Electric Railroads in the Northeast

[Anonymous]

Many years ago I lived in Lancaster, PA and watched the Electric powered trains pass through the station. I would like any information on electric railroads in the northeast or directions to internet references on the subject. I would like to know if electric trains still run, what the routes are, and any pictures that are available. Any other information on electric powered railroads will be welcome....Thank You

[thirdrail1]

There are literally hundreds of sites on the web about electric railroads - try "electric railways" on "Google" It was the PRR that operated electrically through Lancaster. The passenger operation through there is still electric, but run by Amtrak. At one time, PRR, NYC, New Haven, Lackawanna, Reading, Long Island, and B&O had electric operations in the Northeast. Only passenger services remain electrified, with Amtrak and commuter authorities operating them.

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Amtrak runs through Lancaster, PA, but its trains are hauled by diesels. I understand there are plans to go back to using electric locomotives. The Pennsylvania at one time had electrified trackage from Morrisville, PA through parkersburg and Pomeroy, Atglen, Columbia, to Enola. Also the Lancaster-Columbia branch was electrified as was the Columbia and Port Deposit (the Pennsy's freight line from Perryville to Columbia). Conrail took down the wires over the ex Pennsy freight lines in the mid 1980's, but they left the poles standing so you can literally trace the Pennsy's electrification today.

The most recent electrifications were the extensions of the New York & Long Branch from South Amboy to Long Branch, and Amtrak's Line from New Haven to Boston.