https://donkanespics.shutterfly.com/
This is a link to the pics I took on Saturday's trip to Jim Thorpe behind the 425.
Don
|
https://donkanespics.shutterfly.com/
This is a link to the pics I took on Saturday's trip to Jim Thorpe behind the 425.
Don
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Nice pictures Don! I didn't realize they were running steam again. I'll have to make a pass through there soon as I'm fairly close and familiar with the area. George
George, you won't see steam in Jim Thorpe again until the fall. The regular Lehigh Gorge trains are going to be all-diesel for the forseeable future, with Jim Thorpe serving as the destination for occasional steam excursions behind the #425.
Here's something you don't see every day - a private car being turned for the return trip. This is a rebuilt Lackawanna MU ("Edison") coach. The R&N subsequently acquired a private car with 6-wheel trucks built for Jay Gould's daughter from a restaurant at the former Jersey Central station in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Joe Palooka Diner on the corner there has been moved to Chestnut Hill, PA, along Germantown Avenue.
Then "The Four-and-a-Quarter" was turned. The tractor pulls the turntable with a chain.
That Southern Railway whistle on 425 reminded me of the regal Ps-4's. Here is the sole survivor - No. 1401 in the Smithsonian. Hmmmm . . . I wonder how No. 425 would look in Virginia Green.
ReadingFan, were you wearing a Reading Heritage Unit tshirt? I thought that was you, but I wasn't certain enough to introduce myself. I was wearing a black 765/Horseshoe curve shirt and a green visor.
This was No. 425's first excursion after her trucks and piston valves had been rebuilt at Strasburg. She sure sounded good - no more "squeaking"! I spoke with Andy Muller, who told me that she uses less coal and water now.
Yep, that was me. I saw another Reading Heritage Unit T-shirt and 765 Horseshoe Curve T-shirts. Next time we're in the same vicinity, let's talk. Thanks again for the great job you did adding valve gear and other details to my Lionel Reading T-1. Reading Steam Guru (the engineer on the R&N diesel helper behind No. 425) had painted and detailed her as No. 2124 heading the renowned Iron Horse Rambles.
Yep, I know Steve. I'll definitely say hi next time.
It was a fun day! I have both video and photos, but I still need to add copyright marks and such.
Anyway, I wish I would have known their were fellow forumites at the table. I would have said hello.
Last time I chased #425 to Jim Thorpe in the fall, I posted on the forum to ask if anyone else was going to be doing the same and got no replies, so I didn't bother this time. I did meet up with and hang out with some guys from the R&N #425 fan facebook group.
Last time I chased #425 to Jim Thorpe in the fall, I posted on the forum to ask if anyone else was going to be doing the same and got no replies, so I didn't bother this time. I did meet up with and hang out with some guys from the R&N #425 fan facebook group.
Hmmmm...I must have missed that one. I've talked to a few of those guys too, just not this trip.
There seems to be at least a few members who live in close proximity to Northeast PA. I did recognize Reading Fan, but didn't know his name, and I wasn't sure where I saw him before. I'll be sure to post in advance next time I'm planning to go on an excursion. The wife and I will be in the Lancaster area in two weeks, so we may get a chance to ride the Strasburg RR. She hasn't seen the Pa RR museum yet either. Some friends I sent the photo link to said they'd be interested in going on an excursion in the future.
Don
The Strasburg sells tickets for the Railroad Museum of PA across the street and other attractions. You may save $$$ by inquiring about those combination tickets.
I highly recommend the Noon Shop Tour at the Strasburg RR and riding the Cagney train.
I think Reading Business Car No. 10 will run on half-hour trains. I hope ex-Great Western 2-10-0 No. 90 will draw that assignment. R iding in No. 10 and listening to No. 90's Reading chime whistle are grand.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership