy June, everyone! As we are midway through the year, I want to thank everyone who has contributed some photos of your local railroading encounters on the real railroad scene. With vacation season upon us, we all look forward to what tries you ride or chase that are not near your home. All types of trains are welcome. Here is my contribution for the week.
It was a sunny morning on May 22, when I caught Canadian National no. 3254 sitting on the turntable at Steamtown in Scranton, PA. She has not operated since 2012, but brought back fond memories of when she was a regular on the rails.
The following Saturday, May 25, Steamtown ran a later excursion than usual. Departing Scranton at 3:00 PM, we took a trip about 10 miles away to Jessup. This old coal town is known for it's festival brought over from Gubbio, Italy. To celebrate the town's patron saint, Saint Ubaldo, there is a race in the street of three competing teams. Ubaldo always wins. Above, we see the excursion train as it arrived in Jessup at the location of the Fireman's Picnic. This is the main food venue, and contains games of chance and carnival rides. You can also explore the town and take part in many other festivities, or eat at one of the many restaurants.
The teams running in the street carry these huge wooden objects called "ceri" in Italian. They each have a statue of a saint on top. This one is Ubaldo, carried by the gold and red team.
Next is the team carrying San Giorgio. He rides atop a horse. The teams run in short bursts and change out runners after a few blocks. Not only are the ceri heavy, but running so close to all the others is a tiring feat.
The black and red team is carrying San Antonio. While this is considered a race of the saints, there is no room for passing. The tradition is that they always place in the same order.
After the 3 hour layover, we took a leisurely train trip back to Steamtown.
Riding the train means you can't chase, so these were the photos I was able to get of the power. Nickel Plate Road 514 is back in running order, and ready to take on another season.
Lackawanna F3 no. 664 led the train northbound, so she followed in second place for the southbound return.
That is my contribution for this week. I hope you enjoy the coming weekend. I sure will. Add any photos you like right here.
