Charles, thanks very much for pictures of the Reading Crusader, particularly the first one!
Here are links to more pictures of it, and the mural at Reading Terminal
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_rdg118.jpg
http://www.louisvilleartdeco.com/feature/Transportation/Trains/ReadingCrusader1938.jpeg
http://www.explorepahistory.com/images/ExplorePAHistory-a0b3d6-a_349.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinphilly5448/1343696012/sizes/l/
In most 4 track territory the inside 2 tracks were for express passenger and through freight operations. The outside 2 tracks were designed for local passenger and local freight operations, but like any track could be used for the through train operations if the operating situation warranted.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Railway ManSome railroads preferred on 4-track configurations to make the outside tracks for passenger so that passengers were not crossing a live track to reach the platform, making it necessary to have a hold-out rule for freights on the outmost track. The advantage of putting the freight tracks on the outside is it meant they could access lineside industries and freight houses without having to crossover the passenger mains.
Figured it might have had something to do with passenger / freight operations, but wasn't sure. Thanks for the opinion.
In Johnstown, Pa. on the old 4-track Pennsy main I believe the two inner tracks were passenger. But at that location there was an underground passageway to arrive up at the trackside inner tracks from inside the station.
Edit: Still is, but it's only 3-tracks since the last decade or two.....
Quentin
Thanks very much for posting these. It was most enjoyable seeing them, particularly because they showed the railroad, not just the locomotives.
Quentin, look at the second photo (the motorcar being lifted off) and observe the platforms. The center tracks are passenger, outside tracks are freight. That's your reason. Some railroads preferred on 4-track configurations to make the outside tracks for passenger so that passengers were not crossing a live track to reach the platform, making it necessary to have a hold-out rule for freights on the outmost track. The advantage of putting the freight tracks on the outside is it meant they could access lineside industries and freight houses without having to crossover the passenger mains.
RWM
Enjoyed the old black and whites. Just a question. Wonder why the two outer tracks are laid down with more space between them and the next inside track....compared to the two center ones.
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