Blue Mountain & Reading Railfan Weekend - June 25, 1988 Locations include Temple, Leesport, Hamburg, Photo runbys at Leesport, #2102, #425, and PRR E8's all operating. Video shot by Richard White
I remember this like it was yesterday - my mom, grandmother, grandfather and dad were all there. I remember feeling the thrill as they came screaming by, whistles filling the air while the ground shook under me. And boy, those E-8s glided rather than pulled. Behind the beloved steam engines, there was a jolt as the train started. But behind the E-8s, you barely realized the train had started! Thankfully, the Reading and Northern still runs its trains as fast today, and that is why they are so awesome! We get to see what railroading was.
It's amazing how fast those trains were able to run back then, especially considering how curvy the Schuylkill branch was. These days, you'd see trains only going little more than half that speed on the main line.
Clearly different times. The access to the train and surrounding areas would not be allowed today. Back then, if you got too close and got hurt, that was your fault. Today, lawsuits are a way of the land and the courts thrive on frivilous lawsuits. Great video. Always something to see with steam engines and those old Pennsy diesels ooze with character.
425’s old bell reminds of GTW 6325, and that PRR 3 Chime on 425 also sounds like 1361! And also 425 and 2102 doubleheaded last year since 1988 was epic!
