Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad

After a lengthy one year wait, I finally revisited the old Hawk Mountain Line today (July 17). We got there right on time and, after a nice picnic lunch, purchased our tickets and explord the station and yard area. Track installation to the shop building is not yet complete, and looks to be only about 50% finished. The new GE 65 tonner was out behind No. 7258, and No. 2 was being stored further up the line with No. 602.

We rode the first train of the day. The WK&S has to be one of the most scenic little lines around, clouds or no clouds (hey, you can't get a clear day every time!). Had a great time riding behind ol' 65. The whistle she wore was on the high sounding side, but very melodious and resonant. She's always wearing a different whistle with every visit I make! We rode in the open air gondola car on the way back. 15 mph seems like 30 in the gondola! Hang on! It is one wild ride, but definitely worth it for railfans (we were the only ones there)! It was one of the highlights of the trip for my parents.

After our ride, we browsed the Rigelwig Gift Shop, where I bought the neat little information booklet, Does This Train Go to Hawk Mountain? I highly recommend this book for all those who are interesting in learning a little more of the "ins and outs" of the WK&S.

We then chased the next (2:00) train from Trexler to Steinsville and back. Using Route 143, chasing the 3 mile line is a breeze. Got some great video and good photos to boot! Thankfully the rain held off until we left. All in all it turned out to be a very successful day. I look forward to revisiting the WK&S in September, to see No. 7258 (or No. 602) in operation for the very first time! Enjoy the photos!

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/wks_001.jpg
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Strasburg_Fan, check your PM. I sent you a related question.

motor

According to their 2007 website, http://www.kemptontrain.com

In August, diesels pull the train on Saturdays, steam on Sundays.

In September, diesels pull the train every weekend.

In October, steam pulls the train every weekend.

No trains planned for November, though a special Santa Train is planned for December.

It's a fun little railroad and I encourage everyone to check it out.

-otto-

Otto Vondrak wrote:According to their 2007 website, http://www.kemptontrain.com

In August, diesels pull the train on Saturdays, steam on Sundays.

In September, diesels pull the train every weekend.

In October, steam pulls the train every weekend.

No trains planned for November, though a special Santa Train is planned for December.

It's a fun little railroad and I encourage everyone to check it out.

-otto-

I did and it is.

While a lot of people got married on 7/7/07 and a few others attended or tuned in to Live Earth, I rode the 3:00 WK&S train that day (IIRC they have steam on both Sat. and Sun. and I wanted to ride steam on a Saturday), staying in Reading the night before (I took off from work on Fri. 7/6). I talked about my experience on railfan.net afterwards (I post there under my railroad.net handle).

Thanks, though, Otto, for bumping this for others who want to make the pilgrimage to Kempton.

motor

They cut back on steam in August as it is not as busy as July was.

photo of #65 from my first visit in October, 2005.

WK&S is everything a tourist line should be: Nice people, varied equipment, scenic ride, quiet location away from tourist traps and malls, not hard to get to, great stuff to browse through, perfect for a picnic with the family, always a great place to visit.

I hope to return in June or July for steam...

-otto-

Christian S., who started this thread, organized a steam photo freight which operated on Saturday May 31. It was a very well organized and executed operation; Mr. S. and the WK&S worked well together, and the participants were largely very cooperative (there was very little shouting for people to get out of the photo).
coaling 0-6-0T 65
watering 65
Kempton station
enginehouse
L&NE Whitcomb 602 was also fired up
Wanamaker station and runby in the rain
steamy Trexler runby
65 and 602 together
Farmall tractor and 65 at Kempton
bridge over Ontelaunee Creek
departing Wanamaker station
runby near Wanamaker past pond, with smoke
Hawk Mountain Boy Scout Troop viewing runby at Trexler

Great shots, Bob, thanks for sharing!

Where did you stand for this view?

http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/ ... id=1186186

-otto-

Otto Vondrak wrote:Great shots, Bob, thanks for sharing!

Where did you stand for this view?

http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/ ... id=1186186

-otto-

Up on the hill next to the track; that's a 12x optical telephoto.

Bob

Impressive shots! The overcast conditions gave the pics a nice contrast that bright sunlight wouldn't have.

I visited WK&S briefly on Saturday July 5. 45-Tonner 7258 pulled the 1 PM train, while 65 did some switching.
L&NE Whitcomb 602 was in its usual spot.
When the 1 PM train returned, 65 moved in and 7258 moved out.