The Reading and Northern is a regional railroad in Eastern Pennsylvania. It is headquartered in Port Clinton and provides freight service on over 400 miles of track. In addition they are now carrying over 300,000 passengers a year on a wide variety of train excursions in this Pocono Mountain region. Cities served include but not limited to Reading, Scranton and Pottsville. Last but not least most trains make their way to Jim Thorpe which is often called the Switzerland of America. There are also Santa Claus train rides. For more information: https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/news
The shining star of these excursion trips is ex Reading steam locomotive 2102. After a six year extensive overhaul and complete rebuilding the 2102 returned to service in 2022. The 2102 has become known for its sharp exhaust and is probably one of the loudest steam engines operating today.
The 2102 only operates a few times a year but when it does it puts on a fantastic show. The prime time are the trips in October that have fall foliage and cool weather. We are going to follow the Saturday Oct 26, 2024 trip that runs from Outer Station Reading to Jim Thorpe. The run is mainly uphill topping out at the Hometown grade. The day is off to a fine start with the usual on time 9:00 departure from Outer Station. The fall weather is perfect and the 2102 puts on a beautiful departure hauling its 16 passenger coaches.
Be sure to stick around for the final shot of the program as you won’t be disappointed.