[PRCo] Frankstown

[Matt Barry]

Here's a quote from one of the recent e-mails from Dennis Linsky:

"88-Frankstown operated entirely over street track
that was in excellent condition and appeared to have been
recently rebuilt"

This was apparently reported in 1953.   My recollections of rides on the Frankstown in the 1960's would indicate that this statement is very accurate.   I recall smooth-riding inbound and outbound, from Lawrenceville to town and back.  The only section of track that offered just a bit of a wild ride was the outbound section of Liberty Avenue alongside the Pennsylvania Railroad yards.   Whew!  That was a joy ride, indeed.   Operators sped out of town over that trackage.   It seemed rare when there were any passengers to pick up after departing the PA Station stop at 11th street, up to about 30th street.

We also rode the 77/54 from Lawrenceville to the North Side.  I especially recall the smooth ride across the 16th street bridge.  The car whirred glided effortlessly across that bridge, it seemed.    Incidentally, just noted that the track turning from Penn Avenue onto the bridge is perfectly in place and was visible yesterday, February 22, 2004.

Matt