Pitcairn: A Railroad Town (1850 - 1980)

For over one-hundred years the futures of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the town of Pitcairn, Pa., would rise and fall together. This show presents the lives and times of those years using historic photos and the words of those who lived them.

[@wabisabi6875]

Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing!

[@tombirmingham7354]

Wonderful video. Spent time with the railroad in Altoona, similar story.

[@georgesealy4706]

Thanks for this wonderful video. I am from western PA and I traveled through that area many times. My father was a steelworker and he often talked about Pitcairn. The truth of it is I didn't pay much attention. I wish I could go back and talk to the oldtimers now and hear their stories. I wish I could take their pictures. It is amazing as to what was then and how things are now.

[@larryriedinger8528]

Thanks for a fine story! I had similar childhood railyard experiences in the early '50s near Union Terminal in Cincinnati, OH. (Served by PRR, B&O, and N&W.) One evening, an engineer of an 060 switcher gave my dad and me about a half hour cab ride! Precious memories!

[@notthatdonald1385]

My grandfather was an engineer on the Long Island RR when it was owned by PRR. I never met him but trains are in my blood!

[@stevegingo4409]

Thanks for keeping Pitcairn memories alive. The accompanying photographs bear true testament to its former position of extreme relevance. It is sad that times must change, but this video is a great reminder for all to see.

[@PeggyJaeCotter]

Very great historical playback. Thanks.

[@robertsjoberg9774]

I live about 3 miles from Pitcairn. Always interested in local history. Thank you.

[@josephleveille2480]

I would like to thank you for this video very nicely done. I love the history of the old yards I loved watching every minute

[@travelingman484]

Thanks from a man in love with all things Pennsylvania

[@howardjlogan]

Thanks for sharing the memories!

[@drsin6856]

Thank you 🙏

[@travelingman484]

My heart is filled with sadness at what we used to be.

[@carbidejones5076]

What a slice of Americana. Thnk You for sharing,

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

This video is even better because I was just in Pitcairn a few days ago

[@marvinlewis1169]

THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

[@paulhthurn2034]

Spent a lot of time in the 40 & 50 watching trains.

[@johnosgood]

I grew up in Wall, on the other side of the tracks from Pitcairn.

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Good work.

[@letsdriveanindianpath9785]

I know something of the challenge of presenting history. I give you an A.

[@popps2502]

Good Story injoy it.

[@awizardalso]

I found Pitcairn, Pa on Google Maps. The train yard that still remains is now owned by Norfolk and Southern railroad.

[@railscenes4959]

Good historic lesson! However, being a retired Santa Fe conductor and volunteer in our local museum, some advice:
The narrator needs to watch the video while doing the narration or have a video editor make sure photos match the narration. ie, while showing WWII era photos taken by the US OWI photographer of women workers in the PRR shops he talks about the men only. Better mention all the women who worked for RRs, even today.
Also, there is a long stretch of the video dwelling on a PRR GG1 electric loco that was unique to PRR. BUT I question whether PRR ran the GG1 locos that far west? Did PRR have the required overhead electric catenary to supply continuous power to the big GG1s? Check your work and make sure it is relevant to the story and narration.
Mrs Shipley’s diner is a good mention too as they were called “beanerys” as they were essential to the operation being next to tracks or depots and able to fix food to go even before the advent of modern day “fast food” chain burger joints. We could slow down and pick food up.

[@milla698]

Wow I would like to know more about were they tested the guns if anyone can help

[@76Muzikman]

If you known the area. It was to the just East of the Rt 48 bridge that crosses Turtle Creek. They fired into the hillside. At the Trafford Westmoreland Park, at the intersection of Edgewood Ave and Bruce St in Trafford, there is a cannonball that was found in the hillside.

[@milla698]

@@76Muzikman thank you

[@skiiipawbs]

Someone said there is a buried j1 class somewhere down there

[@theseb1979]

This is almost a word for word reading of Memories of Pitcairn by Louis A. Chandler, Ph.D. Are you Louis?

[@76Muzikman]

Louis is the one narrating. He wrote and produced the video and it was created by the Monroeville Historical Society. Louis however, is not on TH-cam.

[@johnstudd4245]

"A new leash on life" ? "the northern southern railroad" ? Sorry dude, I just had to chuckle a bit. Nice effort though. That place really disappeared from what it once was.

[@brianhanley1903]

Just a thought, China builds railroads US builds rail trails. Out BH.

[@Rando-es4sq]

Its Norfolk southern, not northern southern

[@packingten]

Amtrak is ruining train travel we went about 1800 miles,They're excuse for food was a 5.75 Soy burger,2.75 chips,Coke?,2.75, breakfast ice cold muffin,an apple&milk,coffee was stopped about 7:00 pm😡 We had a toilet in roomette(2018)since toilet removed public toilet beyond FILTHY. Obama immigrant took shoes off,beyond 3rd world. I would have gotten off anyplace before staying in that vista car,The odor was horrendous.. Never again a hellish ride,

[@johnosgood]

Racist much?