Steam Train

[LBrown59]

When did the major railroads quit using steam engines. Since my granddad hauled the mail back and forth between the post office and the train station with his own truck (contract job), I used to go along and ride in the back of the truck in the '40s and of course we'd be sitting right alongside the rails when the train came in; quite a sight to see from a distance of 6 feet or less.

I think It was some where after 1955 but before 1960.
My first job after graduating HS in 1959 was at a downtown service station.
The B&O tracks ran right along side the gas station about 25 feet away.
The B&0 train would lay over parked right there beside the station and the engineer would come into the station and talk to us.
It was a diesel engine.

 

[LBrown59]

I live about 10 minutes from the Horshoe Curve here in Altoona. There are trains everywhere here, along with alot of museums and history.

Brad

We used to visit friends who lived in Petersburg, Pa.
Once on the way back home we stopped at the horseshoe Curve.
Fascinating watching the trains go round that track.

 

[MossRoad]

When did the major railroads quit using steam engines. Since my granddad hauled the mail back and forth between the post office and the train station with his own truck (contract job), I used to go along and ride in the back of the truck in the '40s and of course we'd be sitting right alongside the rails when the train came in; quite a sight to see from a distance of 6 feet or less.

1950's was about the end of the line for major steam. That is why the 50's is such a fun period for model railroaders... they get to model steam and deisel electric on the same layout.

 

[bigshovel]

We used to visit friends who lived in Petersburg, Pa.
Once on the way back home we stopped at the horseshoe Curve.
Fascinating watching the trains go round that track.

My hunting camp is in Petersburg. Huh, I would have lived my entire life thinking no one from out of this area would ever visit Petersburg, Pa. I was at Horshoe Curve when I was a kid, but it's a forgotten treasure as with many things so close to home. Both of the World wars could have turned out very differently if not for those particular sets of tracks.

Brad

 

[LBrown59]

If you're ever in WV, check out Cass Railroad. They have a 4 1/2 excusion into the mountains. Taking the trip when the leaves are at their peak is fabulous.

http://www.cassrailroad.com/

Took that ride back in 1971.
Had just bought a new 71 ford pick up camper special and a new 8' slide in camper and that was the first trip we made with it.
" ''

 

[GreenWannabe]

I beieve the last class 1 railroad to run steam in revenue service was Norfolk and Western, around 1960. Union Pacific still runs one of their big Challengers on excursions about once a year, last I knew.

 

[tallyho8]

I rode the Reader Railroad in the mid 1970s and I believe it was the last commercial operating steam engine in the US. Reader Railroad - "Take A Ride On The Reader!"

 

[LBrown59]

Reader Railroad - "Take A Ride On The Reader!"

Great sight
Thanks for posting the link.

 

[ToadHill]

For years in our area the Attica to Arcade RR has run weekend passenger trips using an old coal powered steam locomotive. I've taken my kids on the trip several times when they are younger. To the best of my knowledge it is still in operation.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Oh yes, the charm of the steam engine

We have few in our area:

Cumberland

Cass Scenic Railroad

BTW, do you guys know this book: Thomas

For a steam enthusiast, this is a must