RailNews

On Saturday, February 8, Reading 2102 will lead a rare winter-time Iron Horse Rambles excursion from Reading to Jim Thorpe. On May 28, 2022, it charged uphill at East Mahanoy Junction, Pa., with a 19-car train bound for Jim Thorpe, Pa. Photo by M.T.Burkhart.

Tickets Go On Sale For Rare Winter Excursion Behind Reading 2102

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The Reading & Northern announced that former Reading Company 4-8-4 2102 will lead at least four Iron Horse Rambles excursions in 2025, including a rare wintertime trip from Reading to Jim Thorpe, Pa., on February 8. Tickets for all four of the announced excursions went on sale on Friday.

The Iron Horse Rambles excursions are planned for May 24 (Reading to Jim Thorpe), June 21 (Nesquehoning to Tunkhannock), and August 23 (Nesquehoning to Pittston). New this year, passengers on the trips to Jim Thorpe will have the option of riding the “wye move” to turn the train during its layover, giving those who stay onboard the chance to get some rare mileage.

R&N officials said additional steam excursions would be announced for the fall. They also said that Reading & Northern 4-6-2 425 was expected to join 2102 in service following an overhaul. Locomotive 2102 has been in service since 2022.