Received the following via email.
Join the Reading & Northern railroad and the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley NRHS chapter May 5 for the "Hopper Jet" rare mileage photo freight excursion.
Harkening back to the glory days of the old Reading railroad our photo freight will tour the railroad from Port Clinton to North Reading yard, Tamaqua, East Mahanoy Jct. and Mahanoy City. The train will run over rare freight-only mileage on the R&N main and Mahanoy & Shamokin lines into the heart of todays anthracite coal corridor.
The route also traces the history of the region. Tracks closely parallel abandoned anthracite canal, railroads, mining facilities and the Atlas Powder works. In addition to passing active mining R&N hopper cars will be seen in the yards and sidings.
The train will be powered by 3 former Lehigh Valley SW-8s, along with 10 R&N hopper cars, passenger equipment and a caboose. These 60-year old EMD switchers have been hauling anthracite coal almost since the day they were delivered to the LV 60 over years ago.
Excursionists have the option to ride coach $79, open-air photo car $89 or caboose $99. A one-way diesel cab ride is $150 in addition to the ticket price. Tickets are on a first come basis. The train will run rain or shine. All sales are final. There are no refunds.
Train departs Port Clinton at 11 a.m. returning to Port Clinton by 7 p.m. Three photo-freight runbys are planned. Passenger equipment will be cutoff for the runbys. Motive power is subject to availability and can be substituted.
A $20 bus option is available from the Park & Ride lot, Route 315 and Oak St., Pittston Twp.
Boxed lunch is also available for $8. Hoagie options include ham, turkey, or vegetarian with soft drink and snack.
Address check or money order to:
L&WV RHS Excursion
30 Harford Ave.
Shavertown, PA 18708
Make out to: L&WV RHS Excursion. Tickets will be mailed.
For more information contact: edlvrr@gmail.com.