A continuation of the "Fred's" trip from Allentown, PA to Reading, PA to see the new Norfolk Southern.

MACUNG1.JPG (20k)

We moved on to Macungie, PA behind the VFW hall on the way to Topton and happened across this NS freight.  I don't think that the veterans at the cook-out next door knew exactly what we taking pictures of.

ALBERT1.JPG (24k)

An all-blue Conrail lash-up lead the local up the old Reading Company Catasauqua and Fogelsville Branch to the yard at Chapman's. The trains is seen leaving the East Penn (Lehgih Line) at Alburtis.

ALBERT2.JPG (32k)

While the train was waiting for clearance for the branchline, I got a chance to take this shot of the group and our chase vehicles in Albertis, PA.  We had just had lunch there waiting for something to come by.

TOPTON1.JPG (36k)

When in Albertis, you have no choice but to go to the ex-Reading station in Topton, PA.  We still can't believe how many different freights are out on the line.  Yet another came by just after we got there.  Note the foundation for the old round Reading water tower in the foreground.

BLOSOM1.JPG (28k)

After all that freight, we decided to wander by Ed Blossom's place to see some of his East Penn Railway equipment. Ed's equipment is stored out somewhere at his workshop, with select pieces bound for the new trolley museum at Steamtown

in Scranton. Here's an ex-Massachusetts Central RS-1 unit being used by the Kutztown Railroad shortline.

BLOSOM2.JPG (28k)

Over on the other side of the barn was this great 44 ton switcher in it's East Penn Railways livery.  The engine is in perfect shape and ready to go.

BLOSOM3.JPG (24k)

The last piece of equipment I got a shot of was this ex-Guilford (ex-B&M Bluebird) GP-9.  It hasn't gotten a fresh coat of paint in a little while, but was still sea worthy.