The mine train with GP40-2 3674 passes the PRR station and tower in Birdsboro,
January 1976READING COMPANY
This page will cover the Wilmington and Northern branch. This line went from Reading, PA south to Wilmington, DE. By the late 1970's there were three primary sources of traffic on this branch. The ore processing plant located at Johanna, PA near Morgantown, the Lykens Steel plant in Coatesville, PA and the Chessie System ( B&O ) interchange in Elsmere, DE. A small yard was located adjacent to the Penn Central ( PRR ) mainline just south of the Wilmington station. Today, the Johanna plant is gone and the track removed north of Coatesville. The Brandywine Valley operates in the area of the Lykens Steel plant and a short line operates the lower end from Chadds Ford.
The branch came off the freight by pass on the southwest side of Reading and crossed the former PRR Schuykill Valley branch at Birdsboro. The Penn Central maintained an open tower here for this crossing and I recall the operator saying that in the several months he had been there, he had yet to see a train for his railroad ( PC )! The PRR line was built for spite in the 1880's to try to compete with the Reading.
The mine train with GP40-2 3674 passes the PRR station and tower in Birdsboro,
January 1976
Before we continue down the Reading branch, here are some views of the area including the PRR station and tower.
First, an excellent view of the junction as taken from the PRR tower. The
PRR station is to the left and we are looking toward Philadelphia.
Now looking west toward Reading up the PRR, you can see the interchange yard and
note the keystone sign still on the tower. Photo taken November 23,
1975. The tower was still open.
Inside the PRR tower. All strong arm levers!
Former Reading 1506 sitting by the tower in November 1976.
This is a very rare shot of two PC GP-38's in Reading, PA. The PC owned 2/3 of
the PRSL and 15 units were ordered, but the PRSL only took 10. The rest
went to PC and were numbered with the PRSL units. They also had the dual control
stands. Also note the lack of the full Penn Central name on the side of
these units. November 23, 1975.
Now lets head south along the Reading to Wilmington.
About one mile south of Birdsboro is the approach signal. Note the old crossing signal.
Some shots enroute to the mine.
The depot at Elverson was restored.
The Lykens Steel plant. The switchers belong to the Brandywine Valley
railway.
This former Milwaukee Road car was in Embreeville, PA
Pocopson, PA
The crossing of a former PRR branch at Chadds Ford. Looking north toward
Reading.
Cossart, PA
Winterthur, DE
Montchanin, DE
In a photo dated 1965, this was the tower located at the B & O crossing in
Elsmere, Delaware. The building is no longer there. Photographer
unknown.