The Crusader initiated the Reading's streamlined passenger
train which ran between Philadelphia and NY. Celebrate
its history with this computer mousepad decorated with
an image of the Crusader engine, and Crusader and Diamond
logos.
The
Reading Railroad: History of a Coal Age Empire, Volume
I •
by James Holton
• Hardcover, 356 pages
Finally
back in print! This volume tells the story of
the Philadelphia & Reading RR from its inception as
a competitor to the Schuylkill Canal, to its peak as the
wealthiest corporation in the world. Covers the period
up to 1900, with hundreds of B&W photos, and pullout
maps of the Reading system.
The
Reading Railroad: History of a Coal Age Empire, Volume
II •
by James Holton
• Hardcover, 440 pages
This
second volume covers the history of the Reading from 1900
until its incorporation into Conrail in 1976. Seven chronological
chapters, plus chapters dealing with the Coal & Iron
Co., the Reading Shops, The NJ Central RR, and major railroad
facilities. Tons of B&W, plus pullout maps of the
Anthracite regions and Philadelphia area and profiles
of coal beds.
This
new book by Philadelphia area native Harry Garforth, Jr.
depicts the Reading's various lines through the Manayunk
and suburban Philadelphia area throughout the railroad's
history, and provides tremendous detail of the various
elevation projects and track changes throughout the past
two centuries. Lots of fascinating VINTAGE photographs.
The
Reading in the Conrail Era, Book One • by Dale Woodland
• Hardcover, 144 pages
Changes to the former Reading Railroad
between 1976 and 1998 are chronicled in 144 pages with
255 color photos. Book One begins with the creation of
Conrail and follows the transition to each of the Reading's
major lines in areas such as Philadelphia, Reading, and
the hard coal regions. Diesel power from the Lehigh Valley,
Erie-Lackawanna, Central of New Jersey, Delaware &
Hudson, Conrail and Amtrak are shown in traditional Reading
locations. A history of each of the four surviving Reading
T-1 steam locomotives, as well as photo vignettes of visiting
steam locomotives is included.
The
Reading in the Conrail Era, Book Two • by Dale Woodland
• Hardcover, 144 pages
Book Two of the Reading Railroad
during the Conrail Era 1976–1998. Book Two describes
the myriad of changes in 144 pages with over 200 color
illustrations. It covers the formation and affect SEPTA
had on the commuter system, includes photographs and rosters
of the twenty-two shortline railroads that took over portions
of the Reading, it depicts the D&H/CP trackage rights
over the former Reading Lines, and the Legacy Chapter
contains information on surviving locomotives, cars, coaches,
cabooses and trackage. The book concludes with a look
at the Reading in art.
Reading
Diesels, Volume I, First Generation • by Dale Woodland
• Hardcover, 168 pages
Volume 1 acquaints the reader with
Reading's first generation diesels, spanning 1926 to 1961.
The story begins with the railroad's first ALCO-GE-IR
(the 2nd diesel-electric loco built in the USA), and pursues
the Reading's diverse purchases from ALCO, EMD, Baldwin,
and Fairbanks Morse. Contains 215 color photos, information
on disposition of units, and data concerning locomotive
assignments and dates of service.
Reading
Diesels, Volume II, The Second Generation • by Dale Woodland
• Hardcover, 188 pages
Volume 2 describes locomotives
placed in service between 1962 and 1974, as well as rebuildings
and changes in class. Includes discussions of the thinking
behind Reading's locomotive purchases, attempts to save
passenger service by using Budd RDC's, and typical train
assignments and tonnage ratings for locomotives. Also
contains updates on remaining Reading units.
RDG
Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment • by Craig Bossler, Morning
Sun Books
• Hardcover, 128 pages
Intended for the modeler and historian,
this book provides color documentation of the considerable
Reading roster of freight, passenger, and MOW equipment
from the 1950's on.
Reading
Steam in Color •
by Jeremy Plant, Morning
Sun Books
• Hardcover, 128 pages
Explores
the last decade of Reading steam operations, starting
with the optimism of 1944-48 and continuing to the last
gasp of regular service steam locomotion in 1957. Through
the medium of over 230 vintage color slides reproduced
in this 128 page book, the reader can go back in time
to an era when the Reading Company was truly "the
Road of Anthracite".
Reading
Company in Color, Volume II • by Bert Pennypacker,
Morning Sun Books • Hardcover
Noted author Bert Pennypacker guides
the reader through an all-color tour of the Reading's
motive power, operations and physical plant during the
years 1947-1976.
Trackside
Reading Anthracite Country Arch & Bruce Kantner • by Jeremy Plant, Morning Sun Books
• Hardcover
The source of Reading Company prosperity,
its central Pennsylvania anthracite territory, was recorded
by the Kantner Brothers in color chiefly during the 1950s.
The last of steam and the earliest of Reading diesels
are shown at work gathering and hauling coal as well as
providing first class passenger conveyance..
ALCO's
to Allentown •
by Thomas A. Biery, from The Railroad Press
• Softcover, 112 pages
Lots
of great railroad action in the Lehigh River Valley during
the 1960's and early 1970's. You'll see ALCO's, F-units,
F-M Trainmasters and more, hauling fast freight through
semaphore-laden mainline trackage in Pennsylvania's cement
belt, along with a few side trips down interesting branchlines.
Colorful diesels from Lehigh Valley RR, Central RR of
NJ, Reading Lines, Lehigh & Hudson River, Ironton,
and other area railroads abound in this magnificent work
by Northampton-born Thomas A. Biery. 150+ photos, 80+
in color. RCTHS Members:
$24, Non-Members: $26
Lehigh
Valley, NY Division •
by Mike Bednar
• Hardcover, 152 pages
This excellent book from a real Lehigh Valley employee
chronicles the last 20 years of "the Valley".
Written from a railroader's perspective, the book gives
insight and appreciation for what it was like to work
for the railroad. Includes many pictures of the employees,
as well as the equipment, trains, and facilities of the
road. 290 color photos, 20 maps and diagrams.
First
Generation Geeps–The Hard Coal Carriers • by Gerard Bernet
• Softcover, 80 pages
Through stunning photography and insightful commentary,
supplemented by actual data from railroad mechanical departments,
Gerry Bernet chronicles the development and service of
EMD First Generation Geeps, as they served on the Lehigh
Valley, Jersey Central, Erie, DL&W (and later Erie-Lackawanna),
and the Reading.
Colorful
Memories of Reading's Shamokin Division • by Gerard Bernet
• Softcover, 48 pages
Featuring
the photography of Bruce and Arch Kantner. ALL COLOR!!!
The much-anticipated sequel to Anthracite Country Color has arrived!
Travel along the Reading's Shamokin Division through the
late steam/early diesel era through the fabulous color
photography of Bruce and Arch Kantner. Both freight and
passenger action are featured, as well as many locations
along the northern part of the Reading System. If you
enjoyed Anthracite Country Color,
you'll love this one!
Pennsylvania
Shortlines in Color Vol. II • by Gary R. Carlson, Morning Sun Books
Traditional shortlines of Pennsylvania
extant in the 1950s are examined in full color:
McKeesport Conn., Monessen SW, Monongahela Conn., Montour,
N&B, PB&NE, P&S, PA&McKR, P&OV, PC&Y,
S&H, Stewartstown, Strasburg, Unity Rwy., UMP, WAG,
Western Allegheny, W. Pittston- Exeter, and Winfield RR.
Vignettes*
of the Reading Co. •
from Clear Block Productions
• 60 minutes
The
Reading Company was the favorite railroad of Allentown
native Charles Houser, Sr. See his films of the Company's
superpower steam locomotives at such locations as Tamaqua,
Lansdale, East Penn Jct.and Gordon. Diesel Coverage of
FT's, F7's, Trainmasters, AS-16s, FA's, RS-3's, RDC's
and GP30's continues through the '50's and '60's at Bethlehem,
Allentown, Rutherford and Perkasie. Included also are
MU cars on the North Penn Branch, rare footage of the
New Haven Mack Railbus testing on the East Penn, Camelbacks
on the Ironton RR, a brief look at Pennsylvania-Reading
Seashore Lines, and the last run of the "Berksie"
Doodlebug in 1949.
Vignettes*
of the Reading, Volume II • from Clear Block Productions
• 90 minutes
Featuring
the films of Claude Goebel, Dennis Hake, Harrison Garforth,
and Dr. Michael Johnson, Volume II covers the road's final
15 years of operation in the Keystone State. Second generation
diesels team up with F's, GP's, and RS-3's at Allentown,
Bethlehem, Macungie, Hershey, Philadelphia and Reading.
Electric and diesel powered commuter trains are also seen
in action around Philadelphia, and the Reading's famous
T-1s power the Rambles at several locations.
Experience
Reading passenger and freight steam operations in upstate
Pennsylvania with this outstanding all-color footage filmed
by the late Clarence Weaver in the 1940s and 50s. You'll
see G-3 Pacific and Atlantic powered passenger trains
in the Susquehanna river valley, and follow the King Coal
as it leaves Shamokin and climbs to Locust Summit. See
steam powered fast freights and mallet powered coal drags
work the mountain grades. Visit SF Tower in Sunbury to
watch the parade of steam and early diesel freights pass
by. See the mighty T-1s working in lease service on the
PRR Susquehanna Division between Northumberland and Enola.
Some of the finest vintage Reading action ever shot!
Vignettes*
of the Western Maryland •
from Clear Block Productions
• 60 minutes
Volume
1 follows the WM from its eastern terminus in Baltimore
to Elkins, WV and Connellsville, PA from 1940 until the
verge of the Chessie System takeover in 1975. Locations
visited include Baltimore, Emory Grove, Ohiopyle, Hagerstown,
Cumberland, Deal, Bowest, Dunbar, Ridgeley, Thurmont,
Williamsport, Meyersdale, Parsons, and Elkins. Locomotives
featured include F-units, High and low nose Geeps, RS-3's,
BL2's, FA's, SD40's, and various models from run-through
partners, P&WV, and N&W. K1 and K2 4-6-2s are
seen pulling classic WM passenger trains near Baltimore
and Thurmont.
Reading
Railroad Afghan • 100% cotton
• Approximately 47" x 67"
• Machine washable
• Natural background with choice of color:
cranberry, hunter green or navy
Current member's of the Reading Company Technical
& Historical Society are eligible for discounts on most merchandise
we sell. If you would like to take advantage of these discounts, please
join us. Simply:
Remember: your active support helps to ensure
the Society's survival and realize its goal of establishing a permanent,
world-class museum to house and preserve our extensive equipment and artifact
collection. Please consider becoming a member today!
