Reading and Northern Passenger Department profile

The Reading and Northern Railroad’s Passenger Department operates excursions through beautiful mountain landscape.

Steam locomotive being viewed by spectators — Reading & Northern No. 2102 is displayed at Jim Thorpe, Pa. The 4-8-4 is part of the railroad’s excursion program. Reading & Northern

The Reading and Northern Passenger Department operates a variety of excursions that serve the dual purpose of goodwill towards the community and promoting freight on the regional railroad. Most noticeable is the Iron Horse Rambles behind 4-8-4 steam locomotive No. 2102, an all-day excursion originating at the company’s Reading Outer Station through beautiful mountain landscape to the picturesque Victorian town of Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Choices

Standard excursions by the Reading and Northern Passenger Department throughout the year utilize historic self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars built by the Budd Company in the 1950s. Special excursions with steam and diesel locomotives during the summer, autumn and winter seasons feature a variety of options such as standard coach, “Crown Class” coach, First Class dome car, Lounge Car, as well as open-air cars.

RDC parked on siding — A Reading & Northern awaits departure from Pottsville, Pa., during a 2024 excursion. Reading & Northern

When to go

The Iron Horse Rambles all-day excursion from Reading to Jim Thorpe is a must with newly restored 4-8-4 steam locomotive No. 2102 as the motive power. Check the company’s website as these trips are usually scheduled on selected weekends from May to October.

Good to know

In addition to boarding at their Reading Outer Station, Reading & Northern excursions also have boarding opportunities at Port Clinton, Tamaqua, Schuylkill Haven, and Pottsville.

Worth doing

While in Jim Thorpe, passengers may opt to ride the popular Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway’s 70-minute excursion featuring a route not usually traversed during the other excursions. Steam power is also provided on selected days, usually with Reading & Northern’s 4-6-2 No. 425.