Helper Operations on the PHCRR

[Eastern Roads]

We were out on the Penn-Haven Central the other day, and caught an Eastbound coming up the Branch heading to Farmingdale. We were lucky to get the first pic, as the train was going slow as it got ready to cross over Quarry Bridge...



The set of F-Units head on by over the Bridge, leaning into the tonnage...



As we turn in the other direction, we see the rest of the train coming up the Mountain:



And we see that the F-Units aren't the only power on this train as we see the Cabin Car (caboose for you non- PRR types!) I guess those General Motors needed some help from a REAL locomotive!



We finally get a good look at the Helper today, an Alco pushing cab reverse on the back of the train...



The Helper has it's headlights on for added security for the rear of the train, as it goes around the bend



Our intrepid photographer catches the lead units crossing over Curved Bridge halfway up the Mountain. This guy is good!



The Eastbound heads over the last bridge before it leaves Helper Territory with the Alco faithfully pushing at the rear.




We finally get a close up of the Alco that helped our Eastbound to it's destination, ready to cut loose.



The Eastbound, not needing the extra horsepower goes on without the Alco, past the RR President's Home...



One of the crew throws the switch for the Alco...



And the big engine gets parked at the Helper Base, awaiting the next call to duty...

[Allegany2666]

Can't wait til they finish building the branch line connecting the Jackson & South Manchester to the Penn-Haven Central, but you know the way the union boys are here in Jersey it may take months to finish

[Eastern Roads]

Yeah, I'm waiting for that renegade outfit to finally get their act together so some interchange service can start to happen here!

When's the first spike go in????

[Allegany2666]

Ah hard to tell you know those union boys and their negation for trackage rights, plus we'll need a pretty good deal on flex track. I figure about 7 or 8 miles worth ought to do the trick.