For the first time in over 31 years, a former Reading Railroad T-1 ventured along former Reading rails, with 50 coal hoppers in tow on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. As part of a series of test runs, returning the long-dormant 4-8-4 Northern to service, the Reading & Northern Railroad calculated that 50 empty hopper cars equaled around 20 loaded passenger cars, to simulate the load of upcoming excursions on the railroad that #2102 will be pulling.

On an overcast Spring day, the locomotive and consist made a spirited run from Reading, PA's Outer Station complex to Jim Thorpe, PA, and return. The locomotive sounded great, like it hasn't missed a beat, and after a long restoration process, the locomotive is well on its way to being ready for the first excursions in May. Enjoy this look at the Return of Reading T-1 #2102: Schuylkill Shifter Redux!

For the second year in a row, a Good Friday trip was made to the Wilmington & Western Railroad to get some shots of springtime steam power. Again the motive power was Baldwin Locomotive Works 0-6-0 #58, leading four passenger cars and two cabooses, unassisted from Greenbank to Ashland and return. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining (not always a positive on this line) and the locomotive was running great! I hope you enjoy "The Ashland Ambler: Wilmington & Western Railroad's 2022 Easter Bunny Express"!!

The past few years I've posted a "Top Runbys" video - I figured for 2021, I'd do something a little different and post some of my top shots from footage that I've taken in 2021 - that you haven't seen yet!!

The real story: 2021 has kept me very busy - with both life and work requirements. I haven't had as much time to edit video and post to YouTube as in past years. But that doesn't mean I haven't been out filming. On the contrary...

Here's a small sampling from places I've been and railroads I've filmed at in 2021...I've got plans for a lot of these places and footage - some in full-length variety. I just haven't gotten to it yet. Patience, my friends...patience. Until then - enjoy the Top Runbys of 2021 (That You Haven't Seen Yet!)

On Saturday, April 2, 2022, a select group of people in Hunterdon County, NJ were transported back in time to the 1970's. They encountered a steam-powered mixed train running from Flemington to Ringoes, NJ - using a white-walled 2-8-0, #60, which was normally used in tourist excursion service.

While time travel isn't practical (yet), the scenes from the Black River & Western's Steam Photo Special sure made it feel that way for a day. The consolidation-type locomotive was backdated to her earlier paint scheme for the event, which was complete with period cars and some very convincingly-attired actors (and crew members). Period-appropriate rock music played in the combine for the charter attendees. No stone (or tie) was left unturned for the event - some of the best clips from each location are shown here.

This event was a fantastic one - and I hope it will be repeated in the not-too-distant future! This is the last full year of operation for #60 before she goes down for her federally-mandated 1472-day inspection - so get out to see and ride behind her this year while you can! Enjoy this look at the 1970's Steam Photo Special!