This Is 30. For Railfan & Railroad Magazine Editor Steve Barry's 30th and final sold out Wilmington NRHS/SEPTA Superbowl Saturday Trip, they came from New York and Virginia. They came from railroads of coal and diesel and electric. Some were riding a trolley car charter for the first time, at least one was attending his 30th trip in a row....
A beautiful print of some of the equipment used over the years (PCC/PCC-II/Peter Witt/K Car LRV) was commissioned by the NRHS chapter and created by Peter Lerro Sr., and every attendee received a copy. For previously frequent attendee E Marquise Sanders this was his first opportunity to operate on a charter, and for Bill Monaghan Jr it was his first charter in retirement! Lots of milestones today.
Over a few recent trips, Steve told me about the early years of choosing PCCs or Peter Witts, of deciding between the Route 23 or 56. Every few years a Red Arrow trip just to mix it up. And of course we talked about that particularly memorable year when snow forced 2 cancelations, but results in one of the more memorable trips of the modern era.
Did you miss it? Not to worry! Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys will be stepping in to fill the void, so keep the date free on your calendar for next year. There are also other trips thoughout the year if you are too busy prepping wings and snacks for the big game.
SEPTA Elmwood Carhouse
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saturday, February 10, 2024