Members are encouraged to contact Olev Taremae or an ARHS Board Member to present their programs or contacts of people who can present programs related to Anthracite Railroads, e.g., slides, films, videos, DVD’s, or digital programs, or visits to model railroads, as programs are continually needed.
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Wrecking Cranes on the Anthracite Railroads
In the steam and transition eras, wrecking cranes were essential to Anthracite railroad operations. In those days, railroads cleaned up incidents with their own equipment and workers. Heavy-duty cranes, called wrecking cranes, derricks or “the big hook”, were kept on standby at engine facilities.
The Anthracite railroads used an interesting range of wrecking cranes, based on traffic levels, motive power and general prosperity. RDG, LVRR and DL&W each had a dozen or more over the years. Smaller CNJ, L&NE and L&HR had a handful or only one.
This presentation will feature rosters, drawings and photos of wreckers at rest and in action. It includes details about how wrecking cranes were managed and used on the anthracite railroads, based on official documents and reports from retired employees. Railfans, historians and modelers will find a wealth of information to illuminate their understanding of these complex and essential machines.
Click here to access this webinar on Zoom >
Gary Pancavage decided to do a program on Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and later, BNSF in the Tehachapi Pass area in Southern California in the 1990's.
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Bob's program for the October show is “Riding with John Endler”. It will be a compilation of slides on a 1950’s-era transcontinental passenger train ride to the Pacific coast and back again.
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