Hello all, I am newcomer to the Trainboard, but I think I have had some serious pent-up trainfanning in me for a long time... Does anyone have ANY information on the Bustleton Branch? This is an approximately 4.5 mile branch of track that connects the NEC with several light industrial sites in Northeast Philadelphia. To me it is a fascinating little line. It starts out at HOLMESBURG JUNCTION on the NEC. It winds along the Pennypack creek, in Pennypack Park. It then slides along several residential neighborhoods. It runs along the perimeter of Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and serves (to my knowledge), a beer distribution center, a box company, and a maybe a light steel fabrication company. Who runs it? Is it still active? Has anyone modelled it as a layout? I grew up in two different houses near to the line. The first was very close to the junction. The second was nearer the airport and the industries. It has always fascinated me and now that I am getting back into the railroad hobby, I think I would really like to know more. It just appears that info is pretty sparse (at least through web searches). Thanks in advance.
Hi, Mark. Try this for some of your questions:http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...143,-75.023704&spn=0.005422,0.009645&t=h&z=17 ...by jumping from Satellite to Map you can follow the route, see cars in the active (at that time) industries, and even some track locations now gone. Hey, it's a start ! Bob C.
As this is on the NEC, it would have been PRR/PC/Conrail. I don't know that Amtrak or SEPTA perform any freight service, and have reason to believe Conrail (Shared Assets), still operates the track...http://www.trainweb.org/railpix/csa1.html . Was checking Google "Street-View for logos on RR bridges, but Conrail didn't go in for that stuff, but could help with layout/structure/ infrastructure info! Just my best guess...Bob C.
I did a search... ...on Google using Penn Central Buselton Branch which turned up a wikipedia page of interest. I occasion Wyndmoor for business at a heat treating plant there and the grounds are laced with old rails in cobblestone and you'll cross over old lines/grade crossings. There's still a few catenary structures with nothing but grass growing under them. You can make out the lay of the land by the way the catenary supports trace the tree tops and between buildings. The wiki page explains most of it. Further- found this- RAILROAD.NET View topic - Bustleton Branch Trains
The Google Earth and Wiki pages are helpful for sure. Definitely a prototype that could be satisfactorily modeled. A lot of potential for something mid-century... remember, Philadelphia was lauded as the "Workshop of the World" in the early 20th C.... I am still curious about the present-day operations and owners however. Is it possible that one or more of the industries owns their own motive power? If so, what are the rules of the road and who regulates traffic? After all, we ARE talking about a direct link to the NEC. A lot of 80 mph traffic flying past that junction! Thanks for the replies gents!
Some more, Mark, if you haven't found this yet... "The Bustleton Branch, Frankford Street Branch, Engleside Branch, Midvale Branch and a stub of the Kensington & Tacony Branch along Tioga St. are still operated by Conrail. The Fairhill Branch, Oxford Road Branch, and the remainder of the K&T Branch were abandoned during the 1980s."...from here...http://en.allexperts.com/e/d/da/david_fanshaw.htm ...and maybe some more of interest on the area. I have no personal knowledge of this "Branch", but expect it is "Industrial" track...usually meaning the crew has permission by phone or radio from the controller (Dispatcher, Yardmaster, Customer) of the area, to use (operate) on the track(s) at "Restricted" speed. The crew then "does the work" on their own (pull, place drill cars), and returns to the switch/signal; where they entered, or tie up for relief in a good location, and report for instructions. If the branch covers lots of distance, has large customers (with their qwn locos/crews), or another railroad sharing the access, some sort of more rigid authority may have to be applied. I'm startin' ta ramble...will listen for a while. Bob C.
Good stuff! Thanks for that Bob. I may have to do a little Railfanning soon. Might even see about a quick call to one of the industries and see what they are willing to tell me... I'll post back if I learn more.
Just another goodie, if this works (computers are not friendly with me): http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...243,-75.020726&spn=0.001346,0.002411&t=h&z=19 ... may be this engine; http://www.zazzle.com/penn_eastern_rail_lines_gp_10_2202_card-137370539870433838 ...and a couple of videos...[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaseTTQzaV8"]YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia]...which you CAN coordinate with the Google satellite/earth for more information. Lotsa Luck. Bob C.
Wow, for someone who isn't computer friendly you seem to do well enough! That image sort of has to be that engine in the sat photo doesn't it? Would you consider that non-operating, or just really run-down? lol I think I need to take a drive...
