On Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, Reading and Northern Railroad's 4-8-4 "Northern" type steam locomotive, ex-Reading T-1 #2102, led the second Iron Horse Ramble of 2024 from the new Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station to Tunkhannock, PA and return!
This trip would prove to be full of new experiences for the railroad, passengers, and railfans alike! Firstly, this was the first Iron Horse Ramble to travel on a different route besides the traditional Reading to Jim Thorpe route, as well as the first train to depart the new station at Reading and Northern's Nesquehoning Campus. Additionally, it was the first time since 2102 was restored to operation in 2022 that it traversed on any trackage north of Jim Thorpe.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this trip, however, was the fact that it was likely the first time that a locomotive as large as 2102 traveled between Pittston and Tunkhannock, PA since the days of the Lehigh Valley Railroad in the early 1950s!
This Iron Horse Ramble excursion proved to be an 11-hour all-day venture for its passengers! Departing promptly at 9am, 2102 led its 17-car train of 700 passengers north through the Lehigh Gorge to White Haven, over Penobscot Mountain, through Pittston, and North along the Susquehanna River to Tunkhannock. Once arrived, passengers were able to disembark the train and explore the events of Tunkhannock's 43rd Annual Founder's Day Festival during a three-hour layover.
There were also some unique operations that took place to make this excursion successful. In the early morning, 2102 as well as diesel locomotives #2014, #270, and #275 shoved the entire rambles consist south from Jim Thorpe to Nesquehoning prior to passenger boarding. Once arrived at Nesquehoning, the diesel locomotives were set off on a side track to be used in the evening for night switching maneuvers, and 2102 reversed to connect to the passenger consist and prepared to depart at 9am.
Additionally, when the train got to Penobscot, two SD50-2s connected in front of 2102 and were utilized for their dynamic breaks on the steep downgrade from Penobscot Mountain going into Pittston. Once arrived in Pittston Yard, the diesels were removed for 2102 to lead north to Tunkhannock. These operations were reminiscent of the original Iron Horse Rambles of the Reading Railroad days, which utilized diesel helpers or motive power during portions of the excursions.
Overall I feel that this chase went decently well; I was not able to get every shot I had planned, however, I was able to capture several epic moments, especially on the southbound trip!
If you're curious to see what the perspective of this trip was like from onboard the train, please feel free to check out my good friend @JamieMakin's channel to see her video of the ride!
Additionally, if you are interested in riding behind 2102 yourself or would like to ride a train along this route, feel free to visit Reading and Northern's website at https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ to get more information.
I hope that you enjoy this historic Iron Horse Ramble with the famous T-1 #2102!!
0:00 JTNQ and JTEX shove Iron Horse Rambles Consist south from Jim Thorpe to Nesquehoning
1:56 Setting off diesel locomotives 2014, 270, and 275 to allow 2102 to connect to the passenger consist
5:26 Intro to the day
6:39 A brief look around Nesquehoning Station/Campus
7:50 The crew adds the White Flags to 2102
9:06 5-minute warning whistle
9:51 2102 Departs Nesquehoning as train NQTK
12:55 Climbing through White Haven at D&L Trail Access
14:18 Passing through Glen Summit
15:39 Diesel crew PETK is added to 2102 in Penobscot (#5018 and #5019)
18:58 Passing the Wilke-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station
21:19 Cruising through Ransom Township
22:14 Arrival in Tunkhannock, PA
26:24 PETK arrives to take 2102 south for servicing
30:16 2102 returns later to couple to the rear of the train
32:42 Preparing to depart Tunkhannock tender first
33:33 Just me and a curious deer waiting for the 02' in Falls, PA
36:19 Turning 2102 on the wye in Pittston with the wig wag crossing
37:38 Departing Pittston to head South
40:18 Oak St, Pittston (Wide open throttle!)
41:44 Solomon's Gap
42:58 JTPI departs for Pittston
43:28 2102 departs Penobscot for Nesquehoning
45:16 White Haven, PA
46:46 Nesquehoning Tunnel
48:42 Outro