Very impressive and enjoyable classic footage of the Reading rr operations during the transition era period, these were the final years of steam operations and it's great to see that these moments were recorded on film. The Reading rr t1 class 4-8-4 Northerns and the G class Pacifics were impressive examples of steam power to view in service as shown in these film recordings.
Cool! I happen to be working on some S Scale Reading passenger car now. I have come to appreciate the Reading Pacifics more recently. With my PRSL interest I really want one since they ran late in PRSL steam - generally later than the K4s.
Phoenixville Tunnel was a PRR tunnel, The Blackrock tunnel which is in the video is also known as the Fairview Tunnel. They are both in the Phoenixville area, but only the Blackrock Tunnel is still used. Phoenixville Tunnel is north of the old Phoenix Iron Works.
0:37 Were the "Reading Rail Ramblers" the same group of railfans, including George, also known for organizing the 1959-1964 Reading Rambles operated by T-1s 2100, 2102, and 2124 7-12 years after this footage was shot?
@F7railfan Maybe a couple but if you wish, you can choose to view the DVD without narration. It also has chapters. Volume 2 will focus on freights, yards and shops plus it will have bonus segments on East Broad Top in 1952 (Real service) and Huntingdon & Broad Top's 100th anniversary in 1951. It should release this coming fall.
Volume 2 is finished and has been sent for replication. It will be in stock before the end of September. It covers freight and yard action in 1951-52 with more film by George W. Gerhart, II. Three bonus segments are included: H&BT RR, East Broad Top in 1952 and a quick look at a fan trip on the Ligonier Valley RR. -JH
The man in Frame 2.21 is the Late Art Acker a close friend to the Late George W. Gerhart, Jr. And I was friends to both men. George past away two years ago. Len.
George's PRR film will be in a future PRR video. One problem I have is that he filmed 10.5 minutes of a Reading double headed coal train and a PRR ore train in Cinemascope. While I've been able to configure it it 16x9 wide screen, I still need to find the best way to incorporate it into a 4x3 DVD. I may have to letterbox the 4x3 to fit the 16x9 frame. The Cinemascope footage is spectacular. -JH
Great job, but I know that you from California really has no idea of what is in this video. Next time let a local narrate it. Great whistle work too at the Rozzi works
Very impressive and enjoyable classic footage of the Reading rr operations during the transition era period, these were the final years of steam operations and it's great to see that these moments were recorded on film. The Reading rr t1 class 4-8-4 Northerns and the G class Pacifics were impressive examples of steam power to view in service as shown in these film recordings.
Bought both Vol 1 & Vol 2 both are excellent videos. I just miss the Late Former CBS Narrator he was outstanding.
That was me running that old 91 and strange I'm 91 now myself!
Very interesting with that R50 express reefer on the rear on two different consists--a modeler's dream.
Is that a Wootten firebox on many of those locomotives?
Cool! I happen to be working on some S Scale Reading passenger car now. I have come to appreciate the Reading Pacifics more recently. With my PRSL interest I really want one since they ran late in PRSL steam - generally later than the K4s.
My grandfather Emil was an engineer for Reading and retired from Conrail in approximately 1985.
Phoenixville Tunnel was a PRR tunnel, The Blackrock tunnel which is in the video is also known as the Fairview Tunnel. They are both in the Phoenixville area, but only the Blackrock Tunnel is still used. Phoenixville Tunnel is north of the old Phoenix Iron Works.
absolutely fantastic
0:37 Were the "Reading Rail Ramblers" the same group of railfans, including George, also known for organizing the 1959-1964 Reading Rambles operated by T-1s 2100, 2102, and 2124 7-12 years after this footage was shot?
The Phoenixville Tunnel is known as Black Rock and still used today by Norfolk Southern. 2:45
Len.
@F7railfan Maybe a couple but if you wish, you can choose to view the DVD without narration. It also has chapters. Volume 2 will focus on freights, yards and shops plus it will have bonus segments on East Broad Top in 1952 (Real service) and Huntingdon & Broad Top's 100th anniversary in 1951. It should release this coming fall.
Volume 2 is finished and has been sent for replication. It will be in stock before the end of September. It covers freight and yard action in 1951-52 with more film by George W. Gerhart, II. Three bonus segments are included: H&BT RR, East Broad Top in 1952 and a quick look at a fan trip on the Ligonier Valley RR. -JH
0:05 0:08 My favorite whistle
The man in Frame 2.21 is the Late Art Acker a close friend to the Late George W. Gerhart, Jr.
And I was friends to both men. George past away two years ago.
Len.
I remember you
George's PRR film will be in a future PRR video. One problem I have is that he filmed 10.5 minutes of a Reading double headed coal train and a PRR ore train in Cinemascope. While I've been able to configure it it 16x9 wide screen, I still need to find the best way to incorporate it into a 4x3 DVD. I may have to letterbox the 4x3 to fit the 16x9 frame. The Cinemascope footage is spectacular. -JH
I wish somebody had film of the Reading's trains going through the Saucon yard or Hellertown that Bethlehem branch to Quakertown
1:14-1:31 Awesome sound!
Was there ever rail service to State College, PA??
Is the voice narrator now the dude on the youtube channel Distant Signal
Yes.
I beg to differ, but the Reading tunnel is still in use. The PRR line through Phoenixville is non existent.
Anything on the release on part 2?! I loved part 1!
Best voice I've ever heard. Anyone know who did the voice over on this DVD?
Mr. Lee I think it's Danny Harmon. Check out his page Distant Signal.
Yes, Danny Harmon narrates many of our DVDs. - J R Herron
Thank you hrvideo.
We want the RDG and CNJ Pacifics back to life.
Agree
I bought it when I played Monopoly Deal! Pure Latinx proud hahaha okno
Is there a way I can buy a copy of this movie?
Yes. Go to our web site www.herronrail.com . You can order it there. Thanks.
The town is Catasauqua, not Chatasauqua.
Is it illegal to turn the camera and follow the locomotive as it passes?
Not illegal, but likely the camera was on a tripod and was not easily swung around w/o shaking and blurring the picture.
Steam and Diesel on the Reading Railroad.
Ah its danny harman :)
Great job, but I know that you from California really has no idea of what is in this video. Next time let a local narrate it. Great whistle work too at the Rozzi works
mispronounced lebanon county >.>