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Delmarva railroads question

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  • Member since
    March 2015
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Delmarva railroads question
Posted by RailBrunch on Thursday, September 3, 2015 5:08 PM

After a trip to Assateague Is. on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I noticed many grade-crossings on the way. One was even paved completely over, the rails never having been removed. This got me thinking about railroads in that area, a unique geography with 3 different states on one body of land, namely the Delmarva peninsula. Could anyone kindly suggest reading material, maps, old Trains magazines, anything on railroads at Delmarva? It seemed some of the railroads showed current use while others, liked the paved-over example, completely abandoned. Very beautiful (flat) agricultural area mixed with what seemed like a lot of railroads crisis-crossing the plains. Thank you.

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Posted by ACY Tom on Friday, September 4, 2015 7:29 PM

The Eastern Shore Railway Museum is located in Parksley, VA.  They may be able to provide info.

Since this was a former Pennsylvania RR branch, the PRR Historical & Technical Society may be able to provide help.  Their magazine, the Keystone, has probably had coverage some time in the past. The Keystone Crossings web site is another place to check.

Good luck.

Tom

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Saturday, September 5, 2015 6:39 AM

There was an article in Trains in the 1980's - 1990's, but I can't find a reference to it right now.  Tom is also right about there being at least one article in The Keystone, that being on the 2 railroads that ran to Lewes, Del.  In the meantime, see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_railroad_lines_in_the_Delmarva_Peninsula 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Coast_Railroad 

http://www.swmpo.org/3Content&Pics/Delmarva_Freight_Transportation_Study_Technical%20Report_Final_02142012.pdf 

http://www.nrhs.com/chapters/delmarva 

- Paul North. 

P.S. - See also this previous thread here from 2011:

"Virginia Barrier Islands RR?"

http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/p/190539/2080718.aspx 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by ndbprr on Sunday, September 6, 2015 6:23 PM
There may be a chapter of the PRRT&HS. If not the Philly chapter meets quarterly

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