The Scranton Limited
A little after 1PM, the Steamtown National Historic Site's Baldwin Switcher #26 takes a short excursion consist east on the Delaware & Lackawanna Mainline, headed from Bridge 60 to the eastern yard limit, with a load of park visitors on board. Known as the "Scranton Limited", these short trains not only provide patrons with a short tour of the yard, but also the experience of riding behind a live steam locomotive. Although most of the trip is completed at a relatively slow speed, they do make a short dash at somewhat higher speed, from the station area, just out of view to the right, all the way to the yard limit. During that time, passengers will get to hear the locomotive work a bit.
As of 2023, the train pictured here is Steamtown's only steam-powered service. For a couple of decades, the park did have two, much larger, Canadian National locomotives, which did enable them to run periodic, off-site excursions with a much longer train. Sadly, both of those locomotives were sidelined for various mechanical issues back in 2010, and since then the 26 has been the only active steamer. There had been an effort underway to restore a large, former Boston & Maine Pacific-type, but that project was proceeding at a snail's pace and was recently suspended. Fortunately, at least one of the two Canadian National engines does appear to be restorable. Hopefully, in the coming years, NPS will find a way to get one back in service as off-site excursions would clearly draw bigger crowds and better fulfill the park's stated mission.
The Scranton Limited
A little after 1PM, the Steamtown National Historic Site's Baldwin Switcher #26 takes a short excursion consist east on the Delaware & Lackawanna Mainline, headed from Bridge 60 to the eastern yard limit, with a load of park visitors on board. Known as the "Scranton Limited", these short trains not only provide patrons with a short tour of the yard, but also the experience of riding behind a live steam locomotive. Although most of the trip is completed at a relatively slow speed, they do make a short dash at somewhat higher speed, from the station area, just out of view to the right, all the way to the yard limit. During that time, passengers will get to hear the locomotive work a bit.
As of 2023, the train pictured here is Steamtown's only steam-powered service. For a couple of decades, the park did have two, much larger, Canadian National locomotives, which did enable them to run periodic, off-site excursions with a much longer train. Sadly, both of those locomotives were sidelined for various mechanical issues back in 2010, and since then the 26 has been the only active steamer. There had been an effort underway to restore a large, former Boston & Maine Pacific-type, but that project was proceeding at a snail's pace and was recently suspended. Fortunately, at least one of the two Canadian National engines does appear to be restorable. Hopefully, in the coming years, NPS will find a way to get one back in service as off-site excursions would clearly draw bigger crowds and better fulfill the park's stated mission.