Reading, Pennsylvania holds a special place in American railroad history, making it a premier destination for railroad enthusiasts and photographers. Once home to the mighty Reading Railroad, this historic city continues to offer exceptional opportunities for railfanning, with active freight operations, preserved heritage sites, and scenic photo locations that capture the essence of American railroading.
Historical Background of Reading’s Railroad Legacy
The Reading Railroad, officially known as the Reading Company, dominated the region’s transportation landscape from 1833 until its inclusion in Conrail in 1976. During its heyday, Reading served as a crucial hub for anthracite coal transportation, connecting the coal regions of Pennsylvania with major metropolitan areas. The railroad’s influence shaped the city’s development, leaving behind an impressive infrastructure that still stands today.
Current Railroad Operations in Reading
Today, Norfolk Southern (NS) operates the majority of mainline traffic through Reading on former Reading Railroad tracks. The railroad runs through the heart of the city, offering multiple vantage points for train watching. Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) also maintains a significant presence, operating regional freight service and special excursions that attract enthusiasts from across the country.
Prime Railfanning Locations in Reading
Reading Railroad Heritage Museum
Located at 500 S 3rd Street, the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum serves as an essential starting point for any railfanning expedition. The museum houses an extensive collection of Reading Railroad artifacts, photographs, and rolling stock. While watching trains isn’t the primary focus here, the museum provides crucial context for understanding the area’s railroad significance and offers excellent photography opportunities of preserved equipment.
Penn Street Bridge
The Penn Street Bridge offers one of the most iconic vantage points for photographing trains in Reading. This historic bridge provides sweeping views of the Norfolk Southern mainline as it curves through downtown Reading. Morning light proves especially favorable for photography from this location, with the city skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop.
Reading Outer Station Area
Though the original Reading Outer Station no longer stands, the area around Wayne and Exeter Streets remains a popular spot for train watching. Multiple tracks converge here, and the location offers good sightlines in both directions. The former station site provides ample parking and safe distances from active tracks.
West Reading Diamond
The West Reading Diamond, where Norfolk Southern’s east-west and north-south routes intersect, presents excellent opportunities for capturing rail action. This busy junction sees multiple daily freight movements, and the surrounding industrial architecture adds character to photographs. Exercise caution here as this is an active railroad area.
Best Times for Railfanning in Reading
Peak Traffic Periods
Freight traffic through Reading maintains a relatively consistent schedule throughout the week. However, mid-morning to late afternoon typically sees the highest volume of train movements. Norfolk Southern runs numerous intermodal and merchandise trains through the area, while Reading & Northern’s operations tend to be more concentrated during daylight hours.
Seasonal Considerations
Each season offers unique railfanning opportunities in Reading. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and attractive foliage, particularly along the Schuylkill River routes. Summer offers extended daylight hours but can bring challenging heat and humidity. Winter presents dramatic snow scenes but requires careful preparation for outdoor photography.
Photography Tips for Reading’s Railroad Locations
Equipment Recommendations
A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm or 70-200mm) proves most useful for Reading’s varied shooting locations. Wide-angle lenses work well for yard scenes and architectural shots of bridges and structures. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to manage glare from water and buildings, particularly when shooting near the Schuylkill River.
Lighting Considerations
Reading’s north-south railroad orientation means that morning light favors east-side locations while afternoon sun works better for west-side vantage points. The Penn Street Bridge area offers good lighting throughout the day, though mid-day sun can create harsh shadows. Overcast conditions work well for detail shots and yard photography.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Railroad Property Awareness
Always maintain a safe distance from active tracks and never trespass on railroad property. Many excellent photo locations in Reading can be accessed from public areas, including streets, bridges, and designated parking areas. When in doubt, seek permission or find an alternative location.
Local Regulations
Reading’s city ordinances generally permit photography from public spaces, but be mindful of private property boundaries. Some industrial areas may have specific restrictions. Maintain awareness of your surroundings and respect any posted signs or barriers.
Additional Railroad Attractions Near Reading
Reading & Northern Excursions
The Reading & Northern Railroad operates seasonal excursion trains from various locations in the region. These special operations provide unique opportunities to photograph and ride behind historic equipment. Check their schedule for themed events and holiday specials.
Nearby Railroad Museums
Within driving distance of Reading, enthusiasts can visit several complementary attractions:
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg
- Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton
- Reading Company Technical & Historical Society in Hamburg
Planning Your Railfanning Visit
Accommodation Options
Several hotels in downtown Reading offer convenient access to prime railfanning locations. The DoubleTree by Hilton and Abraham Lincoln Hotel provide comfortable bases of operation with easy walking distance to multiple photo locations.
Local Resources
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum staff can provide current information about train activity and recommended viewing locations. Local railroad enthusiast groups maintain social media presence with updates about special movements and events.
Digital Resources and Communities
Online Research Tools
Before visiting, consult online resources for current railroad operations:
- Railroad scanner frequencies for the Reading area
- Norfolk Southern system maps
- Reading & Northern Railroad website for excursion schedules
- Local railfan forums and social media groups
Photography Sharing Platforms
Share your Reading railroad photography and connect with other enthusiasts through various online platforms. Many photographers tag their Reading-area shots with specific location identifiers, helping others find productive photo locations.
Seasonal Events and Special Operations
Heritage Operations
Reading occasionally hosts special moves of historic equipment, particularly during railroad anniversary celebrations or museum events. These operations often utilize former Reading Railroad equipment, providing unique photography opportunities.
Holiday Train Operations
The Reading & Northern Railroad typically operates special holiday trains, including fall foliage excursions and Christmas-themed operations. These events attract both railfans and the general public, offering distinctive photo opportunities of passenger operations.
Future of Railfanning in Reading
Reading’s railroad infrastructure continues to evolve, with Norfolk Southern maintaining significant investment in the region’s rail network. Preservation efforts by local organizations help ensure that the city’s railroad heritage remains accessible to future generations of enthusiasts.
Railfanning in Reading
Railfanning in Reading, PA offers a compelling mix of historic significance and modern railroad operations. From its rich heritage as a railroad hub to today’s busy freight corridor, Reading provides numerous opportunities for train watching and railroad photography. With proper planning and respect for safety guidelines, enthusiasts can experience some of Pennsylvania’s finest railroad action while exploring this historic city’s rail legacy.