Isn't it usually the other way around with the customer closing??
"East Penn announces abandonment plan; customer concerned
May 7, 2008
BOYERTOWN, Pa. - East Penn Railways has alerted the Berks County Board that it intends to file an abandonment on its 8.5-mile Colebrookdale spur, and that has one shipper concerned about the loss of train service, the Reading Eagle reported. The ex-Reading line connects Norfolk Southern's Philadelphia-Reading line with Boyertown.
Drug Plastics & Glass has a plant at Boyertown that receives tank cars loaded with resin, and considers the branch important to its success.
"We're exploring all different types of alternatives," said DP&G spokesman Rick Hoffman. "Our life blood is that resin that comes into us."
East Penn recently bought the line from Penn Eastern Rail Lines. East Penn officials were unavailable for comment."
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When I read this notice, I just assumed that ESPN was playing games where it wanted the state/county to buy the line back from them, in order to have some insulation from the maintenance costs. If I recall correctly, didn't the state/county own the line and then EPRY bought it from them?
I consider it a shame to lose any rail line these days. Once they rails are gone, it seems like the line is gone forever....
Is there a way to check the offical status of this line?
Who was the last customer, and where (exactly) were they located?
I read that Drug Plastics & Glass Co. was the last customer, but they don't have rail access do they? Did they offload in the yard and truck the resin in?
I visted the yard in Boyertown over the holidays, and only saw the old yellow switcher in the yard. I will post some pictures next week.
In Fall 2004 I was fortunate to have see the little blue switcher parked next to the Route 100 Crossing in Pottstown:
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It was quite a shock to see an engine parked here:
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Many many drivers slammed on their brakes when they saw the switcher. The flashers were not on, but it didn't stop this guy from almost coming to a compete stop on Route 100.
Closeup of these strange cars. Usually I only saw the white covered hoppers at the interchange.
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Note the inscription on the side of the car....I wonder of this is OSHA approved notification....
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Oh well, hope someone takes over the line. It was always such a treat to see cars on the bridge over high street in Pottstown as I traveled over RT100.
Things are done for this line as of now and who knows for how long. I'm not sure how soon, but it will soon be just a memory. They might even begin with some of it tomorrow.
Robert Bishop
My opinion is just that, my opinion and in no way represents the company I work with.
Co-Moderator of the "CLUBS, MUSEUMS, AND TOURIST LINES" FORUM