BEST Train Ride Ever! R&N Inaugural Pittston to Jim Thorpe Excursion 5/27/2023

Saturday May 27, 2023 marked a monumental day as Reading & Northern Railroad had their inaugural train excursion from Pittston to Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania. This Full Experience video will cover everything from showing the new Wilkes Barre / Scranton Regional Railroad Station, to the arrival of the train and of course highlights along this 120 mile round trip route. This was by far the best train excursion experience I've ever had and for those who missed out on this day, hopefully this video will let you feel like you were there with me.
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#JPVideos

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for spending the day with me one this incredible Inaugural train excursion. If you get the opportunity, take this ride for yourself.

[@barbara-pigeonbray4579]

Sure wish I could !! 😊...Looked like so much fun !!

[@edbiedenkapp1322]

Outstanding. Thank you.

[@jerrycallaio5130]

What A Great Addition To Pittston City And It's Rebirth!

[@Kimberly-dt4ko]

You looked like a kid in a candy shop from the moment you got to your car. I really enjoyed your coverage of all the happenings associated with the inaugural run. The scenery was magnificent. The white speck of the tunnel was cool. Thanks for taking us along.

[@gaylebrodt676]

What a great train excursion! You certainly were in your glory JP with all smiles! The train and the cars are gorgeous and that was so sweet that you were upgraded to the Appalachian Trail car. The views are so beautiful with incredible landscape and the footage of both of the tunnels was so cool, love the rock cuts. Andy Muller is such a wonderful man with everything he has accomplished! You and Jaime sure had a fun time, that is so awesome. It was so neat when you two were waving the flags! Loved seeing that little red caboose too! Hope you had a great Memorial Day Weekend! Beautiful photos! What a fantastic experience for you and this was such an awesome video! Thank you!

[@JPVideos81]

I was in my glory for sure. I dont think the day could have been any better.

[@chriskishbach9633]

Awesome video JP thank you.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jay looks like a pleasant way to spend a day. Central California watching

[@MakeMeStop]

First off, congratulation on the promotion in seating, you are definitely deserving of it. Secondly, thank you for sharing this great experience with us. I could have watched a 3hr version of this.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks so much! It was hard to film all day and cut it down to just over an hour.

[@trezjr73]

When Andy speaks ... people listen. Thanks for the great time. Start planing for the 2102.

[@SpringRubber]

AWESOME video! Today, 6/11/2023, my 90-yr old mom is riding the Pittston-Jim Thorpe train and I can't wait to hear about her experience. I'm 200 miles away from that area so this morning I pulled up RBM&N's live stream from the Pittston station. While I didn't catch her boarding I could see that today they're running 2 self-propelled RDCs. I grew up in South W-B and was thrilled to watch all the footage of the inaugural trip. What a ride for you and Jamie. Sub'd and well done!

[@janton61]

Great video. Thanks for sharing it with us. Wonderful trains, beautiful scenery. I feel happy after watching this.

[@wilswartzell]

It was wonderful meeting you for a short while in Jim Thorpe. God bless you!

[@JPVideos81]

Great meeting you too!

[@garymessina1609]

Thank you JP I only wish I could have been there with you and the new memories of the ride wow great video thanks again JP

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for riding along in the video

[@DonnaHernandez-my4cq]

Thank you for sharing. I have added to my bucket list. ❤❤❤❤

[@brianagnew7634]

About 15 years ago I had a ride from Tunkhannock to Jim Thorpe with the 425 steam engine pulling. Going through Pittston yard I remember how it looked like a junk yard instead. Looks a lot better now. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@JPVideos81]

That yard has come a long way

[@musclecarmitch908]

What an awesome ride! And loaded with so many railroad scenic things! Wig wag's, tunnels, classic engines and railway cars and beautiful mountain views! Awesome video JP! And Jamie! Thanks for bringing us along with ya'll!👍

[@JPVideos81]

There's not enough words to describe this day. Thanks for riding with us.

[@asilversurfer4372]

Loved the video, if I only I lived nearer I would love the train journey, never mind I've travelled with you & thank you.

[@candyalfano9502]

Love the train ride thank you

[@NA_RailfanningProductions51]

Great job!

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks

[@allenpedrick6502]

Outstanding video!!!! Love your shot going through the tunnel backwards.

[@barbara-pigeonbray4579]

I knew that would be an awesome experience ..and what an honor Andy gave you and Jamie ..My choice car would be the open-air Appalachian Trail car too . I could almost feel the wind in my face ..Thank you Jay for sharing this adventure with us . ..A beautiful video and photo montage ..A special Memorial Day gift ....💙👍

[@JPVideos81]

A day I'll never forget 💙

[@dianacanales2526]

Very Special Treat! You looked like the happiest kid on Christmas morning, your smile was so big, Jay! Congratulations on getting to ride this wonderful Inaugural Excursion and to both you & Jaime for getting the VIP upgrade to the best car on the whole train! Spectacular views, especially over the valley & super-cool tunnel shots that came out through cut rock -- loved it! Wow! What a gorgeous train! And your enthusiasm is very contagious, too! So sweet of Mr. Andy Muller to give you that special access, complete with swag bag, plus interview time. Really cool that he's also a fan and watches all your videos, too!😊 Fantastic video!! You've outdone yourself with this one and it was so much fun! Thanks for bringing us to ride along!❤

[@JPVideos81]

It's definitely my pleasure to ride and film this for everyone to enjoy.

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Awesome video 🚅🚃👍

[@michaelhardy500]

😯😲😀😎great youtube video

[@catherineengle4196]

WoW! What a ride! So do we call you JP or VIP or JP VIP 🤔😊😊😊 lol. Such a great video and what a wonderful man to carry passengers on a line that carries freight....how awesome and the ride was beautiful. Oh my goodness my mouth dropped open when you walked into the ultimate train car....that is my dream train car. I have visualize for years having a car with an interior just like that hooked to a caboose sitting in the mountains by a spring fed creek. I can and have seen myself living in an old antique train car. Its been a dream since I was young. Maybe one day...lol...if I win the lottery 😊. Thanks for the ride JP and thank you Mr. Muller. Another train ride on the old bucket list. Lol ✌

[@JPVideos81]

Just call me a very fortunate individual 😊. If you ever get that antique train car, invite me over for a visit.

[@cruikshank]

I want to add besides his excursions to Jim Thorpe, Pottsville, Reading, Tamaqua etc. I’d love to see trips that would take Anthracite Coal Mining History fans to the Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland, the #9 Coal Mine in Lansford, & the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour in Scranton along with the new Coal Mine tour by the UGM’s in Nayag Park in Scranton. That would be awesome. I know the R&N has rail service in Ashland & Lansford area, not sure how close they get to Scranton, but perhaps they can use a shuttle bus from Pittson Station to there.

[@JamieMakin]

Fantastic job making this video of our absolute epic day! I'm so glad I got to enjoy the experience with you. I had also looked forward to this for a long time, but never expected the amazing upgrade we were given by Andy. Even if we'll never be able to replicate this exact ride, I'm still looking forward to future rides and chases with you along this route!

[@JPVideos81]

You said it Jamie. This will go down in History for me and I'm thankful that I not only have this video to look back upon, but that I was able to share this experience with you as well. Onto our next train ride!

[@catherineengle4196]

Damnt I am only 15:49 into the video and I am jealous as hell!!! That car your in is my dream train car....😊😊😊 I will have to come back and say more after the video...

[@JPVideos81]

😆

[@misslottieish]

Great and the whole car to yourself you can move around its beautiful outside.

[@JPVideos81]

It was wonderful

[@cruikshank]

Watching more I loved the interview with the CEO himself Mr Andy Muller and the breaking of the Champagne 🍾 Bottle on the nose of the F Unit. You had an absolute gorgeous day for the inaugural run. Congratulations to all involved. First class act all around and a Top Notch Video Production. A tip of the hat 🎩 to you JP Video Productions.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks dave

[@donnagingras338]

Awesome video!! Thanks for the ride along!!

[@susanorr7535]

Thank you for the train restoration

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

I love thoes luxury passenger cars, very beautiful. And the view is beautiful to, fantastic video JP. 👍👍👍👍

[@peteheyde7999]

I'm up near Syracuse, and I'm absolutely going to make the trip south for an excursion. I'm a retired OTR driver and at one time, I drove for TRL (now Prime Inc.) out of Pittston. The last 20 years of driving was for Wal-Mart out of Marcy, NY so I've paid my dues to PA 61 and thus the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad route. I recently rode the Amtrak Lakeshore Ltd round trip to Chicago so when I saw the footage of you heading to the open air car, I was completely blown away by the unbelievable cheanliness and restored condition of those last few cars both inside and out. Right down to the seating upholstery and ceiling fans. WOW! You did an absolutely FABULOUS job chronicling the beginning, and hopefully long-lasting railroad adventure for railfans from all around the world! Between the R. BM & N and Steamtown there's a lot going on in Northeast Pennsylvania Railroading! All the best!

[@JPVideos81]

You'll certainly enjoy your ride whenever you decide to take it.

[@lashendawest7509]

Great long video and nice catches

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks

[@teresaforbes641]

I wish I could’ve been on that train. It looked like so much fun.

[@mgratk]

Trains are cool, I'm not a railfan type BUT this was awesome, you got the VIP treatment. Wonderful excursion route. Can't believe he has that N by NW train. It's a great movie if you haven't seen it. Thanks as always for taking us along!

[@bpp325]

Well done, interview with Mr Mueller was a chart topper as was the feedback from Jamie. Thanx. 👍👍

[@bobgolfs4432]

I watched every minute - and I am impressed with how the R&N really cleaned up that yard. I had driven past the Pittston Junction (Da Junction) many many times and hoped something good would happen there. Thank you for presenting this and thank you to Mr Muller for following his dream. It is impressive to see that there are honest enterprising people still around. I recall seeing the awards that R&N had secured over the last several years for their freight service, so congratulations to him and his staff for all of their hard work in building their business. BTW, I loved his smile as well as yours! And as an aside, it is nice to see that you are maintaining your fit look! Lastly, great shot of the bridges under which you passed in Dupont. I grew up within walking distance of those bridges as well as recalled the former Laurel Line Bridge that would have been above them.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks so much for watching the entire video. I hope to railran that bridge area in the future.

[@AEMIAGC]

Lived in the Pittston area for 18 years. Drove thru Coxton Yards everyday. Witnessed a derail recovery at the wye in '82. Thanks for putting Pittston back on the map!

[@donb.1426]

Absolutely fantastic video! Thanks for sharing this historic ride!

[@SR-zi6eo]

Wow! I really loved the ride! It felt like I was there! I especially loved how we went through the long straight tunnel. My favorite car is the one with the tall, swivel seats and lacy curtains; beautiful! Thank you for taking us all with you; much appreciated! …..🌝

[@mammiec.douglas3465]

Awesome, Beautiful pictures and views!. Thank you for sharing this. Views and scenery are priceless..😊

[@roadwarrior331972]

Thanks for another awesome video JP!! always love watching your videos. keep up the great work!

[@nomadsempirebuilder9461]

Nice!!! 🤘😎

[@rikspector]

Jay, This just goes to show how much people want to experience train rides!! What a great response! Cheers, Rik

[@JPVideos81]

Yes! There's high demand for it.

[@brianfalzon6739]

Congrats, R&N! Now all we ever wanted is the future excursions from North Reading to Pittston, Taylor Yard, Vosburg and Moosic.

[@mimig5357]

Awesome video!! Definitely going on the bucket list!! Thank you for taking us along!!

[@MamaJewelsMarshall]

That was way cool!!!

[@dottiemccoy3123]

That was a awesome train ride. It made my day better. This morning my second great grandson was born. So this was a awesome day... thank you for sharing and taking us along...

[@JPVideos81]

Congratulations

[@arlisssolano8288]

Great train ride

[@rogerhare7886]

I’m glad I came along!

[@94montrose]

Very good video

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

Fantastic !!!!

[@lovesmashbox]

That looked like so much fun. I never saw a tunnel that had a curve to it . Great video.

[@JPVideos81]

Very unique tunnel

[@lorrainekrauss5140]

What an experience and thank you for sharing this! I don’t think I will ever be able to get down there and do this so I will live your experience! ❤

[@scpittman5769]

Look like one awsome ride also love vids

[@christine_penn]

Just missed you. I rode my bike down from Glen Onoko and saw the turn around of the Pittston train. I road down to Jim Thorpe to what other trains were around, before I did a ride up to White Haven and back for some Ice Cream (Woods). (50 Mile round trip.) Great Video! I am glad you and Jamie were there to document it! Wish I was with you!

[@JPVideos81]

I got some woods ice cream too while I was there.

[@graceaaronathotmail]

What a beautiful trip! Wish I could have taken the ride with you!!

[@jeffrey1841]

Wow that was truly amazing train ride.

[@paulperrottet113]

Super video. This is a great occasion, expertly captured depicting the excitement of the enaugural trip and recording many shots of scenes along the line not seen before. I am pleased you are very happy with the results. I really did enjoy this video.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks so much for watching

[@tylersebring8045]

Even tho I missed this awsome event in person but I'm sure glad I was part of this video great work JP

[@gordonschilpp708]

I have watched a lot of trains over the last 10 years and I have recently started to watch your channel almost constantly for the last week. First of all you have a very wonderful personality for doing what you’re doing. But your passion for what you’re doing squirts out of you and it’s really keeping a 72 year old would be train guy entertained but far more than that I’m still learning. And I have watched a lot of different videos of yours down and dirty. So I think I can safely say that WOW You are hitting a major league home run with this video. I’m getting to the point where if whoever is posting up train videos is not telling me, either verbally or on screen, I just won’t watch them. I don’t know what you did in your former life but you are a real treat. Train Troll. 😊

[@JPVideos81]

I appreciate the kind words and for watching.

[@Joe.M]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@PANortheasternRailfan]

Incredible video and depiction of the days events! I actually felt like I was able to come along for the ride after chasing you guys all day! Very glad you and Jamie had such an excellent ride, and it was cool meeting up with both of you in Jim Thorpe and briefly at Pittston at the end of the day. Very exciting and I’ll be looking forward to your chases of this route in the future!

[@JPVideos81]

I'm glad you were able to document is from the different locations, but I definitely wouldn't trade my experience from this day to chase it haha. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future.

[@WarrenBacon]

Awesome video, my family and I actually made it on this video watching the first train.

[@mj1234321]

Very cool, thanks for documenting and sharing this! Somehow I had missed this one before now.

[@aprilwoods4820]

Thanks jp for taking us along with you on a passenger train ride, I've never been on one. But always dream to. 😊 loveee trains

[@JPVideos81]

It's a unique and enjoyable experience

[@lisarobertson5164]

Excellent video JP, we enjoyed every minute of it.

[@JPVideos81]

Thank you

[@sammyb7243]

WOW just breath taking my friend. been awhie since ive posted nut i need to say thankyou my dad watched all your videos last year it brought him peace. left me with hell but i know how much he enjoyed your videos as much as i do .so thankyou JP one day i might come to the US to see these trains in person .

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks so much for you and your dad for watching. I hope you get to visit to see for yourself.

[@janetfeathers4128]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing video!

[@JPVideos81]

My pleasure Janet

[@russelltrupia4479]

Jason only you could bring use such a awesome video . Great job👍👍

[@JPVideos81]

Aww, thank you

[@tylersebring8045]

Special Thanks to Andy muller for a wonderful and amazing railroad, I've been up on the lehigh gorge many times never gets old i know I'm gonna take this excursion in the near future. Congratulations Mr muller for the great excursion🎉

[@farlo_9355]

Thank you for this video. I needed it after arguing with a teenager about stuff she will not listen to me about.

[@texas0000]

J.P. ThNk you for taking us along on this Super Wonderful Train Ride. This was Utterly Fantastic. This being the Closest i will be to riding this Beautiful Train, I would Love to say a great nig Thank You. This was so wonderful, and you kind Sir were a Wonderful Host. ❤❤😊

[@michelleomer1047]

Wow!!! Going to try this train ride this summer 😎

[@JPVideos81]

Yes!

[@dtslord]

Excellent video! If we still lived in NEPA, we would’ve been on that ride, but you brought us the next best thing to being there! Thank you!!❤

[@JPVideos81]

You guys would love it. If you ever visit the area again, buy some tickets and enjoy the ride.

[@TracksideOutback]

It was a great ride that day, good video sir

[@cruikshank]

What was that first mine drainage stained creek you went over? Riding on that observation platform is the best. My wife and I road a tourist RR in New Hampshire near Mt Washington. The cost to ride on that platform was just $2 each, more. It was a 70 degree sunny fall day and it was awesome. Best seat in the house. We also road the Cog ⚙️ Railway up Mt Washington, a ride we highly recommend. It was 73 at the base and in the 20’s at the Summit of Mt Washington. Thank You JP for this awesome ride along. You really do your best to bring us the wonders of PA. Finally as a lifelong Rail fan and now the Pop Pop of a 7 year old train fanatic living in Reading area we are blessed that Mr. Andy Muller is not just an excellent RR entrepreneur but a rail fan who shares his love of the rails and history or the Great Reading Railroad with all of us fans in the Northeast PA region. May He and the Reading & Northern Live Long & Prosper for many generations.

[@JPVideos81]

That would be the Lackawanna river

[@cruikshank]

@@JPVideos81 wow didn’t realize it still had so much mine drainage stains.

[@cruikshank]

@@JPVideos81 wow didn’t realize it still had so much mine drainage stains.

[@94montrose]

And I love Steamtown

[@cookie5335]

Luv how the staff are oblivious 😂

[@carlloar9768]

It was beautiful seneer

[@davehitt]

Very cool!

[@cynthiacleaver9742]

When that train pulled into the station , I don’t think I’d seen anything more impressive and majestic!! That was a cool ride!! The luxury car was beautiful but I think I’d rather have the open air car also!! Thank you so much for letting us ride along with you and Jamie!! 💖💙🛤️💖💙🛤️💖

[@JPVideos81]

Open air is the way to go.

[@joegotlewski413]

My Dad and I are riding in the Parlor Car on July 1st for the Iron Horse Ramble. Originally we had already purchased tickets for the King Coal observation lounge on July 1st but the Reading&Northern railroad reached out to me personally to see if my Dad and I were interested in exchanging tickets and upgrading to the Parlor Car. I personally am a huge fan of luxury passenger cars because of the unique lifestyle. It made my day when Reading&Northern reached out to me about the Parlor Car,. Can't wait to ride the Iron Horse Ramble on July 1st in the Parlor Car!

[@JPVideos81]

Enjoy your ride

[@joegotlewski413]

@@JPVideos81 Thanks, my Dad and I are looking forward to enjoying it while sitting in the rotating armchairs and admiring the car’s beautiful interior.

[@tabbycat8323]

What a wonderful adventure! I felt like I was riding the train. I want to find the railfans videos to see if your waving from the back. 😂 What a wonderful experience you two had. Thank you so much for letting us come along with you.

[@JPVideos81]

Those videos are starting to show up

[@tabbycat8323]

@@JPVideos81 I have found a couple where I could slightly see you. None that turned the camera to watch the rear of the train go by. What a pity. 😂

[@heidimiller1363]

Nice ...my hubby works for the reading and northern for 36 years now.he didn't work this trip though

[@94montrose]

I like Trains Too

[@robertalbertson889]

So AWESOME! Unfortunately I'm just seeing this come across my KZbin feed 6 months after the fact, but no matter it's so impressive and beautiful and I'm sp jealous hahaha I'm an American living full time in the Philippines fir the past 6 years, since my retirement from LAPD Los Angeles Police Department. Thanks for sharing this great experience 😊❤

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks for checking it out

[@cherryspiker4426]

all wow was the ride bumping? did you eat in the car ? that was fun to watch you ( Noah ) thanks for sharing ❤❤❤ stay safe love ya

[@JPVideos81]

It was relatively smooth as most of the rails are welded so not much clicky clack lol. I had a snack on the train, but was enjoying the ride too much.

[@AdamBuckmantechpad1642]

Finnally got to rid on it today it was pulled by the newily painted 2023 it was great I got food form MIST and it was really good saw bushman great ride i liked it so much i an trying to get my friend to go in October for the fall train ride

[@JPVideos81]

Glad to hear it.

[@dorothyseltzer8989]

I don't think I've told this to anyone. But when I first got married, we lived in a trailer park adjacent to train tracks. When I'd hear the train coming, I'd open up the back door of our trailer and wave to the conductor. He'd always wave back. It kinda made up for vibration of everything in the trailer when it passed by. LoL

[@JPVideos81]

😊

[@rosalindgibbs3705]

GM, I watched the Amtrack and freight for years double Deckers trains and never had a chance to ride one 2002 - 2018 3rd Allen Spfld IL.

[@LauraDarnall-b9s]

Hi there JP video.....is there any way that you could Check to see what happen to the spirit of 1976 freedom train that was on tour of all 50 states in the united state of America.....and I want to say thank you JP video for taking us along on your train travel....I love trains but I have never ever been on one other than a fair train and a Zoo one ....

[@kevinahner9820]

I want to do that cool

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Central California watching

[@conniemiller5125]

I haven't been 9n a passenger train since I was a little girl.

[@gravelydon7072]

A correction for you. RBMN is not the only freight railroad that runs passenger trips. SCFE ( US Sugar Corp owned ) also runs passenger trips.

[@JPVideos81]

Thanks

[@debd.traveler1967]

I just knew you would be at this new train ride. How far in advance did you have to book the tickets? I wont get to ride this till Aug. I first saw wigwags in use at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, NV

[@JPVideos81]

Tickets went on sale March 1st and sold out within the hour.

[@94montrose]

I need taken ride Too