Received the following from Kermit Geary Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Today, 11-23-2012 aka Black Friday, also marked a milestone in the CNJ 113 project run by Robert Kimmel and the many dedicated volunteers of the Project 113. After a number of days of final preparations, the 113 was fired up and ran on a road test. Using a Reading & Northern SW-1500 for weight and braking purposes ( provided by the good graces of Andy Mueller), the 113 gently eased backwards off the Wolf Creek Branch and out onto the Minersville Branch. Once out on the main, she continued down to Mar-Lin where a quick inspection was done to make sure that all was in working order. Two toots on the whistle (recreated from the original design by Bernie Perch for the Project 113) and the 113 returned to Minersville. Once clear of the Wolf Creek switch, Engineer Shane Fredrickson opened her up for the run past the Minersville Depot. The sight and sound of her blasting through Minersville and across the Sunbury Street crossing was an awesome experience to behold.
A BIG thank you to the Reading & Northern for allowing this event to occur and also a BIG thank you to the crew and volunteers of the Project 113 for allowing us to be able to see the 113 operate with all her glory in 2012.
The Project 113 is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that depends on volunteers and donations to succeed. They produce a Black & White calendar featuring vintage photos of Reading, CNJ, and LV operations in the Pennsylvania area. They are available for a $5.00 donation plus postage from : Project 113, 113 East Sunbury Street, Minersville, PA 17954. While you are ordering a calendar, please consider making an additional donation to assure the operation of the 113 for public events in 2013!!!
Kermit Geary, JR
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| CNJ 113 & R&N 1548 at Minersville, PA_11-23-2012 |
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| CNJ 113 at Minersville, PA_11-23-2012 |
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| R&N 1548 and CNJ 113 at Minersville, PA_11-23-2012 |
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| CNJ 113 carefully backing onto Main track in Minersville, PA_11-23-2012 |
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CNJ 113 running wide open with the SW 1500 providing dead weight for braking at Minersville, PA_
11-23-2012 |
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| CNJ 113 triumphant return to steam after a 50 year snooze - Minersville, PA_11-23-2012 |
