I am serious. I came upon these two photos in a group of store-processed 620 prints including some of the derailment on the Reader Railroad and shots on the CTA "L", so I assume they were taken by me, but I cannot recall where they were taken. I suspect they were taken around 1965. I recognize BEDT 14, but she has had air brakes added (BEDT steam had no air brakes). It is possible they were taken at the M&PA in York, but if so they should have been with the rest of my photos of the RDG 1271.





That is another CPR tender in front of BEDT 14. Hope someone can solve the mystery, as I'm having a senior moment here.

The Ma & Pa yard in York may be accurate. At one time both the 972 and a saddle-tank engine, were used on excursions on the line operated by Rail Tours. -- Ray

I can reasonably guarantee you that these are photos of 14 and 972 in storage at York, Pa., in between Rail Tours excursions on the Ma & Pa and WM. I think I recognize the buildings/structures in the background from photos taken of those trips around 1967. CP 972 and 1286, BEDT 14, and Reading 1251 were all around York in the 1965-1967 era, and I think that's 1286's tender coupled to BEDT 14 in that photo (note capped stack).

Your money back if I'm wrong. <:-)

Thank you both. The photos were evidently taken from this train when I rode it in 1966.



What ever happened to the three steam locomotives? Looks to me like the 972 would make a great excursion engine.

BEDT 14 under slow restoration by Ulster and Delaware Railroad Historical Society.

CPR 972 now owned by Strasburg Railroad, stored disassembled behind locomotive shop. No plans to work on it in the forseeable future, as present operable locomotives are adequate for current traffic levels.

CPR 1286 owned by Jack Showalter, stored nearlry servicable in central VA.

And Reading 1251 (former shop switcher, shown in the other photo) is now at the RR Museum of Pa. in Strasburg.