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The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Taking a Ride on the REAL Reading
Philly to Reading
What's the difference between a GP40-2 and GP39-2? What year did the Reading dieselize? How many tracks were in Rutherford Yard? This board focuses on a discussion of questions or issues concerning the "prototype" Reading Company and its predecessors. While the aim of this board is to serve as a resource for prototype information for modeling purposes, general discussion and sharing of knowledge is also encouraged.

TOPIC: Philly to Reading

Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2299

Thank you, that is a big help.

Is it correct to say Black Rock Tunnel through the '40's to mid-'50's would be double track? After the mid-'50's, (or so) Black Rock Tunnel would be single-track, but the bridge remained dual track throughout that time.
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Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2300

Here's a shot of a Reading and Allentown-bound D&H train crossing the Schuylkill at Black Rock in 82. The switch was near the tunnel mouth, on the bridge, with the home signal (showing all red) at the north end (or near it). Trains waiting for the single track thru the tunnel waited at that signal. Remember that real turnouts are a LOT longer than HO ones!
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Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2303

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My understanding is that the tunnels were actually gauntlet tracked until they were single tracked. I cannot verify this is hearsay....
A gauntlet would be were the center rails cross and the two tracks literally overlap each other. While the trackage remains a double track, obviously only one train is passing through at a time.

Attached are some photos I took in the 90's. Please excuse the blue thing at the upper left quadrant of the one photo.
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Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2304

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Sorry didn't flip that one
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Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2308

Thanks for the postings, Rob. "Black Rock 001" is nice because it shows the approach from the Phoenixville end. "Black Rock 002" shows the bridge end. From both ends the tunnel looks wide enough to accommodate double track. It looked that way on the February 2013 photo from the RCT&HS Calender, but then I went back and took a closer look. A single track becomes two just outside the tunnel right behind the locomotive units in that picture. It was worthwhile to see from "...004" the bridge is a concrete arch. Gotta make some changes...
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Philly to Reading 10 years 4 months ago #2309

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Looks like #3 didn't load up at all...... I will reload that tonight. It is actually a view of the bridge from above the tunnel portal showing the switch.
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Forum
The Interchange: The Reading Modeler Forum
Taking a Ride on the REAL Reading
Philly to Reading
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Today's Image

Main Line/Belt Line_10

Did You Know?

July, 1947
The new Lebanon Valley Branch bridge over the Schuylkill River at Reading, PA is completed, featuring the large "READING LINES" letting.

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