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{{Original research|date=October 2021}}{{short description|Small heritage railroad based in Eastern Pennsylvania}}
{{distinguish|New Hope Valley Railway}}
{{Distinguish|New Hope Valley Railway}}
{{Infobox rail
{{Infobox rail
|railroad_name = New Hope Railroad
|railroad_name = New Hope Railroad
|logo = New_Hope_Railroad_Logo.png
|logo = New_Hope_Railroad_Logo_2020.png
|logo_size = 100px
|logo_size =
|logo_alt =
|logo_alt =
|system_map =
|system_map =
Line 9: Line 10:
|map_size =
|map_size =
|map_alt =
|map_alt =
|image = New_Hope_Railroad_No._40_at_New_Hope_Station.jpg
|image = NHRR 40 at New Hope Station.jpg
|image_size = Steam locomotive No. 40 at New Hope Station
|image_size =
|image_caption = No. 40 at New Hope Station in May 2019
|image_alt =
|image_alt =
|marks = NHRR
|marks = NHRR
|locale = [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania]]
|locale = [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
|start_year = {{Start date|1966}}
|start_year = {{Start date|1966}}
|end_year = present
|end_year = present
|predecessor_line =
|predecessor_line =
|successor_line =
|successor_line =
|gauge = <!-- This needs to be able to handle two current gauges. -->
|gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}<!-- This needs to be able to handle two current gauges. -->
|old_gauge = <!-- This needs a separate line -->
|old_gauge = <!-- This needs a separate line -->
|electrification =
|electrification =
|length = {{convert|18|mi}}
|length = {{convert|18|mi}}
|hq_city = [[New Hope, Pennsylvania]]
|hq_city = [[New Hope, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
|website = {{URL|www.newhoperailroad.com}}
|website = {{URL|www.newhoperailroad.com}}
|routemap = {{NHRR line|inline=1}}
|routemap = {{NHRR line|inline=1}}
}}
}}
The '''New Hope Railroad''' {{reporting marks|NHRR}}<ref name="railinc">{{cite web|url=https://www.railinc.com/findusrail/pub/mark/search.do?fwd=init|title=Reporting Mark Search|publisher=Railinc|access-date=4 March 2010}}</ref> is a [[shortline railroad|shortline]] and [[heritage railway|heritage railroad]] located in [[New Hope, Pennsylvania]] which operates both [[Steam locomotive|steam]] and [[Diesel locomotive|diesel]] powered locomotives. The railroad is an associate member of [[Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee|NORAC]].
The '''New Hope Railroad''' {{reporting marks|NHRR}},<ref name="railinc">{{cite web|url=https://www.railinc.com/findusrail/pub/mark/search.do?fwd=init|title=Reporting Mark Search|publisher=Railinc|access-date=4 March 2010|archive-date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715150949/https://www.railinc.com/findusrail/pub/mark/search.do?fwd=init|url-status=dead}}</ref> formerly and colloquially known as the '''New Hope and Ivyland Railroad''' and '''New Hope Steam Railway and Museum''', is a [[shortline railroad|shortline]] and [[heritage railway|heritage railroad]] located in [[New Hope, Pennsylvania]]. Today, the railroad operates both [[Steam locomotive|steam]] and [[Diesel locomotive|diesel]] powered locomotives and is an associate member of [[Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee]].


==Services==
==Services==


===Heritage===
===Heritage===
The heritage operations utilize both [[Steam locomotive|steam]] and [[Diesel Locomotive|diesel]] powered locomotives for excursion trips out of [[New Hope, Pennsylvania|New Hope]]. Regular NHRR excursions are 45–50 minutes long with trains running every hour on the hour between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM (with a 5:00 PM 90-minute trip to Buckingham on weekends). The railroad mostly uses former [[Reading Company]] passenger cars, which date between 1914 and 1932, for excursions.
The heritage operations use both [[Steam locomotive|steam]] and [[Diesel Locomotive|diesel]] powered locomotives for excursion trips out of [[New Hope, Pennsylvania|New Hope]]. Regular NHRR excursions typically operate between New Hope and Lahaska, with some occasionally going to Buckingham Valley. The railroad mostly uses former [[Reading Company]] passenger cars, which date between 1914 and 1932, for excursions.

A semi-regular operation has recently began in [[Lansdale, Pennsylvania]] on the former Reading Bethlehem Branch between [[Lansdale station]] and Souderton Station in [[Souderton, Pennsylvania]].


===Freight===
===Freight===
NHRR is involved in the import and export of raw materials and manufactured products. Freight customers range from national chemical companies to consumer product manufacturers. NHRR interchanges with [[Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad]] in Johnsville, which in turn interchanges with [[CSX Transportation]] in [[Lansdale, Pennsylvania|Lansdale]]. NHRR's primary customers are based in Warminster; [[CRC Industries]], [[Castrol]], and Double H Plastics are served on a weekly basis.
NHRR is involved in the import and export of raw materials and manufactured products. Freight customers range from national chemical companies to consumer product manufacturers. NHRR interchanges with [[Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad]] in Johnsville, which in turn interchanges with [[CSX Transportation]] in [[Lansdale, Pennsylvania|Lansdale]]. NHRR's primary customers are based in Warminster; [[CRC Industries]], [[Castrol]] and Double H Plastics are served on a weekly basis.


==History==
==History==
The line currently operated by the New Hope Railroad was originally known as the New Hope Branch of the [[Reading Company]] (RDG), which leased the [[North Pennsylvania Railroad]], of which it was a part. The railroad ran as far as Hartsville Station (near Bristol Road) until March 29, 1891, when the line was extended to the long-desired terminal of New Hope, Pennsylvania.<ref name=pawson/>
[[File:First train to New Hope, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|left|The first train to New Hope in 1891]]
The line currently operated by the New Hope Railroad was originally known as the New Hope Branch of the [[Reading Company]] (RDG), which leased it to the [[North Pennsylvania Railroad]], of which it was a part. The railroad ran as far as Hartsville Station (near Bristol Road, which eventually became Ivyland) until March 29, 1891, when the line was extended to the long-desired terminal of New Hope, Pennsylvania.<ref name=pawson/>
[[File:First train to New Hope, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|left|First train to New Hope.]]
A decade after June 1952, when Hatboro-New Hope passenger service terminated, RDG's financial situation was precarious. Looking to rid themselves of unprofitable branch lines via abandonment, a group of train aficionados and businessmen led by Philadelphia attorney Kenneth Souser established Steam Trains, Inc. with the goal of operating steam trains on a for-profit basis.<ref name="Ride the New Hope Line!">{{cite book|last1=Balkin|first1=Marc|title=Ride the New Hope Line!|date=2007|publisher=Mark I Videos}}</ref> Steam Trains, Inc. became organized as the '''New Hope & Ivyland Railroad'' (NHIR), and on June 20, 1966, the 16.7-mile line was sold for $200,000.<ref name=pawson>{{Cite book| last = Pawson | first = John R. | title = Delaware Valley Rails: The Railroads and Rail Transit Lines of the Philadelphia Area | publisher = John R. Pawson | year = 1979 | location = [[Willow Grove, Pennsylvania]] | pages = 115–117 | isbn = 0-9602080-0-3}}</ref>


In 1932, steam powered trains above Hatboro were replaced with a [[Doodlebug (rail car)|Doodlebug]] after electric service was introduced between Hatboro and Philadelphia. In June 1952, Hatboro-New Hope passenger service terminated. In the early 1960s, the RDG's financial situation was precarious. Looking to rid themselves of unprofitable branch lines via abandonment, a group of train aficionados and businessmen led by Philadelphia attorney Kenneth Souser established Steam Trains, Inc. with the goal of operating steam trains on a for-profit basis.<ref name="Ride the New Hope Line!">{{cite book|last1=Balkin|first1=Marc|title=Ride the New Hope Line!|date=2007|publisher=Mark I Videos}}</ref> Steam Trains, Inc. became organized as the '''New Hope & Ivyland Railroad'' (NHIR), and on June 20, 1966, the 16.7-mile line was sold for $200,000.<ref name=pawson>{{Cite book| last = Pawson | first = John R. | title = Delaware Valley Rails: The Railroads and Rail Transit Lines of the Philadelphia Area | publisher = John R. Pawson | year = 1979 | location = [[Willow Grove, Pennsylvania]] | pages = 115–117 | isbn = 0-9602080-0-3}}</ref>
Steam Trains, Inc. started their operations on a high note, often in an extravagant fashion. The company leased freight locomotives from RDG, and used only hired labor to operate their excursions. The "air rights" over the Southern portion of the line from Ivyland to just north of Almshouse Road, were sold to the former Philadelphia Electric Company (now [[Exelon]]) in order to stay solvent. Steam Trains, Inc. declared bankruptcy on June 5, 1970.<ref name=pawson/> Operations continued under a court-appointed trustee.


Steam Trains, Inc. started their operations on August 6, 1966 on a high note, often in an extravagant fashion, with the purchase of four steam locomotives and seven passenger cars. The company leased freight locomotives from RDG, and used only hired labor to operate their excursions. The "air rights" over the Southern portion of the line from Ivyland to just north of Almshouse Road, were sold to the former [[Philadelphia Electric Company]] (now [[Exelon]]) in order to stay solvent. Due to extremely low ticket prices to generate sales that led to no additional income of riders, Steam Trains, Inc. declared bankruptcy on June 5, 1970.<ref name=pawson/> Operations continued under a court-appointed trustee.
The Bucks County Industrial Development Corporation (BCIDC) purchased the trackage from the Steam Trains, Inc. in early 1974 to "preserve rail service through the center of Bucks County."<ref name="New Hope RR">New Hope Railroad. [http://www.newhoperailroad.com/history.cfm "History."] Accessed 2011-01-22. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120716220147/https://www.newhoperailroad.com/history.cfm archive]</ref> The county selected McHugh Brothers Heavy Hauling, Inc. to operate freight service over the line via a lease agreement.<ref name=pawson /> McHugh Brothers continued hauling freight with Edward L. McHugh as president until his departure in 1989.<ref name="New Hope RR" /> By the summer of 1976, the railroad received state funding to rehabilitate crumbling infrastructure that sorely needed fixing. By August 1977, volunteers from the Buckingham Valley Trolley Association [BVTA] (now the [[Electric City Trolley Museum|Electric City Trolley Museum Association]]) were operating state-sponsored passenger service connecting the touristy town of New Hope with SEPTA/[[Conrail]] commuter trains at Warminster.<ref name=pawson /> Bucks County had made a wise investment, as both passenger and freight service flourished during the 1970s once track upgrades were made. Finally, on June 30, 1979, NHRR finally emerged from its decade-long bankruptcy.<ref name="New Hope RR" />


[[File:NHRR No. 40, 2198, 5577.jpg|thumb|New Hope Railroad 2-8-0 40, GP30 2198, and SD40-2 5577]]
Beginning July 3, 1980, volunteers of the New Hope Steam Railway (NHOP) resumed weekend excursion service after the BVTA decided to end it. The NHOP ran trains under a lease agreement with the BCIDC until 1990, when the line and its equipment were once again in a state of decay and disrepair.<ref name="New Hope RR" /> The McHugh Bros. operated NHIR until 1989 when their lease ended and the [[Morristown & Erie Railway|Morristown & Erie]] was contracted to operate the railroad.<ref name="Ride the New Hope Line!"/> The BCIDC sold the line outright to the for-profit Bucks County Railroad Preservation and Restoration Corporation (BCRP&RC) in 1990, who slowly began to rebuild the railroad to its current state of good repair. BCRP&RC is the official corporate structure, doing business as the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (NHRR). The name is often abbreviated to "New Hope Railroad".
The Bucks County Industrial Development Corporation (BCIDC) purchased the trackage from the Steam Trains, Inc. in early 1974 to "preserve rail service through the center of Bucks County."<ref name="New Hope RR">New Hope Railroad. [http://www.newhoperailroad.com/history.cfm "History."] Accessed 2011-01-22. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120716220147/https://www.newhoperailroad.com/history.cfm archive]</ref> The county selected McHugh Brothers Heavy Hauling, Inc. to operate freight service over the line via a lease agreement.<ref name=pawson /> McHugh Brothers continued hauling freight with Edward L. McHugh as president until his departure in 1989.<ref name="New Hope RR" />


By the summer of 1976, the railroad received state funding to rehabilitate crumbling infrastructure that sorely needed fixing. By August 1977, volunteers from the Buckingham Valley Trolley Association [BVTA] (now the [[Electric City Trolley Museum|Electric City Trolley Museum Association]]) were operating state-sponsored passenger service connecting the touristy town of New Hope with SEPTA/[[Conrail]] commuter trains at Warminster.<ref name=pawson /> Bucks County had made a wise investment, as both passenger and freight service flourished during the 1970s once track upgrades were made. Finally, on June 30, 1979, NHRR finally emerged from its decade-long bankruptcy.<ref name="New Hope RR" />
==Stations and trackage==<!--Reformatting suggested-->


Beginning July 3, 1980, volunteers of the New Hope Steam Railway (NHOP) resumed weekend excursion service after the BVTA decided to end it. The NHOP ran trains under a lease agreement with the BCIDC until 1990, when the line and its equipment were once again in a state of decay and disrepair.<ref name="New Hope RR" /> The McHugh Bros. operated NHIR until 1989 when their lease ended and the [[Morristown & Erie Railway|Morristown & Erie]] was contracted to operate the railroad.<ref name="Ride the New Hope Line!"/> The BCIDC sold the line outright to the for-profit Bucks County Railroad Preservation and Restoration Corporation (BCRP&RC) in 1990, who slowly began to rebuild the railroad to its current state of good repair.<ref name="Ride the New Hope Line!"/> In 1993, the reporting mark was changed to NHRR. BCRP&RC is the official corporate structure, doing business as the New Hope Railroad.
NHRR is a [[single track (rail)|single-track]] railroad with [[passing siding]]s at Deer Park, Lahaska, Buckingham Valley, [[Wycombe, Pennsylvania|Wycombe]] and [[Ivyland, Pennsylvania|Ivyland]]. Deer Park is used as a passing siding for passenger trains during the Christmas season. Lahaska serves as the terminus point for the majority of the railroad's excursions. The siding at Buckingham Valley was the original terminus of excursions until the 1980s, and remains empty. At Wycombe, a number of out of service diesel locomotives, the railroad's vintage freight car fleet, and auxiliary [[Long Island Rail Road]] commuter coaches are stored. At Ivyland, a series of sidings are present for freight operations out of Johnsville Yard.

A number of stub tracks also exist on NHRR. At Buckingham Valley, a small siding that once served the Buckingham Valley Trolley Association is presently used as a Repair-in-Progress, or RIP-track, for maintenance-of-way crews. At Wycombe, the team track once used for [[less-than-carload]] deliveries is utilized as maintenance of way siding. At Grenoble, another siding created by severing the southern switch of a passing siding is present. This siding once held a number of pieces of equipment, but today only passenger car 1542 remains "on" this siding as it was flipped over onto its side by vandals. At Ivyland exists another RIP-track, typically used for storing MoW equipment. The final siding on the railroad is in Johnsville Yard at Warminster on the North side of the Street Road crossing. This siding is used for short-term storage of interchange freight equipment and storing the diesel locomotive assigned to freight service when not in use.

No [[Signalling block system|block signalization]] exists on NHRR; however, almost all highway [[level crossing|grade crossings]] have been modernized with full [[Grade crossing signals|signals]] and gates.

The stations along the NHRR were:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Station Name
!Locality
!Milepost
!Passenger Facilities
!Notes

|-
|New Hope
|[[New Hope, Pennsylvania]]
|25.5
|Combination Freight/Passenger station
|32 West Bridge Street in downtown New Hope. Used as NHRR's ticket office. The ex-Reading freight house is used as a gift shop, with a third building constructed in the 1990s as a café for riders.
|-
|''Huffnagle''
|[[Solebury Township, Pennsylvania|Solebury Township]]
|24.8
|Original, Wooden shelter. No evidence of station is left.
|Originally known as Huffnagle, then Rosenthal. Became Hood after demolition of station.
|-
|''Reeder''
|Solebury Township
|23.6
|Original: Wooden Shelter.
|Named after Eastburn Reeder, Pennsylvania's first dairy/farm commissioner.
|-
|Deer Park
|Solebury Township
|23.5
|No station present.
|Passing siding named after local area. Constructed 2019.
|-
|Lahaska
|[[Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Buckingham Township]]
|21.4
|Original: Combination Freight/Passenger station. Currently a wooden platform (not used).
|Destination for regular hourly excursions, original building relocated after termination of passenger service in 1952 and is currently in use as a private residence.
|-
|''Bycot''
|Buckingham Township
|20.4
|Passenger station, removed around 1952.
|Only stone station on the line.
|-
|None Such Farms
|Buckingham Township
|18.6
|Currently no station present
|While never an official station on NHRR or RDG timetables, it does serve as the terminus for NHRR's "Buckingham Valley" train and various dinner trains, worth to note.
|-
|Buckingham Valley
|Buckingham Township
|18.6
|Current/Original Combination Freight/Passenger station
|Destination for regular hourly excursions prior to the late 1980s, original station building demolished in 1953, current structure from the Pickering Branch near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
|-
|''Montessori School''
|Buckingham Township
|16.2
|Passenger station, removed around 1952.
|One of three destinations used for RDG's Commutation School Passes
|-
|Wycombe
|Buckingham Township
|15.7
|Combination Freight/Passenger station
|Built to the same design as the Lahaska Station, current destination for railroad's "Fall Foliage" excursions.
|-
|''Little Italy''
|Buckingham Township
|14.5
|Passenger station, removed around 1952.
|Original location of station unknown,
|-
|Rushland
|[[Wrightstown Township, Pennsylvania|Wrightstown Township]]
|13.8
|Combination Freight/Passenger station
|Freight station built from converted RDG 40-foot wooden boxcar # 13914
|-
|''Grenoble''
|[[Northampton Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Northampton Township]]
|12.2
|Passenger station, removed around 1952.
|Station relocated to hillside at some point with trails leading down to the platform
|-
|''Traymore''
|[[Warwick Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Warwick Township]]
|10.9
|Passenger station, removed around 1952.
|Relocated from the North Pennsylvania Railroad around 1890
|-
|''Ivyland''
|[[Ivyland, Pennsylvania]]
|9.4
|Combination Freight/Passenger station
|Reportedly moved to an unknown location after passenger service ended<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120716220147/https://www.newhoperailroad.com/history.cfm</ref>
|-
|Johnsville
|[[Warminster Township, Pennsylvania|Warminster]]
|8.3
|Original, Wooden shelter. No evidence of station is left.
|Station area's yard still exists as yard for NHRR/PN. Division point for NHRR/SEPTA.
|-
|}

''Italicized stations are no longer in existence''

==Roster==

The New Hope Railroad operates both steam and diesel in revenue passenger service. Their fleet of diesels usually hauls their regular 45-minute excursions, with [[steam locomotive]] [[New Hope & Ivyland 40|No. 40]] utilized for special events. Diesel locomotives are also primarily used for freight operations.

Passenger excursions typically consist of 3–5 former RDG coaches built between 1914 and 1932; total NHRR passenger car count is 27, eleven of which are currently in service. The only locomotives owned by the corporate structure of the NHRR are Nos. 40 and 1533.


==Equipment==
===Locomotives===
===Locomotives===
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;"

|+Locomotive details<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/steam-locomotive-40/|title=Steam Locomotive No. 40|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.newhoperailroad.com/diesel-locomotive-8218/|title=Diesel Locomotive No. 8218|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/diesel-locomotive-2198/|title=Diesel Locomotive No. 2198|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Number !! Type !! Images !! Wheel arrangement !! Builder !! Built !! Former Owner !! Status
! Number
! Class/Type
! Builder
! Built
! Heritage
! Notes
! In Service
|-
|-
| [[New Hope Railroad 40|40]] || Steam || [[File:New_Hope_Railroad_No._40.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || [[2-8-0]] || [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]] || 1925 || [[Lancaster and Chester Railroad]] || Operational
|[[New Hope & Ivyland 40|40]]
|[[2-8-0]]
|[[Baldwin Locomotive Works]]
|1925
|Former [[Cliffside Railroad]], Ex [[Lancaster and Chester Railroad|Lancaster & Chester]]
|Bought 1925 by L&C, sold 1947 to Cliffside Railroad, sold to New Hope & Ivyland founders in 1962. Was infrequently used due to NHIR's favor of #1533, until that locomotive's withdrawal from service in 1975. After No. 9 was removed from service in 1981, NHOP's main source of motive power between 1981 and 1986 was No .40. Out of service between 1987 and 1990, returned to service by NHRR in 1991.
|Yes
|-
|-
| 1533 || Steam || [[File:CN 1533 4-6-0, a 10-wheeler on the New Hope and Ivyland RR, at New Hope, PA in August 1971 -- 2 Photos.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || [[4-6-0]] || [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] || 1911 || [[Canadian National Railway]] || Stored, awaiting possible restoration
|1533
|[[4-6-0]]
|[[Montreal Locomotive Works]]
|1911
|Former [[Canadian National]] (CN), Ex [[Canadian Northern Railway]]
|Originally CNoR No.264, renumbered by CNoR in 1912 to No. 1325, included in CN merger in 1923, renumbered to No. 1533 in June 1956, purchased by New Hope & Ivyland in 1962. Was NHIR's main locomotive between 1966 and 1974 and last ran in December 1975. Locomotive stored in yard.
|No
|-
|-
| 8218 || Diesel || || (B-B) || [[Plymouth Locomotive Works]] || 1957 || [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] || Operational
|2198
|[[EMD GP30|GP-30]]
|[[Electro-Motive Diesel]]
|1963
|Former [[Conrail]], Ex [[Penn Central Transportation Company|Penn Central]], Exx [[Pennsylvania Railroad]]
|Constructed as PRR 2250. Renumbered to 2198 before Penn Central merger. Acquired in 1996.
|Yes
|-
|-
| 2198 || Diesel || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland Railroad GP30.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || (B-B) || [[Electro-Motive Diesel]] || 1963 || [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] || Operational
|5577
|[[EMD SD40-2|SD40-2]]
|[[Electro-Motive Diesel]]
|1972
|Former [[Canadian Pacific Railway]]
|Acquired in 2007. Used by NHRR for freight. It is usually based in Warminster, Pennsylvania. In patched CP livery.
|Yes
|-
|-
| 5577 || Diesel || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland 5577.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || (C-C) || Electro-Motive Diesel || 1972 || Canadian Pacific Railway || Operational
|7087
|[[GE C30-7|C30-7]]
|[[GE Transportation]]
|1981
|Former [[CSX Transportation|CSX]], Ex [[Seaboard Air Line Railroad|Seaboard]]
|Acquired in 1998. Was used for both freight and passenger operations.
|No
|-
|-
| 7010 || Diesel || [[File:Pennsylvania Northeastern GP9RM No. 7010.jpg|frameless|150px]] || (B-B) || Electro-Motive Diesel || 1959 || Canadian National Railway || Operational
|8218
|[[EMD GP-9|GP-9u]]
|[[Electro-Motive Diesel]]
|1957
|Former [[Canadian Pacific Railway]]
|Built originally as GP9 8678. Upgraded to GP9u, chopped nose, and renumbered to 8218 in 1988 rebuild. Originally PN, transferred to NHRR in September 2017. Painted in simplified NH&I livery. Main diesel passenger locomotive of NHRR.
|Yes

|}
|}


'''Former steam locomotives'''
===Former units===
{| class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;"
|+Locomotive details<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/woodstown-central-0-6-0-returns-to-steam-certified-for-operation/|title=SMS Rail Lines 0-6-0 returns to steam, certified for operation|website=Trains.com|first=Alan|last=Bryer|language=en|date=November 25, 2023|access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/sms-0-6-0-returns-to-steam/|title=SMS 0-6-0 returns to steam|website=Trains.com|first=David|last=Lassen|language=en|date=April 27, 2022|access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://railfan.com/switchers-steam-again-in-new-jersey-and-california/|title=Switchers Steam Again in New Jersey and California|website=Railfan.com|author=M.T.Burkhart and Justin Franz|language=en|date=August 10, 2021|access-date=August 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 30, 1995|title=NEW HOPE RR GETS ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE WILL OPERATE AFTER FIXUP|url= https://www.mcall.com/1995/01/30/new-hope-rr-gets-engine-locomotive-will-operate-after-fixup/?amp=1|work=[[The Morning Call]]|access-date=August 30, 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
|-
|-
! Number !! Type !! Images !! Wheel arrangement !! Builder !! Built !! Former Owner !! Current Owner
! Number
! Class/Type
! Builder
! Built
! Heritage
! Notes
|-
|-
| 9 || Steam || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland Railroad New Hope, Pennsylvania. 1978 colourized.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || [[0-6-0]] || [[American Locomotive Company]] || 1942 || United States Army || [[SMS Rail Lines]]
|7
|[[0-6-0]]
|[[Lima Locomotive Works]]
|1944
|Former [[Virginia Blue Ridge Railway]], Ex [[Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad]], Exx [[Transportation Corps|U.S. Army Transportation Corps]]
|Built as No. 4061. Privately owned during time on NHIR, was used as parts for No. 9. Never operated on NHIR. Scrapped 1976.
|-
|-
| 3028 || Steam || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland 3028.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || [[4-8-4]] || American Locomotive Company || 1946 || Nacionale de Mexico || ALCO Technical & Historical Society
|9
|[[0-6-0]]
|[[Lima Locomotive Works]]
|1942
|Former [[Virginia Blue Ridge Railway]], Ex [[Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad]], Exx [[Transportation Corps|U.S. Army Transportation Corps]]
|Built as No. 4023. Sold to [[SMS Rail Lines]] in 2009. Operated on NHIR 1966-1981.
|}

===Rolling Stock===

'''In Service Passenger Cars'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Number
! Class/Type
! Heritage
! Builder
! Built
! Notes
|-
|870
|Coach
|[[Reading Company|Reading]]
|Bethlehem Steel Company
|1932
|Constructed as an electric multiple unit. Class PBn, 72-seat coach. Was No. 9125 under ''[[Reading electric multiple units|Blueliner]]'' and [[SEPTA]] service. Became coach on wire train after SEPTA's retirement of the ''Blueliner'' fleet. Sold 2004 to NHRR. Is equipped with Taylor flexible-type (MU) trucks. Renumbered back to 870 during 2019 restoration.
|-
|1096
|Baggage
|[[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway|Santa Fe]]
|Pullman-Standard Corporation
|1960
|Originally a baggage car No. 3997 during Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe and Amtrak service but converted by Iron Horse Enterprises for main line excursion service. Traded to NHRR as partial payment for work done to ex C&O 614. North end baggage door is fake. Windows are removable. Used as No. 40's Tool Car on the railroad's offline / Main Line Steam trips.
|-
|1127
|Coach
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1924
|Class PBn, 84-seat coach. Was numbered #11 under NHOP operation. Purchased after closure of Valley Forge Scenic Railroad. Saw use during the "Reading Rambles" excursions. Is equipped with Taylor flexible-type (MU) trucks from the 1930s testing of a new truck style to be put on Reading's MU fleet.
|-
|1220
|Coach
|Reading
| Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1922
|Class PBn, 84-seat coach. Wore Reading Company livery from 1991-2008. Was numbered #12 under NHOP operation. Purchased after closure of Valley Forge Scenic Railroad.
|-
|1424
|Coach
|Reading
| Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1914
|Class PBh, 76-seat coach. Retains original Mahogany Interior. Named "Joseph R. Turner" in 1990s after stockholder. Was numbered #13 under NHOP operation. Saw use during the "Reading Rambles" excursions. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|1430
|Parlor Car
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1914
|Class PBh, 76-seat coach. Retains original Mahogany Interior. Converted to First Class Car in early 1970s with full bar with table and chair seating. Named "Donald L. Hammond" in 2013 after NHRR's Chairman Of The Board. Was numbered #14 under NHOP operation. Oldest coach on the roster. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|1505
|Coach
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1916
|Class PBh, 76-seat coach. Retains original Mahogany Interior. Was numbered #15 under NHOP operation. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|1525
|Open Air
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1927
|Class PBr, 76-seat coach. Former air-conditioned/semi-streamlined car. Was converted in 1967 by NHRR to a two-thirds open and one-third closed coach, with open platforms on each end. Was taken out of service in 1979 and stored at Wycombe until 2008. Was rebuilt by NHRR as a full-length open air/observation car with back platform. Named "Jack R. Rominger". Opening Day Coach.
|-
|4907
|[[Dining car|Dining Car]]
|[[Canadian National]]
|Canadian Car & Foundry
|1919
|Originally constructed as 14 section "Colonist Sleeper" car. Built as Canadian Northern sleeper car No. 2877, became Canadian National No. 5242 after conversion to coach. Has composite construction; wood frame and steel skin. Purchase by Black River & Western in early 1990s, sold to NHRR in 1999. Converted to Dining Car in 2019.
|-
|9123
|Coach
|[[Reading Company|Reading]]
|Bethlehem Steel Company
|1932
|Constructed as an electric multiple unit. Class PBn, 72-seat coach. Originally built as No. 867, was 9123 under Blueliner and SEPTA service. Sold 2020 to NHRR from [[Reading Railroad Heritage Museum|Reading Technical and Historical Society]]. Is equipped with Taylor flexible-type (MU) trucks. Still in Reading Livery from the museum.
|-
|-
| 7087 || Diesel || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland Railroad 7087.jpg|frameless|150x150px]] || (C-C) || [[General Electric]] || 1981 || Seaboard Coast Line || None (scrapped)
|800301
|Dining Car
|[[Union Pacific]]
|American Car & Foundry
|1949
|Built as Union Pacific as Car No. 5004 for their City of Los Angeles and City of Portland trains. Was sold to Alaska Railroad as a dining car, then to the American Orient Express' operation where it was renamed "Zurich". After the end of AEO's operations it was sold to Ross Rowland for his Greenbriar Presidential Express. At this time the car was renamed "Crater Lake". After the failure to get the train running, the car was auctioned off to New Hope Railroad. Car was restored in 2017 and currently serves as a first-class dining car.
|}
|}


===Rolling Stock===
'''Out-Of-Service Passenger Cars'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Rolling stock details<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/the-first-class-fleet/|title=The First Class Fleet|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/the-open-air-car/|title=The Open-Air Car|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/the-coach-fleet/|title=The Coach Fleet|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/baggage-car-1096/|title=Baggage Car No. 1096|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/the-vintage-freight-car-fleet/|title=The Vintage Freight Car Fleet|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newhoperailroad.com/the-caboose-fleet/|title=The Caboose Fleet|website=New Hope & Ivyland Railroad}}</ref>
|-
|-
! Number !! Images !! Type !! Builder !! Built
! Number
! Class/Type
! Heritage
! Builder
! Built
! Notes
|-
|-
| 72 || [[File:CNJ RPO 72.jpg|150x150px]] || Baggage Car || American Car & Foundry || 1923
|72
|Baggage
|[[Central Railroad of New Jersey]]
|American Car & Foundry
|1923
|Once used as the gift shop and ticket office, One of two CNJ rolling stock owned by NHRR. Currently used for additional storage.
|-
|-
| 870 || || Coach || Bethlehem Steel Company || 1932
|304
|Electric Multiple Unit
|[[Reading Company|Reading]]
|Bethlehem Steel Company
|1932
|Ex Reading Blueliner No. 9103, purchased from the [[Reading Railroad Heritage Museum|Reading Technical and Historical Society]]. Constructed as a combine car, converted to coach. Currently in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Purchased 2020.
|-
|-
| 983 || [[File:NH&I 983.jpg|150x150px]] || Coach || [[Central Railroad of New Jersey]] || 1923
|983
|Coach
|Central Railroad of New Jersey
|American Car & Foundry
|1923
|Retains its original Mahogany Interior. One of two CNJ rolling stock owned by NHRR, From Valley Forge Scenic Railroad.
|-
|-
| 1096 || || Tool Car || Pullman-Standard Corporation || 1960
|1113
|Coach
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1924
|Class PBn, 84-seat coach. Saw use during the "Reading Rambles" excursions. Purchased after closure of Valley Forge Scenic Railroad.
|-
|-
| 1127 || [[File:Passenger Car 1127.jpg|150x150px]] || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1924
|1202
|Parlor Car
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1922
|Class PBn. Saw use during the "Reading Rambles" excursions. From Valley Forge Scenic Railroad. Originally an 84-seat coach but converted by NHRR in 1990s into a Parlor/Dining Car. Renumbered #16 under NHOP operation.
|-
|-
| 1220 || [[File:Passenger Car 1220.jpg|150x150px]] || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1922
|1366
|Open Air Car
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1918
|Class PBh. Originally 76-seat coach. Purchased by NHIR 1966, converted into an Open Air Car 1970. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|-
| 1424 || || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1914
|1536
|Coach
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1927
|Class PBr, 74-seat coach. Last used in 1969. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|-
| 1430 || || [[Dining car|Dining Car]] || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1914
|1542
|Coach
|Reading
|Harlan & Hollingsworth
|1927
|Class PBr, 74-seat coach. Former "Air Conditioned" Coach. Was used temporarily as a parlor by Reading Company for their ''Clocker’s Club'' meetings. Put back as coach before retirement by Reading. heavily vandalized, flipped on its side by vandal in mid-2010, still retains semi-streamlined skirting. Last used in 1969, located in Grenoble. Opening Day Coach.
|-
|-
| 1505 || || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1916
|2004
|Parlor Car
|[[New York Central Railroad|New York Central]]
|Pullman-Standard
|1914
|Constructed as lot 4329, plan 2417A as Parlor-Buffet. Originally Pullman Coach-Buffet No. 2800, named "Andrico". It was a part of the Empire State Limited in NYC years as Club Car ‘’Empire State’’. Sold to LIRR 1959, renumbered 2004 and renamed "Syosset".
|-
|-
| 1525 || [[File:New Hope and Ivyland Open Air Car 1525.jpg|150x150px]] || [[Observation car|Open Air Car]] || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1927
|2804
|[[Coach (rail)|Coach]]
|[[Long Island Rail Road]]
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s.
|-
|-
| 1536 || [[File:NH&I 1536.jpg|150x150px]] || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1927
|2805
|Coach
|Long Island Rail Road
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s.
|-
|-
| 2817 || || Event Car || Long Island Rail Road || 1955
|2816
|Coach
|Long Island Rail Road
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s. In NHRR livery.
|-
|-
| 4907 || [[File:Passenger Car 4907.jpg|150x150px]] || Dining Car || Canadian Car & Foundry || 1919
|2820
|Coach
|Long Island Rail Road
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s.
|-
|-
| 9123 || || Coach || Bethlehem Steel Company || 1932
|2826
|Coach
|Long Island Rail Road
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s. In NHRR livery.
|-
|-
| 800301 || || Dining Car || American Car & Foundry || 1949
|2834
|Coach
|Long Island Rail Road
|Pullman Standard
|1955
|Used for Long Island Rail Road commuter service. Purchased in early 2000s.
|-
|-
| 303 || [[File:NHRR 303.jpg|150x150px]] || Hopper Car || Pullman Standard || 1955
|}

'''Freight Cars'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| 1606 || [[File:Tank Car.jpg|150x150px]] || Tank Car || Fleischmann Transportation Company || 1948
! Number
! Class/Type
! Builder
! Heritage
! Built
! Notes
! In Service
|-
|-
| 1753 || || Tank Car || Pennsylvania Tank Car Co. || 1927
|303
|Hopper Car
|Pullman Standard
|Former [[Conrail]], Ex [[Penn Central Transportation Company|Penn Central]], Exx [[Pennsylvania Railroad]]
|1955
|Wears white NHRR livery. Has open/exposed bin designated for ballast service.
|Yes
|-
|-
| 3752 || || Tank Car || [[Union Tank Car Company]] || 1936
|1606
|Tank Car
|Fleischmann Transportation Company
|Former Standard Brands Inc.
|1948
|Only steel frame remains, used to have wooden tank to haul vinegar.
|No
|-
|-
| 6622 || || Tank Car || ACF || 1940
|1753
|Tank Car
|Pennsylvania Tank Car Co.
|Former Pennsylvania Tank Lines
|1927
|Unique due to the platform at the top of the ladder.
|Yes
|-
|-
| 8435 || [[File:Boxcar, New Hope & Ivyland RR.jpg|150x150px]] || Boxcar || Magor Car Corp. || 1931
|3752
|Tank Car
|ACF
|Former [[Union Tank Car Company]]
|1936
|Built by Union Tank Car Co., UTLX, 3 dome tanker.
|No
|-
|-
| 1113 || [[File:NH&I 1113.jpg|150x150px]] || Coach || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1924
|6622
|Tank Car
|ACF
|Former Shippers Car Line
|1940
|Painted white.
|No
|-
|-
| 1366 || [[File:NH&I 1366.jpg|150x150px]] || Open Air Car || Harlan & Hollingsworth || 1918
|9811
|Boxcar
|Pullman Standard
|Former [[New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad]]
|1952
|PS-1 Type Boxcar
|No
|-
|-
| 8570 || || Boxcar || Magor Car Corp. || 1934
|12153
|Hopper
|Bethlehem Steel
|Former [[Lehigh Valley Railroad]]
|1944
|55-ton 2-bay hopper. Was also once owned by Roebling Steel. From Pemberton Historic Trust. Painted brown.
|Yes
|-
|38009
|Flatcar
|Magor Car Corp.
|Former U.S. Army
|1951
|Frame and trucks only.
|No
|-
|53033
|Dump Car
|Eastern Car Ltd.
|Former [[Canadian National Railway]]
|1957
|In faded Canadian National paint. Used to haul ballast and other minerals.
|Yes
|-
|480047
|Flatcar
|Pennsylvania Railroad Samuel Rea Shops
|Former [[Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad|Indiana Harbor Belt]], Ex [[Penn Central Transportation Company|Penn Central]], Exx [[Pennsylvania Railroad]]
|1959
|Wears PRR lettering, steel frame, wooden platform. Used to haul railroad ties and other supplies.
|Yes
|}

'''Cabooses'''
{| class="wikitable"
! Number
! Heritage
! Type
! Notes
!In Service
|-
|C127
|[[Boston and Maine Corporation|Boston and Maine]]
|Steel
|Constructed by the [[Laconia Car Company]] of Laconia, New Hampshire in 1921 as a wooden caboose with steel underbody. In 1959, the sides were converted to steel by Morrison International, while keeping the original underbody.
|Yes
|-
|575
|[[Lehigh and New England Railroad]]
|Wooden
|Constructed by Magor Car Corporation. Later sold to Northampton & Bath Railroad, cupola removed.
|No
|-
|576
|[[Lehigh and New England Railroad]]
|Wooden
|Constructed by Magor Car Corporation. Later sold to Northampton & Bath Railroad, cupola removed. Currently under restoration with cupola reinstalled.
|No
|-
|31580
|[[Central of Georgia Railway]]
|Wooden
|Constructed by the Central of Georgia Macon, GA shops in 1937. Later operated by the [[Southern Railway (U.S.)|Southern Railway]].
|No
|}

'''Freight Cars'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| 9005 || || Boxcar || Despatch Shops Inc. || 1942
! Number
! Class/Type
! Builder
! Heritage
! Built
! Current Use
|-
|-
| 9811 || || Boxcar || Pullman Standard || 1952
|2817
|Event Car
|Pullman Standard
|Long Island Rail Road
|1955
|Event car at New Hope station. Former commuter car for the Long Island Railroad. Purchased in early 2000s. Repainted into plain Tuscan Red. Used for the railroad's Haunted Halloween Events in October and as Santa's Private Railcar during Christmas trains. The inside of the coach gets redone per each event.
|-
|-
| 12153 || || Hopper || Bethlehem Steel || 1944
|3028
|[[4-8-4]]
|[[American Locomotive Company|ALCo]]
|[[Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México|Nacionales de México]], [[4-8-4]]
|1946
|Brought to NHRR in 1994, has never run on the NHRR. Both tender and engine currently connected and stored on deadline. Privately owned.
|-
|-
| 38009 || || Flatcar || Magor Car Corp. || 1951
|8435
|Boxcar, converted to Storage
|Magor Car Corp.
|Former [[Lehigh & New England Railroad]]
|1931
|No trucks, used for storage in New Hope Yard.
|-
|-
| 53033 || || Dump Car || Eastern Car Ltd. || 1957
|8570
|Boxcar, converted to Storage
|Magor Car Corp.
|Former [[Lehigh & New England Railroad]]
|1934
|No trucks, used for storage in New Hope Yard.
|-
|-
| 480047 || || Flatcar || Pennsylvania Railroad Samuel Rea Shops || 1959
|9005
|Boxcar, converted to Storage
|Despatch Shops Inc.
|Former [[New York Central Railroad]] 157928
|1942
|No trucks, used for storage in New Hope Yard.
|-
|-
| C127 || || Caboose || [[Laconia Car Company]] || 1921
|}
|}


Line 644: Line 160:
*[[List of heritage railroads in the United States]]
*[[List of heritage railroads in the United States]]
*[[Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad]]
*[[Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad]]
*[[New Hope Railroad 40]]


==References==
==References==
Line 649: Line 166:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{commons category-inline|New Hope and Ivyland Railroad}}
*[http://www.newhoperailroad.com/ New Hope Railroad] – Official site
*[http://www.newhoperailroad.com/ New Hope Railroad] – Official site
*[http://www.railserve.com/nhi/ New Hope Railroad Photos]
*[http://www.railserve.com/nhi/ New Hope Railroad Photos]
Line 654: Line 172:


{{Pennsylvania railroads}}
{{Pennsylvania railroads}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:New Hope Ivyland Railroad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:New Hope Ivyland Railroad}}
Line 659: Line 178:
[[Category:Pennsylvania railroads]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania railroads]]
[[Category:Spin-offs of the Reading Company]]
[[Category:Spin-offs of the Reading Company]]
[[Category:Companies operating former Reading Company lines]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Bucks County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Bucks County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1966 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1966]]

Latest revision as of 17:23, 16 November 2024

Not to be confused with New Hope Valley Railway.
New Hope Railroad
No. 40 at New Hope Station in May 2019
Overview
HeadquartersNew Hope, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Reporting markNHRR
LocaleBucks County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Dates of operation1966 (1966)–present
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length18 miles (29 km)
Other
Websitewww.newhoperailroad.com
Route map

Legend
New Hope
PA-179.svg
PA 179
West Bridge Street
Ferry Street
Ingham Run
Ingham Run
West Mechanic Street
Hood
South Sugan Road
Ingham Run
Driveway
Ingham Run
Pennsylvania Shale Brick Company
Reeder Road
Reeder
Deer Park
Aquetong Road
Lower Mountain Road
Driveway
Street Road
 Lahaska
Holicong Road
Bycot
Driveway
Abandoned quarry spur
Upper Mountain Road
PA-413.svg
PA 413
Durham Road
Farm Lane
Upper Mountain Road
 Buckingham Valley
Lower Mountain Road
Creek Road
New Hope Road
Montessori School
Smith Road
Mill Creek
Wycombe
Township Line Road
Driveway
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Rushland
Swamp Road
Neshaminy Creek
Sackettsford Road
Little Neshaminy Creek
Grenoble
Little Neshaminy Creek
Almshouse Road
Traymore
West Bristol Road
Ivyland
Ivyland Road
Johnsville
PA-132.svg
PA 132
Street Road
Warminster
Warminster Line
PN to Glenside
This diagram:

The New Hope Railroad (reporting mark NHRR),[1] formerly and colloquially known as the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad and New Hope Steam Railway and Museum, is a shortline and heritage railroad located in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Today, the railroad operates both steam and diesel powered locomotives and is an associate member of Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee.

Services

[edit]

Heritage

[edit]

The heritage operations use both steam and diesel powered locomotives for excursion trips out of New Hope. Regular NHRR excursions typically operate between New Hope and Lahaska, with some occasionally going to Buckingham Valley. The railroad mostly uses former Reading Company passenger cars, which date between 1914 and 1932, for excursions.

Freight

[edit]

NHRR is involved in the import and export of raw materials and manufactured products. Freight customers range from national chemical companies to consumer product manufacturers. NHRR interchanges with Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad in Johnsville, which in turn interchanges with CSX Transportation in Lansdale. NHRR's primary customers are based in Warminster; CRC Industries, Castrol and Double H Plastics are served on a weekly basis.

History

[edit]
The first train to New Hope in 1891

The line currently operated by the New Hope Railroad was originally known as the New Hope Branch of the Reading Company (RDG), which leased it to the North Pennsylvania Railroad, of which it was a part. The railroad ran as far as Hartsville Station (near Bristol Road, which eventually became Ivyland) until March 29, 1891, when the line was extended to the long-desired terminal of New Hope, Pennsylvania.[2]

In 1932, steam powered trains above Hatboro were replaced with a Doodlebug after electric service was introduced between Hatboro and Philadelphia. In June 1952, Hatboro-New Hope passenger service terminated. In the early 1960s, the RDG's financial situation was precarious. Looking to rid themselves of unprofitable branch lines via abandonment, a group of train aficionados and businessmen led by Philadelphia attorney Kenneth Souser established Steam Trains, Inc. with the goal of operating steam trains on a for-profit basis.[3] Steam Trains, Inc. became organized as the 'New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (NHIR), and on June 20, 1966, the 16.7-mile line was sold for $200,000.[2]

Steam Trains, Inc. started their operations on August 6, 1966 on a high note, often in an extravagant fashion, with the purchase of four steam locomotives and seven passenger cars. The company leased freight locomotives from RDG, and used only hired labor to operate their excursions. The "air rights" over the Southern portion of the line from Ivyland to just north of Almshouse Road, were sold to the former Philadelphia Electric Company (now Exelon) in order to stay solvent. Due to extremely low ticket prices to generate sales that led to no additional income of riders, Steam Trains, Inc. declared bankruptcy on June 5, 1970.[2] Operations continued under a court-appointed trustee.

New Hope Railroad 2-8-0 40, GP30 2198, and SD40-2 5577

The Bucks County Industrial Development Corporation (BCIDC) purchased the trackage from the Steam Trains, Inc. in early 1974 to "preserve rail service through the center of Bucks County."[4] The county selected McHugh Brothers Heavy Hauling, Inc. to operate freight service over the line via a lease agreement.[2] McHugh Brothers continued hauling freight with Edward L. McHugh as president until his departure in 1989.[4]

By the summer of 1976, the railroad received state funding to rehabilitate crumbling infrastructure that sorely needed fixing. By August 1977, volunteers from the Buckingham Valley Trolley Association [BVTA] (now the Electric City Trolley Museum Association) were operating state-sponsored passenger service connecting the touristy town of New Hope with SEPTA/Conrail commuter trains at Warminster.[2] Bucks County had made a wise investment, as both passenger and freight service flourished during the 1970s once track upgrades were made. Finally, on June 30, 1979, NHRR finally emerged from its decade-long bankruptcy.[4]

Beginning July 3, 1980, volunteers of the New Hope Steam Railway (NHOP) resumed weekend excursion service after the BVTA decided to end it. The NHOP ran trains under a lease agreement with the BCIDC until 1990, when the line and its equipment were once again in a state of decay and disrepair.[4] The McHugh Bros. operated NHIR until 1989 when their lease ended and the Morristown & Erie was contracted to operate the railroad.[3] The BCIDC sold the line outright to the for-profit Bucks County Railroad Preservation and Restoration Corporation (BCRP&RC) in 1990, who slowly began to rebuild the railroad to its current state of good repair.[3] In 1993, the reporting mark was changed to NHRR. BCRP&RC is the official corporate structure, doing business as the New Hope Railroad.

Equipment

[edit]

Locomotives

[edit]
Locomotive details[5][6][7]
Number Type Images Wheel arrangement Builder Built Former Owner Status
40 Steam 2-8-0 Baldwin Locomotive Works 1925 Lancaster and Chester Railroad Operational
1533 Steam 4-6-0 Montreal Locomotive Works 1911 Canadian National Railway Stored, awaiting possible restoration
8218 Diesel (B-B) Plymouth Locomotive Works 1957 Canadian Pacific Railway Operational
2198 Diesel (B-B) Electro-Motive Diesel 1963 Pennsylvania Railroad Operational
5577 Diesel (C-C) Electro-Motive Diesel 1972 Canadian Pacific Railway Operational
7010 Diesel (B-B) Electro-Motive Diesel 1959 Canadian National Railway Operational

Former units

[edit]
Locomotive details[8][9][10][11]
Number Type Images Wheel arrangement Builder Built Former Owner Current Owner
9 Steam 0-6-0 American Locomotive Company 1942 United States Army SMS Rail Lines
3028 Steam 4-8-4 American Locomotive Company 1946 Nacionale de Mexico ALCO Technical & Historical Society
7087 Diesel (C-C) General Electric 1981 Seaboard Coast Line None (scrapped)

Rolling Stock

[edit]
Rolling stock details[12][13][14][15][16][17]
Number Images Type Builder Built
72 Baggage Car American Car & Foundry 1923
870 Coach Bethlehem Steel Company 1932
983 Coach Central Railroad of New Jersey 1923
1096 Tool Car Pullman-Standard Corporation 1960
1127 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1924
1220 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1922
1424 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1914
1430 Dining Car Harlan & Hollingsworth 1914
1505 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1916
1525 Open Air Car Harlan & Hollingsworth 1927
1536 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1927
2817 Event Car Long Island Rail Road 1955
4907 Dining Car Canadian Car & Foundry 1919
9123 Coach Bethlehem Steel Company 1932
800301 Dining Car American Car & Foundry 1949
303 Hopper Car Pullman Standard 1955
1606 Tank Car Fleischmann Transportation Company 1948
1753 Tank Car Pennsylvania Tank Car Co. 1927
3752 Tank Car Union Tank Car Company 1936
6622 Tank Car ACF 1940
8435 Boxcar Magor Car Corp. 1931
1113 Coach Harlan & Hollingsworth 1924
1366 Open Air Car Harlan & Hollingsworth 1918
8570 Boxcar Magor Car Corp. 1934
9005 Boxcar Despatch Shops Inc. 1942
9811 Boxcar Pullman Standard 1952
12153 Hopper Bethlehem Steel 1944
38009 Flatcar Magor Car Corp. 1951
53033 Dump Car Eastern Car Ltd. 1957
480047 Flatcar Pennsylvania Railroad Samuel Rea Shops 1959
C127 Caboose Laconia Car Company 1921

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Reporting Mark Search". Railinc. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e Pawson, John R. (1979). Delaware Valley Rails: The Railroads and Rail Transit Lines of the Philadelphia Area. Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: John R. Pawson. pp. 115–117. ISBN 0-9602080-0-3.
  3. ^ a b c Balkin, Marc (2007). Ride the New Hope Line!. Mark I Videos.
  4. ^ a b c d New Hope Railroad. "History." Accessed 2011-01-22. archive
  5. ^ "Steam Locomotive No. 40". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  6. ^ "Diesel Locomotive No. 8218". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  7. ^ "Diesel Locomotive No. 2198". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  8. ^ Bryer, Alan (November 25, 2023). "SMS Rail Lines 0-6-0 returns to steam, certified for operation". Trains.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  9. ^ Lassen, David (April 27, 2022). "SMS 0-6-0 returns to steam". Trains.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  10. ^ M.T.Burkhart and Justin Franz (August 10, 2021). "Switchers Steam Again in New Jersey and California". Railfan.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  11. ^ "NEW HOPE RR GETS ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE WILL OPERATE AFTER FIXUP". The Morning Call. January 30, 1995. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  12. ^ "The First Class Fleet". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  13. ^ "The Open-Air Car". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  14. ^ "The Coach Fleet". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  15. ^ "Baggage Car No. 1096". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  16. ^ "The Vintage Freight Car Fleet". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
  17. ^ "The Caboose Fleet". New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
[edit]
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