• Tunnel/Turntable at Brady's Bend

  • This forum is for discussion of "Fallen Flag" roads not otherwise provided with a specific forum. Fallen Flags are roads that no longer operate, went bankrupt, or were acquired or merged out of existence.
This forum is for discussion of "Fallen Flag" roads not otherwise provided with a specific forum. Fallen Flags are roads that no longer operate, went bankrupt, or were acquired or merged out of existence.

Moderator: Nicolai3985

  by Malley
 
We were exploring at Brady's Bend on the Allegheny River. There is a curved tunnel that cut off an oxbow; it is scheduled to be part of a bike trail, but is currently too full of water for exploration. The tunnel was dug in the teens of the last century, and the line was abandoned maybe fifteen years ago.
We accessed the grade through the tiny burg of Philliston on the south side of the horn. We passed an 80' turntable hard by the side of the mountain, and then walked a couple miles back to the tunnel portal itself.
Checking the spot on historical maps, the old topo was TOO old; dated from the early part of the last century, it predated the tunnel.
Question: What does anyone know about the tunnel at Brady's Bend? Particulars of its construction? A yard for the turntable on the downriver end? (The table appears big enough for Mikados, but too small for really large power).
Thanks,
Malley

  by CarterB
 
According to http://www.armstrongtrail.org/history.php

1915 Construction of the East Brady Tunnel began. This tunnel's purpose was to replace the section of the track that traveled 7 miles around the bend into East Brady. This tunnel cut off 6 miles of the trip and avoided the high degree bends of the other track.
1916 The East Brady Tunnel was completed and opened on May 28, 1916 to serve the locomotives of the railroad.

and a pic of the turntable

http://www.hobogan.com/Matt%20Galleries ... %20112.htm

  by Malley
 
Carter, I do thank you for the info. The pictures were useful on the link as well.
It is my best guess that the whole line was improved with tunnels and at about the same time. The tunnel at Kennerdale is of about that vintage, and I suspect the intervening one at Rockland is of that era as well.
I intend to post a question about Rockland by itself, but do you know anything about that tunnel?
We missed it in our travels at least partially because it is on the edge of two maps.
Thanks again,
Moon

  by CarterB
 
Rockland Tunnel built circa 1915.

Here's some more info:

http://www.venangoil.com/venango.html

Site also has great topo maps of the Allegheny River Trail!!