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The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Modeling the Reading: General Discussion
Reading Line and Pottstown
This board is the place where questions and information specific to MODELING the Reading Company, its equipment and operations can be shared - questions like "What was the window arrangement of AF Tower in Alburtis?" and "What color paint do YOU use to paint the Reading's cream-and-brown buildings?" We also want to hear about YOUR Reading modeling projects!

TOPIC: Reading Line and Pottstown

Reading Line and Pottstown 6 years 6 months ago #6026

Can anyone help me with the locomotives and trains running through Pottstown in the 1950's? I am modeling the area and have several areas on the layout that bring back my boyhood but I am not sure what engines and trains (freight, passenger, etc.) traveled that route. My dad used to take my brothers and I to the Pottstown station to see the trains run but that was a long time ago. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks much!!
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Reading Line and Pottstown 6 years 6 months ago #6028

  • HoboPiker
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The fifties is a bit broad of a period as it saw the last of steam as the Reading attained full dieselization of road power by mid-1954. Also, the delivery dates of different model diesel in the early years of the decade dictate what diesels were in service. The main line passenger trains changed little except for the disappearance of steam power; an upgrading of passenger cars begun in 1948 resulted in an appearance that lasted until the end of passenger service and the Reading itself. As Pottstown "POTT" was on the main line and between the southern states (B&O) connection in Philadelphia and the Cross Line junction in Reading, much through traffic passed through your town. Anthracite coal, while falling from grace, still produced solid train loads heading east, mostly for export. In general, the diesel locomotives could handle longer freight trains, which meant fewer but longer trains, much to management's, but not the rail fan's delight. James Holton's second volume of the history of the P&R/Reading, the RCT&HS's Bee Line magazines, Dale Woodland's first volume on Reading first generation diesels and Tom's site provide a good starting point towards understanding the Reading of the 1950s.
Last Edit: 6 years 6 months ago by HoboPiker. Reason: Referenced wrong volume of Dale W's diesel books.
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The following user(s) said Thank You: FlyerGuy147

Reading Line and Pottstown 6 years 6 months ago #6031

Thank you, HoboPiker. I very much appreciate the info. I realize the time span is a bit broad when many modelers are only doing one, maybe two years, but the fifties were the beginning of a boom time in old Pottstown (Firestone, Beth Steel, Dana Corp., National Lead, etc.) so my memories are a bit jumbled. For example, I didn't realize that the dieselization of the Reading occurred so early in the fifties. I am especially grateful for the links or references that you provided.
Thanks much again. Look forward to learning more from you in the future.
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The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Modeling the Reading: General Discussion
Reading Line and Pottstown
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December 5, 1833
The Philadelphia and Reading (P&R) Railroad began operations.

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