The Strasburg Railroad

Defining America 1915

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All Photographs Copyright © 2008-2011 by Robert E Pence

Strasburg Railroad was founded in 1832 and served through World Wars I and II. By 1958, victim of
diminishing freight revenues and a series of destructive storms, the railroad had descended into
inoperability and a petition had been filed for abandonment. A group of rail enthusiasts/investors
purchased the line and over the years the tourist operation has grown from one gasoline locomotive
and passenger car to the wonderful collection of restored historic rolling stock and thriving operation
it is today.

At each end of the trip between Strasburg and Paradise the locomotive runs around the train. The locomotive is always on the leading end of the train,
although when running from Strasburg to Paradise the locomotive is backing up.

It's time to take a ride.

Paradise, Pennsylvania. In the words of the conductor, "Take a good look, folks. This may be as close as some of you get to Paradise."

Waiting at Groff's Grove to meet the opposing train.

That's all for Strasburg. Across the road is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

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