Steam & Excursion > July 12, 1970 NKP 759 excursion info

This thread was originally posted on the History forum but someone suggested I post it here with the hope someone might be able to answer my questions. Back on July 12, 1970, a friend photographed NKP 759 crossing over the North Branch Viaduct in North Branch, NJ. I know its eventual destination would be Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania but know very little about this excursion beyond that. The question I have that I am hoping might know the answers are as follows:
1. What was the price of a ticket for this excursion?
2. Where did this excursion orignate from?
3. Any idea as to how many cars were in the consist?
Thanks for any information provided.

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That's a wonderfully composed photo...very dramatic!

My memory is cloudy, but the trip probably originated at CNJ's Elizabethport, NJ...
with a couple of close-in, local pick-up stops.

Ticket Price was probably $39.95...
Probably 19 cars... mostly CNJ open window, commuter coaches.

Interestingly, the car behind the tender is HICO's ex-Broadway Limited observation car, Mountain View.

That was an exciting summer, culminating in two, unassisted,  759's battles around PRR's Horseshoe Curve,
that following September.  Those trips originated from Harrisburg, Pa, up the hill and around tte helper-return
loop at Gallitzin, downhill to Altoona and return to Harrisburg.

(Ross's memory is probably better than mine, about your questions.).

W.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/22 05:27 by wcamp1472.

Hank Webber ( scoop dejur) is the best source for HICO facts. Wes is probably correct that the destination was Jim Thorpe and it would have been about 19 cars ( mostly CRRofNJ O/W coaches) and yes that years 2 best trips were up and around Hoseshoe Curve with no diesel(s) in the consist. Hopefully Hank will chime in with more facts.

   Ross Rowland 

 Between Elizabeth, NJ and Jim Thorpe, PAJuly 12, 1970The Smoke Eater's Special - over the Jersey Central Lines with NKP locomotive 759.
https://themetrains.com/golden-spike-centennial-limited-timeline.htm

Thanks to one and all for providing this information, much appreciated!