The "only grade crossing" on the Fox Chase line, (currently) is Oxford Avenue, which in the 1970's was the scene for a horrible wreck between a fuel truck and a Newtown RDC that was burned up in a fire. Crew and several people killed in it.
in the Railroads of Philadelphia book there is a map that shows that there was a branch line that went from Olney Station too. i think that part of the line was abandoned in the 1920s though. according to the Philadelphia geohistory maps it still there up to the at least 1962
I'm also surprised you didn't see any CSX trains on the New York short line. My house backs up to the line and CSX has increased traffic over the past couple of years on there.
I'm glad you post these SEPTA videos. I grew up in the Philly burbs and am unfortunately in NC now. I spent several years riding SEPTA so all of your videos bring back great memories. From your video viewpoint I am able to appreciate and immerse myself in it remembering the sounds, sights, sometimes smells..lol!, and even the winter temps. Thank you!
I read up fairly recently that SEPTA wants to double up more segments. I’ve seen part of the Doylestown line is one way as my grandfather lives in Willow Grove (although he uses Noble when going into the city instead). Again being used to the Keystone corridor, it’s weird seeing the Fox Chase line “driving on the left”. Then again, I’ve been studying abroad in Madrid for the past month and the metro drives on the left here so I’m used to it at this point
From 1983 until 2000 SEPTA ran a shuttle bus from Newtown to Fox Chase, but it had low ridership as well. Today Newtown is served by SEPTA Suburban Bus Route 130 (Bucks Co. Community College-Frankford/Knights) and serves the Langhorne Station on the West Trenton Line for Newtown commuters to get into Center City.
I remember riding the train the day President Reagan was shot. I was in a government training class that week at the federal building near Independence Square. Lived near Solly and Rhawn.
At the 6:18 mark, that is the school I coach baseball at. It's formerly the A. Mecky tricycle company which made Velo-King Velocipede Tricycles. When they dig out where the field and parking lot is they found some old tracks from the spurs and an oil tank buried there.
If you git the chance second Saturday of the month rock ledge model rr open house from 12 to 3 pm 323 Montgomery Ave rockledge not far from fox chase check it out
Reading RR RDCs would continue on to Newtown. A huge mistake closing that line, as the Newtown area us one of the fastest growing sections in Bucks County.
The propulsion of these Silverliner 5's sounds a bit like the M8s from Metro-North. BTW, I know this video is about SEPTA, but do you think that MBTA should get some ALP45DPs to replace those "Garfields" that you don't like? Cause TBH, I actually kind of agree. The HSP46s actually do look pretty ugly. They're like the M7s from the LIRR, because there's too many of them, except the M7s look much nicer.
The branch used to continue north to Newtown but septa discontinued service in 1981 since septa abolished non-electrified services. Septa did run the shuttles again in October of 1981 called the “Fox Chase Rabid Transit Line” but due to failing diesel equipment, labor issues, and low ridership, service was suspended again in 1983 and the tracks have since been converted to the Pennypack and New Town Railtrails
Such a fantastic ride. My dad was from Philly and grew up just a block away from the Lawndale stop. Rode this train many times
In the early 80's, the CSX line was electrified but removed for easy access for CSX to use.
I thought so
I was the later 2000s when they built the siding at Lawndale.
Us railfans are so lucky to have your awesome videos! Thank you very much !!
Nice ride! I did a rail fan trip one way to Fox Chase; returning on Septa bus/subesy. Thanks for the memories!!😀😀
The "only grade crossing" on the Fox Chase line, (currently) is Oxford Avenue, which in the 1970's was the scene for a horrible wreck between a fuel truck and a Newtown RDC that was burned up in a fire. Crew and several people killed in it.
Good narration, great video.
in the Railroads of Philadelphia book there is a map that shows that there was a branch line that went from Olney Station too. i think that part of the line was abandoned in the 1920s though. according to the Philadelphia geohistory maps it still there up to the at least 1962
I'm also surprised you didn't see any CSX trains on the New York short line. My house backs up to the line and CSX has increased traffic over the past couple of years on there.
I'm glad you post these SEPTA videos. I grew up in the Philly burbs and am unfortunately in NC now. I spent several years riding SEPTA so all of your videos bring back great memories. From your video viewpoint I am able to appreciate and immerse myself in it remembering the sounds, sights, sometimes smells..lol!, and even the winter temps. Thank you!
I read up fairly recently that SEPTA wants to double up more segments. I’ve seen part of the Doylestown line is one way as my grandfather lives in Willow Grove (although he uses Noble when going into the city instead). Again being used to the Keystone corridor, it’s weird seeing the Fox Chase line “driving on the left”. Then again, I’ve been studying abroad in Madrid for the past month and the metro drives on the left here so I’m used to it at this point
From 1983 until 2000 SEPTA ran a shuttle bus from Newtown to Fox Chase, but it had low ridership as well. Today Newtown is served by SEPTA Suburban Bus Route 130 (Bucks Co. Community College-Frankford/Knights) and serves the Langhorne Station on the West Trenton Line for Newtown commuters to get into Center City.
Thank you for explaining the signals!
That’s a really interesting SEPTA route. Thanks for including the signal details…always enjoy this info.
I remember riding the train the day President Reagan was shot. I was in a government training class that week at the federal building near Independence Square. Lived near Solly and Rhawn.
This is a nice ride.
At the 6:18 mark, that is the school I coach baseball at. It's formerly the A. Mecky tricycle company which made Velo-King Velocipede Tricycles. When they dig out where the field and parking lot is they found some old tracks from the spurs and an oil tank buried there.
I had a better view of it on the Fox Chase video. I saw the soccer nets and the scoreboard
2:20 Temple University
8:01 Wayne Junction
13:33 Olney
16:24 Lawndale
18:28 Cheltenham
20:01 Ryers
22:18 Fox Chase
5:21 i thought Fox Chases trains used the outer track at Wayne Junction? Oh I see now, nvm,.
If you git the chance second Saturday of the month rock ledge model rr open house from 12 to 3 pm 323 Montgomery Ave rockledge not far from fox chase check it out
Lovely video! 👍
Reading RR RDCs would continue on to Newtown. A huge mistake closing that line, as the Newtown area us one of the fastest growing sections in Bucks County.
The propulsion of these Silverliner 5's sounds a bit like the M8s from Metro-North.
BTW, I know this video is about SEPTA, but do you think that MBTA should get some ALP45DPs to replace those "Garfields" that you don't like? Cause TBH, I actually kind of agree. The HSP46s actually do look pretty ugly. They're like the M7s from the LIRR, because there's too many of them, except the M7s look much nicer.
Why not have the broad street line take over the fox chase line
Pogg
It looks like the line went further than Fox Chase. Why does it not anymore?
Septa cut subsidies for diesel services in 1981. Tracks ripped up
The branch used to continue north to Newtown but septa discontinued service in 1981 since septa abolished non-electrified services. Septa did run the shuttles again in October of 1981 called the “Fox Chase Rabid Transit Line” but due to failing diesel equipment, labor issues, and low ridership, service was suspended again in 1983 and the tracks have since been converted to the Pennypack and New Town Railtrails
There on Facebook
This line long ceased being important after it was killed off through Newtown. It is useless stub.
Never had the pleasure of riding the Budd cars to Newtown.