Not surprising, given the number of volunteer crew that go with 765 when they are on the road. To do two days in a row there has to be an overnight hostler crew to "keep it hot" in addition to the trip operating crew. If they are running long one-day trips, it is prudent to have two qualified engineers, fully-rested for each day, just in case something happens to push the operating day past 12 hours.

Perhaps they might be able to get some help from other regional "steam guys", like 765, 611, or Sugar Creek, that are not currently operating?

I'd be shocked if one of the Fredericksons isn't qualified on 2102.

Uncertain, but I suspect the issue may be the inability to turn 2102 in Port Clinton. I believe the closest wye is about 40 miles from Reading so that's an 80 mile non-revenue run Saturday night just to get the engine turned for Sunday. It's one of those things that may have seemed doable in theory but once they started running the realities said otherwise. Shouldn't be a big deal. If you want steam all the way you just have to ride on Saturday. I like that option better than steam one way with diesel return which would have been the other option.

I suspect this may be an issue as well. When #425 runs, you wye the train at Jim Thorpe, run back to Reading, and then just turn #425 at Port Clinton before you tuck it away for the night. But #2102 has to run to Reading to drop off the train and passengers, then run all the way back up to Haucks to get turned, then return to Port Clinton.

I have also heard mention of crew issues as well, so it's likely a combination of all the factors mentioned.

I kind of like the #2102 on Saturday, F-units on Sunday setup, because I prefer riding behind steam but would like to see the F-units in action. So I could ride Saturday, then chase Sunday while I'm in the area.

Ah yes! That makes sense. Thanks for posting.

Whenever I was in Jim Thorpe they turned 425 on the turn table not the why
Al

I'm not knowledgeable about the dimensions of that turntable, but perhaps the T1 is too big to use it..

I believe the turntable at Jim Thorpe is 100 feet, which can take the 96+ foot wheelbase of a T-1. but I'm not sure in its current condition, including the pit and underlying soil can take the weight.

I also believe the RBMN turntable at Port Clinton is 90 feet, too short for 2102. I don't remember there ever being a wye at Port Clinton but many years ago (steam era) there may have been. RDG did split passenger trains there with part following the Main Line to Pottsville and part following the Little Schuylkill Branch to Tamaqua and on to Shamokin or Newberry; of course, the power had to turn somehow. There was a wye at Tamaqua surrounding the station.

Phil Mulligan

The turntable at Port Clinton is 100% too small to turn 2102.

When I rode the Autumn Foliage Excursion last year, after we disembarked, they wyed #425 and the entire train on the bridge above Jim Thorpe.

While I'm sure its unlikely, it would be nice to see the 2102 turned on the NS wye right there in Reading. I'll be riding July 2nd and am looking forward to being propelled by the 2102 again since the last time I rode behind it as a yute in 1991. Very grateful that the R&N was willing to put in the time effort and cubic dollar to not only bring the 2102 back in service, but also the rolling stock and track to maximize the experience. The end result is nothing short of amazing.

I wouldn't be surprised if the R&N eventually creates turning facilities of some sort, closer to their Outer Reading Station.

I'm looking forward to riding in the open window coaches tomorrow with my fifteen year old son, regardless of how or where they turn the locomotive!

I rode behind the 2101 as a kiddo on the Chessie Steam Special back in 1977, but that was the last time that I have ridden behind a Reading T-1.

I'm eating lunch in Jim Thorpe, having chased #2102 from Reading. Reading & Northern has done it again: Nineteen passenger cars, in the rain, with no diesel assistance. Quite a show

isn't 2102 equip with PTC? If not is it legal to do so?

They don't have to have PTC. The R&N isn't a Class I and they don't have regularly scheduled intercity passenger service