Reading Iron Horse Ramble, 1960 [Silent]

[@b3j8]

The first steam engine I ever saw! Actually HEARD as my Uncle had a Reading Rambles record album. Loved that G-3 passenger whistle 2124 wore. Still think it's one of the best sounding whistles!

[@steamgent4592]

Agreed both of the 6 chimes 2124 wore were excellent. The best of all the Reading whistles I've ever heard. Nobody knows where they went either. 2100s is on Strasburg 90 at least.

[@LibertyRailfan]

Fantastic Video Speed Graphic Film and Video thank you for sharing this historic footage!

[@rdg2124]

Probably the Indian Special due to diamond on the front. Wires still in place on the PRR Schuylkill Valley Branch to Norristown. 1:44 approaching Port Kennedy, old road overhead bridge 1:55 Perkiomen Junction 2:12 Mingo area 2:13 Douglassville station 3:54 Zehners 5:29 Helpers to head west on the RDG Schuylkill Valley Branch to Pottsville 7:28 Pike Street in Reading on the return leg 7:44 Laurel Street underpass 2124 was based at Bridgeport for this excursion, utilizing the turntable still in service at the time. The gentlemen in the red cap at 1:00 might possibly be Rolly Anders, a RFE on the Reading Division at the time but that's only a guess.

[@SpeedGraphicFilmVideo]

Thanks for all the info! I will incorporate this into the description. P.S. Is this the first time you've seen this footage?

[@rdg2124]

This is the first I've seen of this particular footage. Thanks for posting it. @@SpeedGraphicFilmVideo

[@rdg2124]

Viewed this again and at 6:33, the runby takes place between Landingville and Auburn. At 7:08 you can just make out the PRR Schuylkill Valley Branch tracks on the opposite side of the Reading. Current location of the R&N connection to service the now-closed industry in Auburn. 7:11 is Auburn and the old yard area off the A&A from the west. 7:16 is along Lowland Road near Hamburg. The road crossed the tracks (as shown) before being relocated as it is today (2019).

[@SpeedGraphicFilmVideo]

Thanks once again. I'll incorporate the additional info into the description. P.S.: I'm still trying to pin down the date. What was the "Indian Special"? Thx.

[@rdg2124]

Tamaqua had/has an annual Indian Festival as the name Tamaqua translates into "running water" (2019 PC Newspeak for Indian is Native American) and in 1960, 1961 and 1962, one Ramble in late September would name Tamaqua as its destination. There was a layover in town so the passengers could partake in the Festival. Then, all aboard for the return trip. During the September 24, 1960 trip, the new Rdg. Co. President, E. Paul Gangewere was named am honorary Indian Chief during the layover. Photos show 2124 adorned with a white diamond displaying the silhouette of a Indian Chief covering the Rdg. diamond mounted on the screen covering her air compressor radiator. Further research shows the PRR discontinued electric service on the Schuylkill Valley Branch to Norristown in 1960 so that probably dates this film to September 24, 1960. On that day, the trip originated at Norristown and Tamaqua was the destination. That may explain the AS16 Baldwin sitting on the rails following a move from Abrams across the river to Norristown passenger station.

[@tombell108]

WOW! Absolutely amazing! Back in 1990 the BLUE MOUNTAIN & READING RAILROAD ran a READING Ramble from Temple to TAMAQUA and back. Of course 2102 pulled the mixed train of CONRAIL hoppers and former LACKAWANNA M.U. coaches! I do recognize the view of the BLUE MOUNTAINS. And TAMAQUA. It hasn't changed much from 1960-90. As 2124 was getting near Norristown. The seen before they showed 2124 going around her train as it seemed. As the train was going around the curved that community looked an awful lot like Coatsville! As after the former READING goes beneath the now AMTRAK Keystone line. The Reading makes a sweeping right turn on the curved track that heads to Norristown!

[@atsfevan0242]

Is there a reason why there isn't any sound?

[@SpeedGraphicFilmVideo]

Home movies were almost all silent.

[@machomota]

I believe that must be a Canadian steam rail?

[@jacksalvin364]

1959-1964.