Lebanon Valley Jct in the Reading Years

Lebanon Valley Junction was located at the intersection of the Reading's Lebanon Valley Branch and the Reading Belt Line. A connection was built at the time of the Belt Line's construction from LV Jct. to Wyomissing. This connection was not generally used by through trains until it was rebuilt in the mid-1950's with a reduced grade and power switches on the wye tracks. There were also coaling facilities on the Belt Line, and water plugs on both levels. It was a favorite railfan spot in the steam era, as the Temple Hill helpers were usually attached to trains there, and the tower operators were known to be friendly. This video is a photo and film history covering the period from the mid 1930's until the Reading's inclusion in Conrail on April 1, 1976. It geographically covers the area within an average 1 mile radius from the tower including scenes on the Reading Belt, the "Connection" and the "High Line" Lebanon Valley Branch.