Modelers Meeting: "Modeling Early PRR Catenary Infrastructure"
Chapter member Ron Hoess presented his ongoing modeling of early PRR catenary and infrastructure. Ron discussed PRR's success of the 1915 Paoli electrification and PRR's rapid move to electrify the Chestnut Hill Branch. Further, in order to connect the Chestnut Hill Branch with Broad Street Station, catenary was also required from Mantua Junction to North Philadelphia. This stretch of the mainline,

electrified in the 1915-18 time period, has some of the most unique catenary infrastructure found in PRR electrified territory. Modeling these structures will be discussed in detail, with many how to photos. This presentation was recorded and the chapter intends to make it available in the next few months.

Feature Presentation: "Rails Down The Main" and "NY & LB" 
Mitch Dakelman presented a group of original Pennsylvania Railroad 16mm Kodachrome films.

From the cameras of Bob Hart, Sr., and Bob Pratt, Mitch took us all on a North East Corridor trip, including Hell Gate Bridge, Sunnyside Yard, New York Penn Station, and the Washington, D.C. area. Attendees were treated to B1 "rats", GG1's and P5a's 

in action. We also witnessed the famous engine swap, changing from electric to steam at South Amboy and finished with a trip to Bay Head behind K4 steam locomotives.

Fred Monsimer - Philadelphia Chapter Recording Secretary 

Fred Monisimer is leaving the Philadelphia Chapter Board at the end of 2023.  Fred was recognized for 29 years of exemplary service as Philadelphia Chapter Recording Secretary. 

Thank you Fred for your dedication to supporting the membership and mission of the Philadelphia Chapter.  No doubt you will continue to participate in other ways!

"My Life in Spring Mill Station" - Growing up living in PRR's Spring Mill, Pa. station.

"The Pennsy Train Shed" - A vintage painting of Broad Street Station's train shed.

"What are we Looking At? Shadowlining"  and more!

Modelers Meeting ("Modeling the Main Line Through the Suburbs")
The "Modelers Meeting" was presented by chapter member Andy Rubbo.  Discussion and photos covered  structures, scenery, catenary and other aspects of Andy's "main line" modeling, including Rahway, Colonia and the PA & W.  Andy Rubbo's expert modeling skills are unreal!

Feature Presentation ("THE PRR in the Altoona Area") 
Ken Kobus, PRR historian and author, provided a photo and verbal journey of the Pennsylvania Railroad's operations in and around the Altoona, PA area. So many one of a kind photos, coupled with Ken's knowledgeable narration!  It was a great presentation and a treat for everyone who attended.

The Modelers Meeting ("A Holiday Miracle") was presented by chapter member Don Wolf.  Don displayed and documented the history of a neglected PRR S-1 Lionel Turbine, which was pulled from the muddy soil of an abandoned house in December 1966, thoroughly cleaned and restored to running condition. Additional details on how an accompanying passenger consist was fabricated from materials in Don’s parent's house and some local hobby shops, while home on holiday leave from the U.S. Air Force!

The Feature Presentation ("The Pennsy in Louisville 1964-1966") was presented by chapter member Frank Tatnall.  Franks presentation was a thrill with dozens of personal slides and stories of PRR operations in the Louisville/Jeffersonville area.  Frank's presentation also covered the Portland Ave freight office and a small yard at the south end of PRR’s massive Ohio River bridge.  Kentucky Derby specials and lots of first accounts, direct from Frank Tatnall!

The Modelers Meeting ("Model Projects For Cheapskates") was presented by chapter member and secretary, Fred Monsimer, who shared a in-depth pictorial journey of how various car loads can be modeled while avoiding excessive costs.

The Feature Presentation ("Baldwin Centipedes On The PRR") was presented by Jack Consoli.  The presentation covered Baldwin’s development and its place in the PRR Dieselization timeline, the PRR’s classification & numbering and service assignments.  Also covered were painting & lettering schemes, the Baldwin carbody variations as-built and the subsequent PRR modifications.