After being unable to head out to see it for two years in a row, I was finally able to make my way out to Lansdale, PA this Saturday in order to see the New Hope & Ivyland Lansdale Founder's Day Excursion. The train was powered by two Pennsylvania Northeastern units, SD40-2W 5342 and C39-8 8211, and I was able to chase the 12:30 train, catching it at several spots as it traveled from Lansdale to Souderton and back. I also did see a few SEPTA trains, but with one expection, I decided to put off filming any of them until after chasing the excursion.
My first sighting of the excursion was at the Lansdale station, as the 11AM train pulled in with SD40-2W 5342 leading the way. Two of the railroad's other units, GP9 7210 and C39-8 8212, can be spotted sitting in the yard. Once the train arrived, it wouldn't leave again for another 20 minutes or so. While killing time until then, I decided to film SEPTA Train 538 as it pulled in. Leading the way is Silverliner IV Unit 341, and trailing is Unit 166.
As 12:30 approached, which was the time of the excursion's next departure, I made my way down to the North Cannon Avenue crossing in order to kick off my chase of the train. C39-8 8211 was on the point for the journey to Souderton, with SD40-2W 5342 now bringing up the rear. From there, I saw the train at South Main Street in Hatfield, then again pulling into the old station and crossing East Broad Street in Souderton.
After stopping for a couple minutes just past the crossing, the excursion switched directions and began heading back to Lansdale, mow with SD40-2W 5342 leading the way. We'll see the return trip departing from Souderton, crossing Bergey Road and West Orvilla Road in Hatfield, and once again pulling into Lansdale.
4 окт 2024
