Prototype question: PRR and Lehigh Valley RR...

You  should be good to go. The PRR bought controlling shares of the LV back in the 30's.

Plus its your railroad, run what you like!

 

 

I never realized the PRR bought controlling shares of the LV.....learned something new.

-Greg

the original LV mainline used to connect with the PRR in Metuchen NJ. the LV line came in from South Plainfield, up a grade to connect with what is now called the Northeast Corridor. the LV subsequently built the alternate mainline that runs into Newark, NJ.

 

Eric, yes, even prior to the PRR's ownership stake in the LV, these two roads definitely exchanged both freight (general merchandise) and coal trains in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. 

My guess is that there were probably several other interchange locations, but this one I'm sure of as I have read much about it and have seen many photos.  The PRR and LV's yard tracks in W-B were side-by-side. 

The CNJ and D&H also had yard tracks in W-B, and all four roads' tracks were basically next to each other.  I'm sure that made for some very interesting railroading...and great railfanning!

FWIW, I agree with JDaddy...it's your railroad so buy/run whatever YOU like.  I love that LV "Snowbird" paint scheme, too, so I say go for it!  Out of curiosity, which manufacturer's product are you considering to purchase?

Thanks tons guys!   Educational, and it saves me some money 

The Lehigh Valley's passenger trains also served Penn Station in New York via trackage rights over the PRR.  The Valley trains had engines swapped at NK tower in Newark with trains being pulled by PRR GG1's between NK and Penn Station.

 

And I envy your ability to run one of those Snowbirds!  I was looking at them myself but, given their length, I simply can't operate them on my layout with 0-27 curves and switches.  As a consolation prize of sorts, I will probably spring for the MTH Lehigh Valley GP18 and matching dummy when they hopefully arrive in March.

 

Curt

Add Buffalo and strangely enough, Horseheads/Elmira Heights, NY to the list of interchange points.

 

Poppyl

According to my 1946 ORER, which is the most current I have, the Valley interchanged with the Pennsy at 20 locations in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania so it is very likely that they did interchange freight and coal.

 

Another thing to consider is that those big six axle C628's are hard on track structure and in later years the Valley had track restrictions which prevented the six axle C628's from operating on certain lines and branches (west of Sayre???).   (LVRR's judgment and statement, NOT based on my personal experience so be easy on me oldheads).

They are nice looking.  I'm thinking about looking for a pair at York.

-Greg