Something random from Lehighton, Carbon county PA.

[@jasonpetersrailadventures]

Nice find, very cool

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you kindly Jason.

[@johnalder6028]

Very nice day exploring. I hope you are able to catch that elusive Sunday ghost train.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

I’m making an attempt at it in about two hours. Trying to get into some other things as well. Best weather we’ve had in a week!

[@stevengetz9874]

The CNJ crossed the Lehigh River, then crossed over the Lehigh Valley RR on that missing bridge. the CNJ then decended on a grade between 209 and the LVRR going toward Packerton, down to the same grade as the LVRR. The CNJ then went up the west side of the river to Jim Thorpe. The LVRR went up to Packerton, where the yards and shops were, and crossed over the Lehigh River and went up the east side of the river.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Steve. So the tracks that are there right now. The ones that come from Wiesport. Is that a conrail grade? Was the grade that the bridge was on original CNJ mainline? This area is so confusing for me.

[@stevengetz9874]

@@kevinsalsbury2118 basically this is where the CNJ and LVRR crossed each other. The LVRR went down river on the west side, I think 209 took over part of the LVRR and its station just south of where you were.

[@bobjohnston8316]

Steven Getz has it right. After crossing the river the CNJ ran on a fill and crossed the LV main on a bridge at about a 45 degree angle. You have found the abutments of the bridge. The CNJ then curved right and parallelled the LV at a higher elevation, gradually losing elevation until it came into Jim Thorpe headed north at just a few feet above river level. In one of my earliest railfanning trips north of Philly, my home town back then, I wandered into Lehighton as they were knocking down the fill with bulldozers I would guess prior to taking the bridge down. I had always thought that the CNJ was reconfigured to come down off the fill and make a sharp right turn to join the LV. Either I have been wrong all these years or eventually they did a MAJOR line relocation of the CNJ to sort of gradually blend it into the LV. You can look up the date when the CNJ negotiated trackage rights on the LV from Lehighton north and started abandoning. I think it was in 1968. BTW, sitting on the house track in Jim Thorpe or White Haven (I forget) were the two RS3’s that were destroyed in the head on crash with an LV train in the first few days? Months? After shared trackage began. It wasn’t pretty. The crew(s) were killed. The wreck was at Mountaintop. The LV train was headed by two brand new L&HR C420’s being delivered. They were rebuilt. The CNJ was on its deathbed and they brought in the RDG wreck train and hook to clean up the mess. Somewhere I have kodachromes that I shot of the bulldozers, bridge and absolutely destroyed RS3’s. Actually I think that they were RSD3’s which the CNJ preferred for the grades in PA. One of my long wordy answers as usual. Stopped at the Pontiac dealer in Lehighton and wound up buying a car, too.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Standing on the grade now you would never know it used to run twenty feet above your head. It really is remarkable how they can regrade a line and make it look like it was always that way.

[@RichardKroboth]

@@bobjohnston8316Hi, the wreck was at Laurel Run. There were 2 RS3s and 2 RSD4s involved in the accident. I don’t know their numbers offhand but at least 2 of those locomotives were scrapped. The other two were repaired. The L&HR C420s were sent back to Alco and repaired. I don’t know if the LV C628s were repaired by Alco or if the LV shops did the work.

[@davestrang8585]

Very large stones in that foundation. Enjoyed the video 🎉🎉

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Dave. I’m pretty sure that those were put there by the Lehigh and Susquehanna. They were a subsidiary of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. They later leased the line to the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Anyway that means those stones have been sitting there since the 1860’s!

[@larryjohnson6385]

Awesome thanks for posting this 👍

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

My pleasure Larry.

[@keithbednar6814]

A few of the other folks are correct Kevin. That was a double track CNJ bridge that was actually a bit higher than the LV's yard and dropped down to Packerton where the tracks are still in. The bridge was abandoned in 1965 when the CNJ and LV merged operations from Lehighton west. They moved the double track CNJ main to pass behind LV's Lehighton tower. Crossed back over to the CNJ at Packerton Jct. West on CNJ to Hetchel ( just above Glen Onoko) where they joined the LV again, to go through the Lehigh Gorge.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Keith. I just went on the historic aerial website and it is so much clearer now. I can’t believe the size of that Packerton area. There must have been thirty sets of tracks in there. I’m going to have to sneak up there and see what still remains.

[@josephbrandtner7713]

The line poles along the dirt path suggests a trolley line. Could that have been the Lighigh Valley Trolley line?

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Joseph, unfortunately my trolley knowledge is quite limited. I’m pretty sure there was no trolley through here. The bridge that was here was the Central Railroad of New Jersey mainline. It crossed the Lehigh Valley mainline. Now I’m curious if there was a trolley up in Lehighton. Thank you for this suggestion.

[@bobconley5472]

Kev, did you check out Ashland pa Centre st pa 54 woodland heights ? There’s an old abutment and old bridge in woods that belong to Lehigh valley r, from big mine run rd junction to locust dale junction went by Potts colliery ❤

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Hey Bob, I am not sure if we are thinking of the same spot or not. There is a bridge up by big mine run that I saw a video about. The guy that did the video is named Matt Crowley. Check his channel out. He only has a couple videos which is a shame because he knows some good spots. Anyway let me know if the bridge he shows is the same one you’re talking about.

[@bobconley5472]

@ I will Thankyou! The bridge went down to the mahanoy creek , there was an old wood structure that look like it was on fire and told that 6 miners died in 1880s !

[@bobconley5472]

@ no luck the Matt Crowley I seen have no videos based on our search. Lol 😂 seems the lv rr doesn’t want us meddling lol

[@knuckledragger9322]

I noticed that the top course of "stones" on that abutment are not stones at all but rather concrete blocks. This leads me to think that the original bridge had to be replaced at some point, and that they added that course of stone blocks at that point, raising the height three feet. Perhaps the zigzag concrete structure at the top was added at that later date.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

My guess would be that perhaps the original crossing from the 1860’s was a simple wooden span. Eventually it was replaced with the truss bridge and the grade was raised leading to the use of the concrete.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Hey Kevin ~ a Happy New Year to you, Stella, and your many Friends on this channel. Those large stones look like the foundation of some massive European castle. I bet the entire place was a great place for a picnic or other family outing at one time. I hadn't heard of Lehighton before, checked with Google, and now see that it is roughly 77 miles north of Philly. Population 5K. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Happy New Year! Castles are one of the things that always pops into my mind as well. Lehighton is a neat little place. It’s fallen on some hard times over the years but still hangs on. There is a great restaurant called the Bonnie and Clyde. If you ever happen to drive through Lehighton you should stop there.

[@thetrainseekers1]

Hi Kevin! I remember when spending so many years in Lehighton/Packerton with my grandfather. The CNJ bridge was still up but abandoned. The LVRR roundhouse was still there along with the car shops. Sadly the freight station was gone but for years where the tower stood, there was an operating ghost signal still protecting the Valley tracks that were no longer there…so many memories there 😢

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Good morning Brian. I was not familiar with the area until the mid to late 90’s. At that time I was becoming familiar with Jim Thorpe because we used to hike Glenn Onoko on a regular basis. I remember the buildings at Packerton and always wanted to check them out. Then one day there just gone. I bet there is some cool stuff laying around in Packerton!

[@arthurturner9398]

Nice video Kevin. I remember putting in that CP Leighton case 10-11 years ago.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Arthur. Definitely a cool area to explore. You work for the railroad?

[@arthurturner9398]

@@kevinsalsbury2118 yes and I like to bike the gorge when I am able.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Very cool sir.

[@burtont3773]

Very cool find, looks like nice day for walking where you are. We’re having 20 degrees with wind this week and lake effect snow in western New York.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Burton. It was a nice day out here if you stayed out of the wind. We’ve been dodging heavy snow for now but I have a feeling we’re due. I wouldn’t mind a little snow. Makes those old tow paths and railbeds stick out.

[@glennsrailroading]

Now I want to scope that out too. Great video.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you Glenn. Do it while it’s winter. It’s overgrown and has a large homeless camp in the summer.

[@debd.traveler1967]

Very nice stone work and old looking. At least one side still standing strong!

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Deb, there is another one down the road that I really want to see but it’s posted. The curse of the explorer lol.

[@debd.traveler1967]

@@kevinsalsbury2118 that is where you could use a drone---just saying

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

You’re not wrong. Maybe down the road.

[@bobconley5472]

I was there , there was a pic in its heyday there was a few tracks along there ❤

[@jonmyers8046]

Pretty cool, I'll have to check it out when I bring that shopping cart back to the store. 🤫😄

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Lol! You will have your hands full. There are a couple laying around back there.

[@jonmyers8046]

@kevinsalsbury2118 😄 I wonder which store they came from. I could call them and tell them where to find their missing carts. 😁

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Probably Dollar General.

[@jonmyers8046]

@kevinsalsbury2118 That's what I was thinking with the yellow...now I'm gonna have to go down there and look lol 😄

[@LRSX]

Most have just Missed ya there. I stopped between 11:30ish to 12. Went home. I think i missed H66 somewhere betweem Jim Thorpe and there.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Hey there Ian. You definitely just missed each other. I left Catasaqua a bit after 11. Was trying to catch H66 down closer to home. Figured I missed it so headed up to Lehighton to back track and saw this abutment. I’m trying to root around Packerton. Does anyone give you any grief when you are there?

[@LRSX]

@kevinsalsbury2118 no one has ever bothered me, but i havent really gone anywhere but right in at the beginning. Every once and awhile the cops will drive through, but theyre looking for people up to no good. Plus theres a homeless problem in there.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

I noticed the homeless problem in Lehighton. Are there camps at Packerton junction?

[@LRSX]

@@kevinsalsbury2118 not sure, but the cops cross the tracks and drive through the new growth woods in packerton. Ive seen people drive over there to go fishing( i assume) as well.

[@glennsrailroading]

Isn't that where the Tower used to be? That area confuses me too and more every year since I used to be up there 37 years ago all the time. The guy I used to ride around all the neat stuff with died from cancer 8 -10 years ago, so I lost the encyclopedia that knew that info.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Glenn, I wish I knew the answer to this question. I’m sure there had to be a tower simply because there was so much going on here a century ago. There was a large yard at Lehighton and the Packerton area was the size of a football stadium! I’m kind of young so all of this is new and exciting to me but I really don’t know much about the area. There is just something about old railroad stuff that I find fascinating!

[@robkrasinski6217]

The single track that curves into Lehighton that is the ramp track that LV built to connect with the CNJ to Allentown in order to run freights into the CNJ Allentown yard. The LV track that is now gone south of CP Lehighton to below Hamilton St. in Allentown bypassed the CNJ yard, in fact NS freights use the ex-LV track between Auburn St. and where the bridge across the Lehigh River and the track curves to merge with the ex-LV in south Bethlehem to bypass the yard if they don't need to stop or reclassify at Allentown. Reading and Northern track begins on ex-LV track 1 past the old CNJ bridge abutments at CP Lehighton. NS owns a track from Allentown to Hazleton. I rode on the NS track and RBMN track from near Bethlehem to Pittston and back behind NKP 765 on August 22, 2015. The entire train was wyed at Pittston, and the 765 was wyed by itself at the wye in Allentown where the turntable and roundhouse once was. NS stopped the newer steam excursions after May 2017. You can ride behind 2102 on the Reading and Northern from Reading to Jim Thorpe or Nesquehoning to Tunkhannock and Pittston.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Excellent comment sir! Lots of great information, thank you. Did you hear that Reading and Northern is running a winter excursion with 2102? I think it is in February. I had the pleasure of riding two excursions last year. One of them was from Port Clinton to the Vosburg tunnel. We rode the RDCs for that. Great time!

[@charliejg]

I walked this way already from the D and L trailhead. But, I got worried about being on the RR property and turned back. I also walked up that dirt road that you went up. I remember as a kid back in the 60s and 70s stopping in Packerton at the spot that I believe had a turntable or roundhouse or something. Is that correct? Now there is some business in there. I also walked back the road by the beverage place back down by the trailhead and headed toward the river. I actually ran into a big encampment between the railroad and the river.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Good morning Charlie. There indeed was a turntable up in Packerton. I’m heading back up that way to see what I can find. You’re right about the encampment. There were a few people camped out here at the moment but you can tell there were a lot more. Tents and trash everywhere. It’s a bummer. I see this all along the places I explore. Unfortunately it keeps me out of some really cool places in Bethlehem and Allentown. The camps are too big and I don’t want to take any chances.

[@nickmad887]

Thank you Kevin.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

It was a cold one out there today Nick. Thank you as always.

[@tadeccleston8879]

Great ruins. STELLA needs a jacket..lol. waiting on snow storm tonight. We're gona get way more than you up there they say. HANNAH gona flip out when it morning pee time and there 8 inches of snow on the deck..lol. she loves the snow

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

It definitely looks like you guys are getting more which is cool with me lol. Funny story about Stella. Sometimes if you put a coat on her she gets stuck. I’m not kidding. She won’t move from where she is standing. You can pick her up like a statue. It’s kind of funny actually. Any way we have a coat she likes but I was going to be in some risky areas today so she got stuck on the couch.

[@tadeccleston8879]

@kevinsalsbury2118 dogs are crazy like that. HANNAH eats sticks and throws them up next day. They look like tooth pics. I yell at her. THATS NOT FOOD. She loves it

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Lol that’s to funny!

[@jfdashley9028]

Amazing place.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Indeed. More to see up that way yet.

[@FrederickAlbrecht]

CNJ crossed over LVRR and it’s Lehighton yard where the abutment still stands. In the Early 1960s CNJ and LVRR entered into a trackage agreement, allowing CNJ trains to operate on LVRR from here North, to near WilkesBarr, where LVRR favored the CNJ RoW. The active main track there was built by LVRR to connect to the CNJ. It was double tracked at the beginning. Later when CNJ abandoned its business in Pa., the LVRR took over the CNJ trackage they used, including the large Allentown yard and closed several of their smaller facilities. So that “ramp” tracks was built to connect CNJ to LVRR in early 1960’s.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Excellent information sir. Thank you very much!

[@ocsrc]

209 was the road to get from Milford PA I-84 to I-80 I used to drive it in the 80s and 90s It was a nightmare Using it and 33 to get to the Allentown area I was really grateful when they built I-78 and completed I-287 from the NYS Thruway to the existing 287 in Boonton It cut 90 minutes off my trip

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Good morning Bill. I have traveled 209 myself. My daughter has a friend out in Williamstown wich is right off of 209. I’ve driven it out to Millersburg where it hits the Susquehanna river. Millersburg is a neat little town with trains and canal remnants. I am hoping to get out that way again one of these days.

[@ocsrc]

@kevinsalsbury2118 I remember the speed limit was 40 and 30 on 209 and when I started driving it there was a lot of corn fields and not much else. The police would have their cars in the field and they had radar back then. It was a speed trap and they were always there. I remember when they built a Mobil Mini mart on the river side of 209. It was always packed. I think I stopped there twice before I switched to driving 202 in NJ. It was faster to get off the NYS Thruway at exit 15 on 17 and then immediately exited onto 202 and drove through all the towns The roads have changed a lot since the 80s I remember 202 you had to take a left onto 23 The absolute craziest thing I saw was that 202 was a right turn off 23, but there was a huge sign that said NO RIGHT TURNS at that turn. On that intersection was a gas station just past the turn. I would turn into the gas station and fill up and then go out the side exit and have to turn left onto 202 287 was built in the 60s completed to Boonton. It stayed uncompleted till the 90s 287 is a marvel They blasted and jackhammered the mountain to build the interstate. And they had to build a bridge that curves 90 degrees over the valley. The heavy equipment used to build the roads in the 60s is ancient compared to the equipment they have now 476, which used to be 9, the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike, the original road they blasted and drilled through the hills. There were 6 tunnels between Lansdale and Allentown. In the 70s they redid the highway over the hills and buried the tunnels. The rock cuts were very close to the lanes and pieces would fall off every day. Now, watching them widening the highway, the equipment is such an advance from the equipment 40 years ago. Seeing them cut the hills and removed them and built up the valleys and the sides is amazing. The PA Turnpike just announced officially the removal of all toll plazas and the slipstreams to get on and off from the small roads along the highway will be installed. Things they never could have done before they can do now. We just don't know what technology will exist in a decade or two. Seeing the canals being the only way to move cargo, to trains replacing the canals, to trucks, and back to trains. It makes me wonder if another technology will emerge in the next few years. I can't imagine how but the people who built the canals couldn't imagine the trains or interstates Imagine if we have self flying solar powered planes replacing trains and ships

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

They are actually putting in one of those new drive through EZ pass things right down the road from me. I think it’s on Lower Macungie Road. I try to avoid the turnpike as much as possible. It’s a great road but it’s so darn expensive!

[@ocsrc]

@kevinsalsbury2118 they put the new rate, I think it is 9 cents per mile. I drove from Quakertown exit 44 to route 13 in Levittown and I think it was 8 dollars each way. It is crazy expensive. The only other road is 309 and it is slow For getting to NJ if you don't use the turnpike you have to use slow roads like 202. I don't know why the state never thought about this back in the 50s 78.is fine for going east and west but north and south is a nightmare if you don't use the turnpike I don't drive often. And I rarely have to travel out of town. So, I am lucky. But people who have to travel deal with the slow traffic

[@stevengetz9874]

Later, that bridge was abandoned, and the CNJ just joined the LVRR roughly where the bridge was. Later still during Conrail, they abandoned the LVRR below that point.😮

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Now I get it. They lowered the grade so the CNJ could run with the Valley therefore no longer needing the bridge.

[@stevengetz9874]

@@kevinsalsbury2118right

[@kenharbin3440]

Yes, and when they abandoned that stretch of line, because the signaling of the two roads was so intertwined for 100 years, CR had to leave a "ghost signal" on the former LV main set red, removing it would have required expensive fixes. In 2019 with the new signaling NS finally removed it.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Damn that wasn’t to long ago. Wonder if they scrapped that signal or if it is still around at a museum or something?

[@bobconley5472]

Kevin, if your on Facebook, there’s pics of this exact location even the bridge that crossed it!

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

I’m not on facebook but it’s funny you mention pictures of this spot. I just found a couple that I’m going to post.

[@bobconley5472]

@ it look like a pyramid shaped truss bridge . The pics really put that area in perspective! Two pics of that bridge, one a train is running underneath

[@johnnicoline7632]

Awesome old EmBUTTment man

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

I find that I prefer the older EmBUTTments to the newer ones lol.

[@johnnicoline7632]

@ indubitably old chap, I concur

[@WMAJ6]

I'm not at all familiar with that area but i will say that the bridge abutment looks like it was built for several parallel bridge trusses and probably multiple tracks. . Where does the other end of that embankment end? That might give you a clue as to what it was built for.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

This was indeed a double track truss bridge. It turns out I was a bit of on my assumption. This was actually the original mainline of the Jersey Central. When the LV began using sharing tracks with the CNJ they lowered the grade and were able to eliminate this bridge. It still boggles my mind how they change the grade on railroads.

[@DellFargus]

The county bought Packerton Yards about 20 years ago, and tore down the last buildings there in hopes to make it a park or something, but their plans fell through.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Do you happen to know if the county still owns that land?

[@DellFargus]

@kevinsalsbury2118 Not sure. You can look it up on the carbon county parcel locator online.

[@georgesmith1759]

I love how you are always 'searching' for history. I used to think it was just me before KZbin vids of other 'searchers' appeared and let me know it is not just me. Anyway, this was great. I am 2+ hour drive from all the great stuff up in coal country, so I do not have the opportunities you have. I tried to find on a map exactly where you were and I was not successful, but I followed your Lehigh Gorge Trail up to Jim Thorpe.., I see a roundtable off of 209 and North street - is that visible from this trail? Keep up the adventures.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you George. I am in the same boat as you. I had no idea so many people were into this stuff. I saw a couple videos on KZbin years back and thought to myself hey I know where some cool things are. You can absolutely see the turntable in Jim Thorpe. That is part of the Reading and Northern railroad now. They have another turntable down at their Port Clinton location. As far as my location goes. I parked right off of US 209 and Maiden Lane. There are a couple businesses there. One of them in Dunbar Bottling. This is south of Jim Thorpe. Hope this helps a bit.

[@georgesmith1759]

@@kevinsalsbury2118 I will stop after this because I know you already have a million questions about your journey (man I wish I was not too lazy to drive up there (2.5 hours). Anyway, (1) that abutment, is that in the SE Corner or the parking lot of the LVPG Pediatrics? If so, a rail crossed over about 30 feet south from there. The 'crossing' rail disappeared around 1970-1981. (2) On the 1951 aerial map there was a big roundhouse with the entire shed if you go straight out from Carbon Street. In the 1952 map you can tell there are disassembling the roof. It seems there was an early one almost right north of it that was phased out prior to 1951. I only have Aerials that go back to 1951. I could still see traces of it in a 1999 map before the trees grew over it. I would think there would have to be remnants of that (foundations, etc..,). Looks like you could easily sneak in between Lorenzo's Pizza and Liberty Auto Glass

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

You have the absolute correct location! I have seen all the same things you are seeing on historic aerials. I’m thinking the same thing you are. There has to be something left of those roundhouses. The abutment and all the tracks prior to the 70s was jersey central mainline. The yards and roundhouse and buildings were all Lehigh Valley railroad. I think the jersey central was just passing through. Eventually the Lehigh Valley started using the jersey line instead of there own and that’s when the bridge was no longer required. They lowered the grade to line up both roads together. It’s a great spot and I’m definitely going back!

[@gregggoss2210]

Good snowy morning sir. This video popped up in my queue this morning. While watching, I wondered why a Central Jersey Railroad line is running through Carbon county PA. I'm just curious because I have hiked tracks of the Central Jersey Railroad running through Burlington and Ocean counties in N.J. for years ( since the late '60's) and was wondering, is this the same railroad?

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

This is indeed the same railroad. This started out as the Lehigh and Susquehanna in the 1860’s and was then leased by the CNJ in the 1870’s until they pulled out of PA in the late 1960’s. This is the same railroad that once crossed the Delaware river at Easton/Phillipsburg. Hope this helps.

[@gregggoss2210]

@kevinsalsbury2118 , thanks for the info sir. I have many fond memories of hiking those rails. I hike them alone now, as my dad and brother have since passed away. I am going to subscribe right now.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Thank you very much. I walk with my dog most of the time.

[@goodwaterhikes]

👍😎

[@ThirdHandle]

Flyin solo is dangerous…you should’ve had a wingman. Just sayin…

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was trying to catch a train in Catasaqua but decided to drive up the line and see if I missed it. Next thing you know I’m in Lehighton looking at this old bridge abutment. Life is funny like that lol.

[@ThirdHandle]

@ it’s all good!! One of these days we’ll go on a mission again!!

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Without a doubt dude.

[@RileyjamesLovebontempo]

If it helps to understand true past railroad history any railroad that did not carry the Pennsylvania railroad name to them were working against the Pennsylvania railroad during the Vanderbilt days. Meaning central New Jersey railroad and Lehigh valley railroad were owned through marriages to the New York Central lines adding Western Maryland railroad which became Western Maryland railway along with the Baltimore and Ohio and the other railroads that did not carry the Pennsylvania railroad name to them were working with the vanderbilts to work against the Pennsylvania railroad. From my understanding also the Lehigh and and Susquehanna railroad along with the vanderbilts had planned on from Rowland lake and dam in Baltimore we're planning to use the northern Central railroad to reach Harrisburg through the white yard in camp Hill Pennsylvania although during the time that the Pennsylvania Democrats were sighting with the Pennsylvania railroad management to invade the New York Central lines there is definite proof online as I seen about a month ago the Pennsylvania railroad was buying stock in the West shore railroad to invade the Vanderbilt railroads in the Pennsylvania Democrats NPR our management refused to let the Baltimore and Susquehanna railroad which eventually became the Western Maryland and also refused to let the B&o into weight guard camp Hill area by refusing access to Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Adding the Appalachian trail was also to become a Vanderbilt line or Vanderbilt friendly line.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

The PRR was certainly a force to be reckoned with. What I find interesting is that if you look at the PRR system map, they never broke into the Lehigh/Northampton County area. They were all around but never in. They had the Schuylkill division running up the Schuylkill river in Berks and Schuylkill counties and they grabbed the Bel-Del over in Jersey but never made it into Lehigh or Northampton. Maybe they operated on trackage rights but to the best of my knowledge never layed a single track of their own out here in Lehigh.