READING AND NORTHERN STEAM EXCURSION SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

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The trip started at Jim Thorpe, PA.  It was a rain-or-shine event, and Tropical Storm Hanna was predicted to hit the area all day.  Fortunately the storm held off for the first few hours of the trip, enough to get some pictures without getting our cameras wet.

The 425 was steamed up and ready when we arrived.

She had just come out of the shop a few months earlier after a complete overhaul.

FULL STEAM AHEAD - she pulls a diesel and a 12-car train up the Lehigh Gorge.

FINISHING TOUCHES - Even the bell gets shined up for the trip.

DIFFERENT GENERATIONS - The 1250-horsepower F3 on the left is about 40 years older than the 3500-horsepower SD50 on the right.

STEAMING DIESEL - Well, actually it's the steam from the 425.  Notice how the SD50 towers over the passenger cars.

Our friendly carhost, Mr. Gerhard.

This historical orange-and-blue paint scheme was actually very short-lived, appearing only in the 1950's.

Across the aisle were our friends Judy and Dick.  Notice the camera's rain cover.

Our fun-loving group included Mary Beth, Joe, Mark, and Chris.