Producer: John Pechulis
Locations: Pennsylvania
Timeframe: 1940s- 1960s
Length: 70 minutes
Sources: many
The first in a series on Reading Railroad. Thirty year timespan for this show. Steam to Diesel. Branchlines and Coal Regions in Pennsylvania. Some joint Reading, Jersey Central operations. Also, Iron Horse Rambles.
A single DVD-R. Detailed main Chapter Menu. Narrated by Mike Bednar. Color with Black and White films. Maps are included.
Film quality is excellent. Restoration by JPM. Audio has dubbed train sounds. Works out fine on a soundbar. Colors are accurate and vivid.
Highlights Only!
Bethlehem Branch. Steam and Diesel. New Budd Cars, but who cares. Passenger Service. Healthy supply of freight.
Variety of freight and passenger trains are seen in Bethlehem. This double- header freight, has the Bethlehem Steel Headquarters towering in the background.
Plenty of Trains! Full timespan. Action packed.
Reading East Penn Yard. Busy too. TM,GP combo. 4 geeps passed the turnout. FA quad. GP30s. GP30,FM.
Steam at East Penn Yard office. Many types of locomotives work this yard area. Both Steam and Diesel on film. Above, gondolas are loaded with steel, from Bethlehem Steel Plant.
Yes, it happens. This Reading 4 unit lashup has passed the turnout. It’ll be alright.
This program runs to the release of GP30 and GP35 diesels. A pair of GP30 units lead older first generation Electromotive power on a grade. This freight train is departing Allentown.
Perkiomen Branch Regular service. Last Mixed Passenger Service Perk Train.july 16 1955 was final run. Two coaches. Multiple Special Excursions on this branchline.
Perkiomen Branch shows Diesel led trains. Reading Rambles being the exceptions.
Coal Regions Tamaqua Vicinity. Mallet on coal at St. Clair. T class on Mine Runs.
1951 at Gordon Engine House is packed with Steam Mallets and more.
Mallets are held in high regard by Mike. They seem well suited to the task of hauling coal in the Mountains.
Gordon is the center of this Chapter.
Baldwin 550 series were assigned to Mine Runs. See 3 unit lashups.
Based out of Gordon. Once flagship Steam engines were performing as Pushers, on Mine Runs. Baldwin diesels on the front!!
Jersey Central RS-3 pair couple to passenger cars, and pull out from the yard. Many used Reading power.
Iron Horse Rambles 51 total trips were originally performed. 1959 to 1964. Extended coverage. John Pechulis takes over the narration.
This scene, from the initial Ramble in 1959. There are numerous ones. Did not count the included trips shown.
Caboose left on it’s own momentum. No worries. That’s what the brakewheel is for. The big T-1 has turned towards the Engine Facility at Gordon.
Railfanning the Reading Volume 1
Intriguing collection spans three decades of the Reading Railroad. A preponderance of Transition Era film, that is heavy on Steam.
Mike Bednar provides a knowledgeable narrative. John Pechulis fills in as needed. Map references are helpful.
Beautifully restored films, from various years. Fine soundtrack. Any vintage Railfan or Modeler should find enjoyment here.
Rating: 5 Stars
American Train Video Reviews 