The Reading's "West Reading Branch" was an industrial branch in the City of Reading. Extending from a connection with the Lebanon Valley Branch along 3rd Street, the branch ran along the Schuylkill River (paralleling the PRR's Schuylkill Division trackage) and served a variety of industries in the area. The branch also had its own freight house and yard at Spruce Street. The branch (as well as the PRR trackage) was severely damaged in 1972 by Hurricane Agnes, but still exists today as Norfolk Southern's "Richmond Industrial Track." Photos in this album are courtesy of Bill Krug, Mike Smith, and John Funk.
- WestReadingBranch _28
- Hits: 3472
-
Description:
Another view of The Orange Car. Sadly, the business has closed recently, and the expansion of Reading Area Community College will eliminate this landmark from the riverfront scene. At least it will give us a place to spot some reefers on the layout!
- WestReadingBranch _29
- Hits: 3619
-
Description:
As the line works its way past Willson Safety Products and reaches North Third Street, it runs in-street north from Walnut Street, past Buttonwood street, to its connection point with the Lebanon Valley Branch near Third and Greenwich Streets. In this view, a well-weathered Reading caboose is stopped around Third and Walnut. The window and door of the hack are opened, it looks like the rear-end crew has detrained to see what's going on...
- WestReadingBranch _30
- Hits: 3509
-
Description:
Now we see the reason why the caboose in the previous photo was stopped. A gondola car has apparently picked the switch and derailed. There were several switches in the street along this part of the branch to service the customers along Third Street. Crews would need to pry open a hatch with a crowbar to throw them, and it was always an interesting experience, as rats and other critters would take refuge in the space under the hatch. The goings-on have attracted the attention of at least one Dick Brothers (plumbing supplies/castings) employee, who can be seen at right gawking from an open window on the upper floor.
- WestReadingBranch _31
- Hits: 3582
-
Description:
A closer view of the wayward gondola. There appear to be some folks in the background discussing the incident and how to resolve it. It must have been challenging to drive north on 3rd Street when the train was there.
- WestReadingBranch _32
- Hits: 3488
-
Description:
The Reading foreman in the hardhat appears to be relaying instructions while the engineer waits patiently in the locomotive cab. An interesting period detail is the license plate on the car - blue lettering on a yellow background.
- WestReadingBranch _33
- Hits: 3657
-
Description:
Crossing Buttonwood Street and continuing north, the West Reading Branch connected to the Lebanon Valley Branch at this point to enter Reading Yard. The connection is in the background of this image, behind the white building at right. You can see the phone box in the center of the photo, behind the signal, used by the crews to get access to enter the yard.
- WestReadingBranch _34
- Hits: 3612
-
Description:
Once the crew received clearance, they would pass underneath three overhead bridges. The one in the foreground carries Fourth Street over the tracks, while the one behind it is Center Avenue. The spur at left is for B.O.R. corporation, and connected with the Lebanon Valley main track on the west side of Third Street. Take note of the signal immediately in front of the Center Avenue overpass. Right past this bridge is where the line brances off to the north and south, forming the famous wye in which the Outer Station was located, now known as "CP CENTER."
Did You Know?
Downloads
A variety of Reading Company operations related documents, etc. that may be of use in your modeling efforts.
A variety of Reading Company operations paperwork, such as train orders, clearance forms, etc. that will help you operate your Reading layout in a prototypical manner.
Public Timetables, Employe Timetables, and Rulebooks that provide much useful operational information.
Signs, billboards, and other FREE goodies for your use. We ask only that you help spread the word about The Reading Modeler!