A Visit to the New Hope Railroad 12/28/25 - Farewell to 2-8-0 40

Описание: This December, New Hope & Ivyland 2-8-0 40 turned 100 years old. However, this would also be its final year in operation before going out of service for its 1,472 day inspection. Seeing as how it won't see steam again for at least four years, I decided to take a trip down to New Hope to see it making some of its last runs on the Santa's Steam Spectacular train. While I wasn't able to get as many shots of it as I was hoping, I'm glad I was able to see it on its last day of service.

0:00 GP9 8218 idles in the station with the North Pole Express as it awaits its next departure.
0:14 2-8-0 40 pulls the 12PM Santa's Steam Spectacular across West Ferry Street. This crossing has become very messed up, possibly a result of the snow and ice. Throughout the day, it was constantly activating 4-6 minutes early when a train was approaching. Additionally, one of the bells had died, and the second one died as this train was passing by.
3:37 The 1PM North Pole Express crosses West Bridge Street/Route 179 as it departs.
6:55 Santa's Steam Spectacular shoves into the station. 40 then stops to fill up with water before running around to the other end of its train.
11:13 8218 pulls the 1PM North Pole Express across West Bridge Street.
13:52 The 2PM Santa's Steam Spectacular departs.
16:31 Crossing Street Road and arriving at Lahaska.
17:57 40 runs around to the other end of its train, then starts heading east after a brake test.
23:45 West Mechanic Street.
26:12 The 3PM North Pole Express passes Reeder Road.
28:25 Running alongside West Mechanic Street.
31:10 The 4PM Santa's Steam Spectacular passes Aquetong Road. As the train rounded the curve beyond the crossing, it began to stall due to the ice building up on the tracks. RP39-2C 901 would be called into action to help the train out, although it was unable to make it to Lahaska because of the delay.
33:27 901 pulls the 4PM train across West Bridge Street and back into the station. The train briefly stops so 901 can be uncoupled before 40 shoves the train the rest of the way.
38:15 8218 pulls the 5PM North Pole Express out of the station.
41:35 One final look at 40 as it pulls its train back into the station.