Hi, I live right near philly and I drive by some old abandoned track on a daily basis when crossing the Tacony Palmyra bridge. Some old catenary posts stretch for some distance along very old track that has tall grass and shrubs growing over it.
I believe the area I am talking rests somewhere near the vicinity of what is called "holmesburg junction", but its literally right next to the Tacony Bridge, backed up against the delaware, right along I-95. Its surrounded by old broken down factories. I would like to know the history of the railroad that ran through this part of philly, possible steam roster, when this section of the railroad closed down, what its primary function was etc.
Help would be appreciated. And was it owned by Reading or the PRR?
Thanks.
Conrail had a K&T (Kensington and Tacony) Branch. I just Googled Kensington & Tacony Railroad and came up with a couple items that may be of interest. AFAIK the line never had catenary. Those electric wires were transmission lines.
I think I know the area you are talking about. If you travel south I think they go into a yard that still houses a Conrail mantinence shop ( at least that's what the sign says on the building) and there are always 2 I think GP38's in the yard along with some apperences of N/S engines. I drive by it everyday northbound on I-95 around Girard Ave. But if you are on the streets it located at Richmond and Ann Sts. But they view from I-95 is a real sight. So I don't mind getting stuck in traffic sometimes. But the tracks run for some time next to it. that section of interstate is elevated so you can get a nice look. i also recomend that if you have access to a bout to travel that area on the Delaware. There are alot of nice stuff to look at from the river. The Rail bridge that south of the Tacony is awsome from the water especily going underneath it. Being a Cop I can say (with a little saddness) that after 9-11 we now make checks of the railyards so I get to go where other people just can't walk in but the workers are always happy to stop and talk to you even when not in uniform.
PhilaKnight I think I know the area you are talking about. If you travel south I think they go into a yard that still houses a Conrail mantinence shop ( at least that's what the sign says on the building) and there are always 2 I think GP38's in the yard along with some apperences of N/S engines. I drive by it everyday northbound on I-95 around Girard Ave. But if you are on the streets it located at Richmond and Ann Sts. But they view from I-95 is a real sight. So I don't mind getting stuck in traffic sometimes. But the tracks run for some time next to it. that section of interstate is elevated so you can get a nice look. i also recomend that if you have access to a bout to travel that area on the Delaware. There are alot of nice stuff to look at from the river. The Rail bridge that south of the Tacony is awsome from the water especily going underneath it. Being a Cop I can say (with a little saddness) that after 9-11 we now make checks of the railyards so I get to go where other people just can't walk in but the workers are always happy to stop and talk to you even when not in uniform.
Hi, I've always wanted to talk to a Philadelphia policeman about the city and the railroads, I drive through the city quite often myself and there are some great railroad sites all throughout I have noticed. I have some general questions for you about this, if you don't mind. Can I pm you later?
Sure no problem. My E-mail is PhilaKnight@verizon.net
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