Angles on the old Reading & Columbia

The old Reading & Columbia route of the Reading Company was fragmented during the Conrail-era and what remains is operated by several different railroads.

Historically, the line offered the Reading Company a through-route from greater Reading, Pa., via a junction at Sinking Spring, to Manheim, and Lancaster Junction to the once-important shipping center at Columbia, Pa., with branches to Mt Hope and Lancaster.

Today, the eastern end of this route is operated as part of the East Penn Railroad, with locomotives stored at the old Reading Company station in Reinholds. This continues via Denver and Stevens toward Ephrata.

I began exploring this route after we moved to Lancaster last year. Last week, I made another inspection of this route, making photos of the line using my Lumix LX7. I started at Reinholds and worked my way west.

One of these days, I hope to catch a train on the move over these rails.

Reinholds, Pa., looking toward Sinking Spring.
Reinholds, Pa., looking toward Sinking Spring.
Reinholds, Pa., looking toward Sinking Spring.
Reinholds, Pa., looking toward Sinking Spring.
Denver, Pa.,
Denver, Pa.
Denver, Pa.
Denver, Pa.
Garden Spot Road, near Stevens, Pa.
Garden Spot Road, near Stevens, Pa.