Reading & Northern 2102: The Susquehanna Ramble

On June 22, 2024, Reading & Northern 2102 made its first journey beyond Jim Thorpe with an 11-hour, 160-mile odyssey through the Lehigh Gorge, over Penobscot Mountain, then along the banks of the Susquehanna to the Tunkhannock Founders Day Festival. This long excursion proved to be quite the undertaking, requiring water stops at Penobscot Yard both ways, diesel assistance for dynamic braking on the downhill run, and several miles of tender first running as there is no wye north of Pittston. The professionals at RBMN were up to the challenge and executed the plan flawlessly, bringing the T1 back into the brand new Nesquehoning Station less than 10 minutes behind schedule. It was a great chase over a route that hadn’t seen steam in over a decade, and as always I can’t wait for my next visit to the Road of Anthracite.

[@fosterchild420420]

Great video!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks!

[@Zaelon_James_Guillory]

The yellow princess 2102 is updated 🖤💛

[@davekoss3181]

Railroad brothers and rail fans. Please research, support, and spread the word of the noble attempts of the Reading and Northern to acquire the Shamokin Valley RR. Ahead!

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Sweet and Steamy. Any favourite Railroad locations on your trainspotting map?

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Too many to count, but the Reading & Northern and Cass Scenic Railroad keep drawing me back time and time again.

[@WebsterHighlanders]

nice video (as usual); so refreshing to have videos where the subject matter rules completely and the videographer does not try to make themselves the center of attention

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tweetsierailfan190]

Why it going backwards 9:50

[@BrodieProductions412]

Great video. Saw you a couple times that day. Hope you come back in August.

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks! I definitely plan to be there for the next Rambles.

[@cassscenicproductions8888]

Great Video!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks!

[@frontlinesteam]

Super video as always mate! What’s the best places to find out about runs like this for when I find myself in the states?

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you! Unfortunately since a site called railserve went offline a few weeks ago there isn’t a single aggregator of excursion train schedules, you’ll just have to keep an eye on the websites and social media pages for any railways you’re wanting to visit. The bigger events will get a mention from Railfan & Railroad and Trains Magazines so I would definitely follow them on social media. If you know when & where you’ll be over here, I or any other railfan would be more than happy to fill you in what’s going on.

[@frontlinesteam]

Ahh I see. A shame that, but thank you. Really appreciate the help. Desperate to see some US steam next time I’m there.

[@MrStacker27]

What happened here. 2:50

[@BenBensonStudios]

Diesels had to tow the train from Mountain Top to Pittston to provide dynamic braking due to the 18 mile, 2.2% grade downhill grade.

[@maxwellwalcher6420]

Fantastic Video you made.

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you very much!

[@timberlynrice]

Wow these videos are great! They're so high quality I almost FEEL like I was there!

[@ArkansasLocomotiveWorks]

These were great shots and so many great locations.

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks a lot!

[@BenBensonStudios]

Great video! Was nice finally getting to meet you at Nesquehoning Tunnel! Still bummed about my shot there getting messed up 😔

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks, it was great to meet you too. Sorry about that shot, that really sucks.

[@BenBensonStudios]

@@SmokyMtnSteam Ah well, at least my friend Caden let me use his shot there for my video.

[@valeriebassett3107]

Excellent write up and really great filming. We always enjoy your videos. Have a happy and safe 4 th of July. We will be patiently waiting for your next video.

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks, Happy 4th to you as well!

[@regularguy7266]

Fantastic video dude! This is probably the best video of 2102 on the Lehigh Division i have seen so far, with great locations, and she put on a show to no ones suprise. Keep up the amazing work!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thank you!

[@MrSteelman335]

That's some stack talk at mountain top! Sounds like the throttle was wide open!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

RBMN steam always puts on a show!

[@dwkcamman611]

Great work!!

[@SmokyMtnSteam]

Thanks!