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PRR - The Philadelphia Loop

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Posted by Captain_Bill12 on Monday, July 31, 2017 2:04 PM

Delaware Avenue is part of it but not all of it.

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Posted by NHTX on Friday, July 28, 2017 12:30 AM

   Could the "Delaware Avenue Switching District" article in the 2017 issue of Model Railroad Planning be related to the area you are interested in?

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Posted by DSO17 on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 5:56 PM

DSchmitt
Delaware Street appears to be former Reading track

Pennsylvania, Reading, and (I believe) Baltimore & Ohio all used track on Delaware Ave. At least some of the track was owned by Philadelphia Belt Line. Conrail crews working on the Delaware Ave tracks used to get an arbitrary payment (IIRC it was either 30 minutes or 45 minutes) for going on a "foreign" railroad. PBL had railroad, but no cars or engines.

For more info search "Philadelphia Belt Line"

 

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Posted by DSchmitt on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 5:00 AM

Captain_Bill12

Based on my understanding from what I have read, the Philadelphia loop contained Delaware ave. on the east side of it, Packer Ave. on the south side but not sure what's on the north or west sides. I pretty sure all tracks were in Philadelphia.

-Regards,

Bill

 

The area outlined in the second map I posted. Looking at Bing Maps and 1949 USGS map

Most likely 25th Street on west (still has tracks), Washington Ave on north, Packer Ave on south, Vandalia Street on east (still has tracks)

Delaware Street appears to be former Reading track    

 

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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Posted by Captain_Bill12 on Monday, July 24, 2017 6:49 PM

This looks promising, thank you for your answer and I will let you know how I make out.

-Regards,

Bill

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Posted by DSO17 on Monday, July 24, 2017 4:58 PM

How about starting from Gray's Ferry Yard and crossing Gray's Ferry Moveable Bridge then Gray's Ave. to near 25th and Washington Ave, then south on the 25th St elevated (Delaware Extension?) to Greenwich Yard, the east through the yard to Delaware Ave. (Columbus Blvd.) then north to Washington Ave. then west on Washington back to Gary's Ferry Ave.?

There was a curved double track ramp from Gray's Ferry Ave. up to the 25th St. elevated, part of which can still be seen in Google Earth satellite view.

Might want to try a search for "PRR Delaware Extension".

Hope this helps.

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Posted by Captain_Bill12 on Monday, July 24, 2017 2:55 PM

Based on my understanding from what I have read, the Philadelphia loop contained Delaware ave. on the east side of it, Packer ave. on the south side but not sure what's on the north or west sides. I pretty sure all tracks were in Philadelphia.

-Regards,

Bill

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: California - moved to North Carolina 2018
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Posted by DSchmitt on Monday, July 24, 2017 11:38 AM

Could the Philadelphia Loop be the Bustleton Freight Branch?

 Bustleton Freight Branch by Donald Schmitt, on Flickr

Another possible location

 PHIL by Donald Schmitt, on Flickr

 Link to map

http://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/item/zoom/52677

 

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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Posted by Captain_Bill12 on Monday, July 24, 2017 11:21 AM

Ed,

Thank you for the answer. Maybe the PRRTHS has a forum I can post a question on. Thank you for that idea.

-Regards,

Bill

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Posted by 7j43k on Monday, July 24, 2017 10:42 AM

If I was interested in a subject like that, I'd join this organization:

 

http://philaprrths.com/html/membership.html

 

and ask those folks.

 

That said, I did find this map containing a loop-y looking thing:

 

 

Coast and Geodetic maps would likely show you the specific track/street layout, but finding the maps is proving to be hellish.  Thank you, Computer Age.

 

 

 

Ed

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PRR - The Philadelphia Loop
Posted by Captain_Bill12 on Monday, July 24, 2017 8:27 AM

Recently I read a short blurb about what PRR use to refer to as the Philadelphia Loop. What I know is that it was city/street trackage that ran in Philadelphia to service industries. What I am looking for is what streets did it occupy/consist of. Any inforamtion that anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Bill

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