MP&RE GALLERY
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Restoring class NMn composite caboose #92938 (Reading Shop 1942). The last of the class retired in 1969 and donated to Hersheypark.
Baldwin switcher DS44-1000 #702 was built in Eddystone PA and is the only Baldwin model in our collection. Reading bought a total of 44 between 1946 and 1949, making them the most numerous switcher on the roster. It has not been started in some time but is complete.
This is a typical welded mill gondola that was used to ship anything from finished steel shapes to scrap. One of 2 Reading Class GHo models in our collection, the 31405 was built in 1956 by Bethlehem Steel of Johnstown PA. It has an inside length of 65′ 6″.
Electric multiple unit car #9111 was built in 1931 and rebuilt in 1964 at the Reading Passenger Car Shop. Nicknamed “Blueliner”, this particular one is the last of the Blues to retain the original as rebuilt interior. The traction motors have been removed so it can be used as a coach for excursions.
Engine 5513 – A fair amount of overhaul work has been performed on the 5513. Rusted cab side panels have been replaced, holes in the nose have been fixed, and a rebuilt turbocharger has been installed. Two new power assemblies have been installed in 2025, and the exterior is being prepared for a full repainting in 2026.
This EMD SW1200 switcher (RDG #2719) was built for the Reading in 1963 and has been donated to us as a result of a 20+ year promise being kept between a member of the Society and a friend who ended up in a position to make this happen. The locomotive is presently barred from use by Federal law and RCT&HS must submit yearly static display only reports as a condition of the donation. On cab roof, the inverted vee rain gutters were removed and replaced with a horizontal rain gutter-sunshade appliance. A cab roof vent skate radio antenna was added. Firecracker antenna removed.
Member Stephen Brodecki prepares a wooden “catwalk” for installation on the Hershey Caboose. The Railcar Protection building allows us to do our work all year round out of the elements plus keeps the finished cars and engines protected from Mother Nature.
EMD NW2 103 was found by a member sitting at Warner Sand and Gravel and what do you know, it was donated soon thereafter by the owners. The only major work done to it since it was built in 1947 was a rebuild of wiring and contacts in the cab in 2016. In 2026 it is operational and used to move equipment around the Museum yard. The photo shows the units being started in 2022.
In 2017 an effort was started to repair the leaking roof to preserve the fabulous mahogany interior. Private car enthusiasts from across the country helped Society volunteers on how to illuminate the car’s interior while on static display and maintain the car systems. A “Reading Company Business Car 15” Facebook page was created to inform interested observers of progress towards stated goals to return the car to its modernized 1947 appearance.
A milestone was reached when the Society had an equipment protection building designed and built to house critical items in the collection, including Car 15, in 2022. While under cover the car is being prepared for painting with one side ready for priming. The other side will be undertaken in 2026 after another track into the building is connected to allow movement of the car.
Lounge interior
Like Car 15, Reading Class NEb wide vision caboose #94116 is like new inside but needs a full exterior paint job. The car was built by International Car in 1971 and went to Delaware and Hudson as part of the ConRail startup. It was donated to the RCT&HS by D&H via Canadian Pacific.
EMD GP39-2 3412 was one of twenty units acquired of this type by the Reading Company in 1974. After being allocated to the Delaware & Hudson Railroad upon the startup of Conrail in 1976, it wound up on CSX where it operated for many years. It was donated to the Society in 2019 by CSX in full operating condition. The unit is being restored to the as delivered appearance and will eventually be repainted. The unit is positioned strategically in the display yard to move equipment as needed.
“Remembering our Past Volunteers.” Some still here, some long gone. Included are: Paul Ganter, Rick Hoffmeister, John Stoudt, Ed Donahue, Bill Bubeck, Warren Berstler, Mike Bast, Dave Johnston, Butch Mielke, Rick Bates, Jamie Johnston, and Tim Wiedner.