It looks like I'll be going on the road for business next week. Destination: Hatfield, PA which is northwest of Philadelphia. Does anybody know the area? I'm looking more for railfanning opportunities, but will entertain any N-scale places of interest. Google map shows "Reading" on the rail line going through Hatfield. Is this NS or CSX? Is anybody here close by?
If Altoona is anywhere in that area you could check out Horshoe Curve. You won't be disappointed. Great place! I haven't been there in years, but I would love to go back someday with a camera. Sorry, I just looked at a map and saw that Altoona is about 240 miles from Philly. Still, it is a great place for railfanning. [ June 09, 2005, 01:52 AM: Message edited by: ditSteve ]
When you get there, ask how close you are to New Hope. I think it's pretty close. The New Hope and Ivyland is a tourist Steamer line there, well preserved, nice trip. Former Reading lines.
Rich The old Reading line that runs through Hatfield is now part of SEPTA. On the line above Lansdale there is very little service. There is some local freight but they are infrequent. I have seen a CSX local going through Telford. Also the upper portion of the line out of Quakertown is serviced by East Penn. I have caught their local in Sellersville. Below Lansdale the line is used by SEPTA commuter trains. There used to be a yard in Lansdale that had some service and I think there used to a locomotive there during the day. To have a decant chance of seeing anything you are going to have to drive. Norfolk Southern’s line that runs along the Schuylkill River (ex-Reading main line from Philadelphia to Reading) is very busy all day long. You may have to wait a while but there a re generally several trains a day along the line. The problem is that you are looking at a 30 to 40 minute drive from Hatfield if traffic cooperates. As far as New Hope goes you are about 45 minutes to an hour away from there. Again traffic can be an issue as you have to travel across Bucks County. The NH&I is a great little railroad. The station is great looking and the steam trains run most of the day. The town itself is great for shopping and its ambiance. If you are looking for a sure a thing as far as trains then go to New Hope. The NH&I website is : http://www.newhoperailroad.com/
