Reading & Northern
As the title suggests, one of Pennsylvania's beloved steam locomotives said its' proverbial farewell on Sunday, December 18, 2022, as Reading & Northern's 4-6-2 #425 made its last runs before going down for a long slumber. A long-time favorite of many who have seen and experienced it, the locomotive is slated to undergo a mandatory 15-year/1472 service-day inspection - which basically consists of tearing apart and inspecting the entire locomotive - a costly and very time-consuming endeavor. Before #425 went out of service, it pulled Santa Trains out of Reading, PA's "Outer Station" complex, to the shops in Port Clinton and return, on the weekend of December 17-18. With Sunday the 18th being it's last day in service, I ventured trackside to catch the locomotive one last time (for now). While the weather played havoc with my shots, the locomotive performed excellently, as usual, and will greatly be missed by all those who enjoy steam. Here's a look at Reading & Northern #425: A Farewell (For Now)!
Stay tuned at the end of the video for a few "bonus" RDC shots from their scheduled trip that left before steam action for the day!