The FP7 fleet was acquired by the Reading in the 1950s for use on long distance passenger service between Philadelphia and outlying points. Cities such as Reading, Pottsville, and Jersey City, NJ would see passage of these units daily at the head end of the railroad's name trains, including the Crusader, the Wall Street, and the King Coal. Only three survive today, including class leader 900, due to their use in operations for SEPTA well into the 1980s. RDG 900 is currently undergoing cosmetic restoration by the museum back to its as built appearance. We were happily able to see sister units 902 and 903 during a visit to Steamtown the previous weekend. |