Jacks Narrows

Jacks Narrows
Westbound Centipedes lead a freight through Jacks Narrows. What a classic Pennsy image this is. The Appalachian Mountains consist of a series of ancient ridges. One of the largest is Jacks Mountain seen here. The Juniata River takes a break from its gentle valley landscape to slice right through several Appalachian ridges, as seen here in Jacks Narrows. Leading this freight train are Baldwin Centipedes, originally intended for passenger service, these behemoths have now been downgraded and regeared for freight and pusher service. The multi-track mainline, the terrain, and the Baldwin Centipedes make this a classic and undeniable Pennsy portrait. F.R. Kern photograph.

Friday, May 23, 2014


As the Juniata River cuts its way through the Appalachian ridges, the Middle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad uses these ancient cuts on its way to reach west.  This a classic Pennsy portrait of an M1 locomotive crossing a distinctively PRR stone arch bridge.  The low trail of steam and smoke speaks to speed.  The flat car behind the locomotive appears to be a spacer car for a massive steel bridge beam.

This is from a small collection of PRR photographs by Wayne Brumbaugh, a train dispatcher for the New Haven Railroad.  I will post other photographs from this collection.  They are apparently all taken during the late 1940s (1946 to 1949).  There are no diesels in the photos and they provide a good look at the PRR in the years following World War II.  The effects of the war and heavy traffic are still evident on the locomotives and rolling stock.

Wayne Brumbaugh photograph, Bob's Photos.
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