Railroad Show & Collectors Market sponsored by Harrisburg Chapter National Railway Historical Society will take place March 11, 2017, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In a new location, First Church of God, 245 West High St., Middletown, PA, the event, now in its 31st year, will feature model railroads, railroadiana, train layouts in several gauges, movies, and a test track.
Trolley historian Ken Springirth will present an illustrated talk titled: “Philadelphia Area Trolleys.” His presentation will start at 11:00 AM.
Donation at the door is $5.00 with free admission for youngsters under age 12. Proceeds benefit the chapter’s on-going preservation projects.
Snack bar is on the premises.
Harris Tower, the chapter’s restored 1931 Pennsylvania Railroad interlocking tower featuring the original electro-pneumatic levers now linked to a computer for simulated action, will be open for visitors as well. There is free admission to the tower, located at 637 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA. This is an excellent Amtrak and Norfolk Southern viewing and photo site.
Since 1959 Springirth has been researching, photographing, and collecting information on railroad and trolley car lines in the United States and many foreign countries. He is the author of 32 books on trains and trolleys including Southeastern Pennsylvania Trolleys, Suburban Philadelphia Trolleys, Philadelphia Electrified Rail Lines, Pennsylvania's Trolley Heritage, and Trolleys of Pennsylvania. He is the son and grandson of trolley motormen—Philadelphia and Washington, DC respectively. He earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Harrisburg Chapter, one of over 135 chapters of the National Railway Historical Society, is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to studying railroad history and preserving significant local railroad artifacts. Major projects include: maintaining Pennsylvania’s official electric locomotive (GG-1 # 4859) and preserving and operating Harris Tower.
www.harristower.org