NKP

On Sunday, August 23, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Norfolk Southern, and Reading & Northern teamed up to host the second Lehigh Gorge Special (the first one being held the day before), as part of the 21st Century Steam program. Motive power for this excursion was Nickel Plate Road #765, pulling a fleet of Norfolk Southern passenger cars and private cars, domes included. #765 went up the grades from Allentown (Bethlehem, actually), through Jim Thorpe, and up to Pittston, PA (just outside of Wilkes Barre), working hard most of the way up. On the way back, there was a layover in Jim Thorpe for the passengers to get out, eat, and explore the town before the return to Allentown (Bethlehem).

The following day, Monday, August 24, #765 was slated to move up to Scranton, PA, in preparation for a series of trips over Labor Day weekend out of Steamtown NHS. Originally scheduled to be a morning departure, the move was delayed until late afternoon. As such, I didn't chase it the entire way to Scranton, only up until Jim Thorpe. Nonetheless, it was a great show, and #765 (with a diesel leading) really hustled up the line towards Jim Thorpe, and her eventual destination.

Enjoy the video!