READING COMPANY
==============================
Historical Snapshot: Note: Originally the "Philadelphia & Reading of 1833," the company was successful until the 1880's. It was at this point many entities became involved and control by, and part of, the many Reading (Coal) Companies Followed. Because of possible monopoly the Reading Company was forced to sell off its railroad interests. In 1924 the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad became the new Reading Company. (Loosely referred to as the Reading Railroad Company). January 1, 1941: Company reported operating 2,598 miles of main line and 612 miles of secondary track including spurs, sidings and yard track. January 1, 1961: Company reported operating 2.312 miles of main line and 565 miles os secondary track. There are several books discussing the intracacies of the company. Therefore we will leave further research to the reader. It continued as the Reading (pronounced "Reding") Company until 1971 when it went into bankruptsy along with many other eastern railroads because of the Penn-Central failure and related consequences. The remains of the company became part of Conrail in 1976. The company itself, minus the railroad, continued beyond 2000 selling real estate.
READING 0-4-0T #2
Image, Philidelphia & Reading Co. 0-4-0 #2 Insufficient image for reproduction, for reference only! Built in the Reading shops in 1867, this 0-4-0 tank engine #2 is captured, probably, in a rare builders photo. --------------------READING 4-6-2 #108
Image, Reading RR 4-6-2 Locomotive #108 Order No. RRR108I Image, Reading RR 4-6-2 Locomotive #108 - 11" X 17" Order No. RRR108NI Photograph from the original Paul Eilenberger Collection In this pristine view of a gallant, high-stepping, fully streamlined, Reading G1 4-6-2 locomotive #108 mechanical gace and fluid beauty are well represented. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] 11" by 17" Image, Price - $8.50 [Add To Cart] --------------------READING 0-4-0 #1161
Image, Reading RR 0-4-0 center-cab #1161 Order No. RRR1161I Photograph from the original Paul Eilenburger Collection In this pristine view of a gallant little steed Reading A5a class 0-4-0 center-cab locomotive #1161 is captured in the 1930's. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] --------------------READING 2-8-8-2 #1821
Image, Reading Railroad 2-8-8-2 #1821, 1934 Order No. RRR1821I Image, Reading Railroad 2-8-8-2 #1821, 1934 - 11" X 17" Order No. RRR1821NI Photograph By: Paul EilenBurger. A Reading Class N15D 2-8-8-2 Locomotive #1821 is ready for action. This simple Mallet engine view was taken at Reading, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1934. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] 11" by 17" Image, Price - $8.50 [Add To Cart] --------------------READING 4-8-4 #2124
Image, Reading Railroad 4-8-4 steam loco #2124 Insufficient image for reproduction, for reference only! Reading Railroad 4-8-4 steam locomotive #2124 is seen with passenger train rambling through a wooded area, --------------------READING 2-10-2 #3007
Image, Reading Railroad 2-10-2 steam Locomotive #3007 Order No. RRR3007I Photographer: Charles A. Elston Rutherford, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1946: A Reading Railroad 2-10-2, K-1-sd class, steam locomotive #3007 sits in the yard. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] --------------------
Click here
to return to the section on
CHICAGO/GREAT LAKES AREA & EASTERN RAILROADS
Click here to return to Master Database page.
