Once Rivals Now Uneasy Teammates

Early Penn Central provided some interesting lash-ups coming through Akron. Mike Ondecker caught former Pennsylvania Railroad 2210, a GP30, and former New York Central No. 1753, an F7A, northbound in the summer of 1968.

Photograph by Mike Ondecker

One Day in Akron Near the Union Depot

It is early in the Penn Central era (1968 or 1969) in Akron. A northbound PC freight headed by three former New York Central locomotives is heading east on the joint tracks shared by the Baltimore & Ohio and PC. More than likely, this train will cross over at Arlington Street to the ex-PRR line that runs from Akron to Hudson and go north to Motor Yard and beyond.

The train is passing the west end of Akron Union Depot.

Article and Photograph by Robert Farkas

Special Time in Cleveland Railroad History

Sometimes a scene captures a special time in history. It is Feb. 24 or 25, 1968, in Cleveland. The Penn Central era had begun less than a month (Feb. 1) prior to this photo.  New York Central No. 1049, an Alco FA-2, sits near the diesel shop at Collinwood Yard. In the far background are a few PC boxcars. Had these not been there, this would look like a NYC photo.

Article and Photograph by Robert Farkas

Early Penn Central Action in Canton

It is the early Penn Central era in Canton, either late 1968 or early 1969. A westbound freight has a motive consist of Penn Central, Pennsylvania and a Bangar & Aroostook unit. This lash-up and its train are about to meet an eastbound freight.

Photograph by Robert Farkas