News - 2025
The High Line - Autumn 2025 (Mailed: October 2, 2025)
"The High Line” is a Philadelphia Chapter publication, included with all memberships and is published twice annually.
Always anticipated, with content originating from knowledgeable members, including ex-PRR employees.
Publications are mailed directly to
chapter members only. If you would like to obtain a copy, please
JOIN the Philadelphia Chapter.
The High Line Volume 37, No.2 (October 2025)
The Autumn 2025 issue of "The High Line," is now mailing to all current members (October 2, 2025).
The High Line, Autumn 2025, includes a variety of features. There are lengthy articles on; Aerial views of the PRR in Philadelphia in the 1930s; The Trenton Avenue Elevated line in Philadelphia; E-44 and E-44a freight electrics ; Lewis Hoy's photographs of the last PRR passenger service to Norristown; A "What are we looking at?" story; and tribute stories on Chris Baer and Steve Staffieri.
If you have content that you would like to contribute to a future issue of The High Line, please email editor Tim Garner at: thehighline@philaprrths.com
Chapter Meeting - September 20, 2025
The Modelers Meeting ("A Virtual View of PRR Steam")
K&L Trainz owner Steve Lerro presented the process of creating and operating a steam locomotive in the Trainz Railroad Simulator franchise. This technology offers an exciting and affordable way to enjoy the history of PRR Steam right from our home computers. Check back for YouTube release of this presentation.
The Feature Presentation ("The Thorndale Coal Wharf)
Chapter member Al Gianantonio presented images of primarily official PRR photographs taken around the turn of the 20th Century when both the Thorndale coal wharf and its almost twin sister, the Denholm coal wharf were built. Its location, general structural components, track layout, operation and adjacent buildings and their purposes will be discussed as well as what was previously used to coal steam trains on the PRR's Philadelphia Main Line prior to its construction. Check back for YouTube release of this presentation.
July 2025 - YouTube Content Addition
The latest addition to our YouTube offerings are presentations made at the June 21, 2025 chapter meeting. For more information and to view more videos, please visit the chapters "Video / YouTube" page.
Chapter Meeting - June 21, 2025
The Modelers Meeting ("Modeling the Iron and Steel Industry - An Introduction")
Chapter member Fred Monsimer presented on railroads long relationships with the Iron and Steel industry. From the hauling of materials used to make Iron and Steel and the construction of cars and locomotives used to get the job done. From the modeling perspective, Fred addressed ways for modelers to either build a fully - Integrated Steel mill, to just one car load of I-beams passing through during an operating session. You don't need to build a model of a blast furnace or buy a lot of special equipment to introduce Steel to your layout. How far you take it is up to you. (This presentation will be available on the chapter's YouTube page in the coming weeks).
The Feature Presentation ("Update on the Restoration of PRR K4 1361")
Railroaders Memorial Museum Executive Director, Joe DeFrancesco presented the historical aspects of the K4 class, 1361’s history and recent updates with the restoration progress, and fundraising goals. (This presentation will be available on the chapter's YouTube page in the coming weeks).
The High Line - Spring 2025 (Mailed: April 8, 2025)
"The High Line” is a Philadelphia Chapter publication, included with all memberships and is published twice annually.
Always anticipated, with content originating from knowledgeable members, including ex-PRR employees.
Publications are mailed directly to
chapter members only. If you would like to obtain a copy, please
JOIN the Philadelphia Chapter.
The High Line Volume 37, No.1 (April 2025)
The Spring 2025 issue of "The High Line," is now mailing to all current members. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
The High Line, Spring 2025, includes a variety of features. There are lengthy articles on the PRR Washington Avenue Branch in Philadelphia and on PRR's L-Class 2-8-2 Mikados. There's a story about the first L1s on the Conemaugh Division and two articles revisiting freight train CB20 in New Jersey. Finally, Henry Wetzel recounts his 1956 visit to the Camden Terminal Enginehouse.
If you have content that you would like to contribute to a future issue of The High Line, please email editor Tim Garner at: thehighline@philaprrths.com
March 2025 - YouTube Content Addition
The latest addition to our YouTube offerings are presentations made at the March 1, 2025 chapter meeting. For more information and to view more videos, please visit the chapters "Video / YouTube" page.
Chapter Meeting - March 1, 2025
Modelers Meeting
("Building 3D Printed Resin Vehicle Kits") Bruce Smith discussed the advent of higher quality, lower cost 3D printers, 3D printed kits have become a cottage industry. In particular, vehicles of many types have become available for prototype modelers to use as scenery, or freight car loads. The clinic covered some of the new 3D printed vehicle kits, how to assemble, paint, and weather them. While the focus was on military vehicles, the lessons learned are broadly applicable to all vehicle kits.
Feature Presentation
("PRR Mail & Express Trains") Doug Nelson
looked at PRR mail and express trains including operations, a gallery of Mail & Express train photos, crew cabin cars, and modeling Mail & Express train cars.
BOTH OF THE MARCH 1, 2025 PRESENTATIONS WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE ON THE PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER YOUTUBE PAGE.