02-12-27 CLASSIC PHOTOS: SEPTA Mid-Winter Trip II

Now in its second decade the annual SEPTA Mid-Winter trip has become a staple of the Mid-Atlantic railfanning social calender. However it had to start somewhere and since the original MWT took place when I was still using a film camera its doubtful that I'll ever go and re-scan the 2 or 3 photos I took on that so this set is about as close as you're going to get to Genesis.

The trip consisted of a ride on the R2 to Wilmington and then straight back through Center City to Norristown where we transfered to a Rt 100 train to 69th St, Rt 101 to Media, R3 to Clifton-Alden, Rt 102 to 69th St again, MFL back downtown and then I assume a Broad Street Subway run again.

If you're interested you can find the complete photo set here

After heading up the Chinese Ramp and through 30th St Station we encounter brand new HHP-8 #651 passing ARSENAL tower with Phase III and IV Amfleet in tow.

A pair of CSX road freight diesels were waiting up on the High Line ramp was we pass ARSENAL tower. The Medium Approach on the home signal is for a Stop at PHIL interlocking to get onto the NEC.

E-60 #607 and other Phase III painted units were waiting out behind the Wilmington Electric Shoppes.

The old PRR roundhouse was in the process of being demolished.

A number of Budd Meteroliners out in the backlot had yet to be transfered to the Bear shoppes. Present are two snack car units in their original PRR/PC paint scheme and one "roof hump" unit painted in Phase III.

Ex-Reading Silverliner IV #137. Look, its still fitted with its original cow catcher!

Amtrak HOOK tower back when the interlocking was still a pneumatic plant.

LAMOKIN tower sadly no longer has an interlocking associated with it since the Chester Creek branch was abandoned, but the tower still stands, although its seen better days.

BALDWIN tower named for the old PRR locomotive supplier in Eddystone, PA.

SEPTA #50, a rebuilt SW1200, was running lite through 30th St station probably en-route to rescue a broken down push-pull set.

SEPTA SL-IV #144 at Norristown.

SEPTA Rt 100 car #144 at the Norristown terminal.

1S signal at Norristown displayed for the next Rt 100 departure across the now ailing Bridgeport Bridge. Note the special power derails to keep cars from rolling out of the terminal tracks.

Suburban K-Cars at 69th St.

Some West Jersey Chapter members disembarking at Media from K-Car #109.

Another view of #109 at the Media terminus.

 SEPTA Airport III #235 pulling into Media about a decade before its eventual retirement.

SL-IV #373 next to #235 at Media.

SEPTA M-4 MFL car #1112 pulling into 69th St as darkness falls.

Well that's (basically) where things all begin. In its 13th incarnation the MWT will celebrate both the old with a trip back to Wilmington and the new by using the RiverLINE-ACL connection.