Starting out in 1983 with 13 miles of railroad track between Temple and Hamburg, the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) has grown into Pennsylvania’s third largest privately owned railroad. Recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, RBMN has enjoyed unprecedented growth by acquiring miles of additional track, entering into trackage use agreements and securing a steady stream of new customers.
     In 2005, RBMN expanded its passenger service, offering an excursion train that runs through Lehigh Gorge. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad was joined by #425, a 1928 steam powered locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The G-1 Pacific, fresh from a major renovation, leads the pack of 1920s era coaches. The large rows of windows provide ample views of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Lehigh Gorge and the fast moving Lehigh River. Some excursions include a 1927 Pullman car, complete with 10 rooms, plus a snack and beverage service. This view captures the Reading & Northern 4-6-2 #425 along Lake Hauto nearby Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania.