Steam Train to the Ice Harvest 2011

Steamtown's CN 3254 pulled passengers from Scranton to the Tobyhanna Ice Harvest Festival on January 15th. With the temperatures rising into the 20's the steam cloud was great as 3254 hit the big climb up to the top of the Pocono Mountains, not stopping until near Tobyhanna because the D-L railroad was working freight there. Once they track was clear the steam train moved into town and passengers disembarked to be bussed over to the ice harvest on Mill Pond #1. This actual harvest fills a small ice house (the old ones were huge) just like in the old days, even using a horse to power the ice up the ramp into the ice house.

An Alco Century, the DL 405, was used as the lead engine in the run back downhill to Scranton since there are no turning facilities at Tobyhanna anymore.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• ice cutting

[Toracube]

Like a giant toy (which in a way, it is) Love that steam sound..

I had a train set as a boy a  long long time ago...

[rollinswitch]

@Toracube These are the machines that moved our goods, people and armies for over one hundred years. Some are still functioning and are fully qualified powerful locomotives moving real people to destinations and following federal railroad regulations.

[reliablebow]

Great opening shot ....sweet, and I like your choices of music in Your vids!

[rollinswitch]

@reliablebow Thanks.

[tinhutjohn]

Brings back memories of one Christmas when I was a kid, catching the CN train in Kitchener Ontario, to go to Stayner to visit my grandparents. Very nice job.

[rollinswitch]

@tinhutjohn Thanks. Steamtown is supposed to be keeping alive the memory and history of the steam locomotive. What you just said proves they are doing just that. I am really glad that they brought back the ice harvest run as it hits two very historical industries and ways of life in one shot. The steam train and ice cutting were interlocked.

[guitboxchicken]

I see they are not taking any chances this year! I remember hearing that the 3254 burned a bearing up near Tobyhanna one year. Gotta love 3254's whistle! ...and her stack talk working hard up that grade! ...come to think of it, there isn't much not to love about 3254!