LNE Photo Freight Excursion
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Since I was your Engineer for this trip, I had no photographs of my own. Thanks to those who contributed to this page. If you'd like to help fill in the gaps with additional photos, submit to...
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The WK&S operated an LNE Photo Freight Excursion train beginning at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 21. The trip lasted about 2.5 hours and was attended by about 47 passengers.
The first runby was at the Kempton station and featured the Engineer and Conductor grabbing orders from the Agent.
Click any image for larger picture.
Hooping orders to the Engineer. Photo by Bob Krug.
Hooping orders to the Conductor. Photo by Caden Smith.
Past Photo Freight trains had been operated "in house" or as part of a charter. I believe this was the first train that was publicly open to whoever wanted to buy a ticket. The train was advertised as featuring photo ops and runbys at inaccessible locations. This appears to have worked as I didn't notice any non-ticketholders chasing after the train.
Next was an inaccessible runby at Fuhrmans Grove with the semaphore and pump car. I was hoping someone would catch a shot of the train with the semaphore and pump car.
Need a runby shot from Fuhrmans Grove.
Returning to Fuhrmans Grove to retrieve passengers. Photo by Derek Shanely.
The train comprised GE locomotive #7258, LNE gondola #10381 and LNE caboose #512. The idea of loading the gondola from the caboose came from an NRHS charter back in 1980. Thus, a decent number of passengers could be accommodated without the need for a tagalong coach or an excessive number of cabooses. The loading arrangement required a fixed consist, so all photo opportunities were with the train running north.
Next was an inaccessible runby at the County Line Orchard with the train working up grade over Ontelaunee Creek.
Working upgrade over Ontelaunee Creek. Photo by Derek Shanely.
Looking west with the County Line Orchard behind the train. Photo by Bob Krug.
There was another runby at Wanamaker station with the train running through the passing track (rare mileage!). I thought it would be neat to see the train snaking through the switch onto the passing track, but I'm not sure anyone caught that particular angle.
Rounding the curve into Wanamakers. Photo by Louie Mariano.
Runby into the passing track. Photo by Bob Krug.
The train went to the end of the line above Wanamakers, then shoved back south toward Kempton.
A highlight of the excursion was that the train continued past Kempton station, shoved down through the town of Kempton and continued south to mile 26. This was the first revenue move south of Kempton in about 24 years.
Inaccessible stop at mile 26 for static photos. Photo by Bob Krug.
The track south of Kempton was used regularly up until retirement of the Berksy Trolley around 1996. The last revenue move may have been a NRHS charter in 2000. The track then fell into disuse. But efforts to rehabilitate the line have been ongoing since 2017.
Woodland scenery south of Kempton. Photo by Derek Shanely.
The final runby of the day was at the newly rebuilt Rt. 737 grade crossing in Kempton.
Unloading passengers at Rt. 737 in Kempton. Photo by Bob Krug.
Unloading passengers at Rt. 737 in Kempton. Photo by Bob Krug.
Runby at Rt. 737. Photo by Louie Mariano.
Returning to pick up passengers. Photo by Bob Krug.
Approaching Creek Road on the way back to Kempton station and the conclusion of the excursion. Photo by Caden Smith.
Since it's now 2024, this excursion got quite a bit of coverage on YouTube. Check it out.
Bonus: If you like trains, werewolves and Charles Bronson lookalikes, check out the 2024 film "12 to Midnight".
The WK&S was a location for this film and ended up with quite a bit of screen time. Our premier weekend coincided with the LNE Photo Freight Excursion. On Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, a twilight train was run at 7:00 followed by an outdoor screening on the lawn next to the refreshment stand.
Movie time! Photo by Allison Martin.