The rebirth of the Colebrookdale Railroad as a successful tourist railroad was sparked by Pottstown native Nathaniel Guest and a supportive community, writes Dale W. Woodland for Trains.com.
The Colebrookdale Railroad revitalized a former Reading Company branch in southeastern Pennsylvania. The rebirth process began once Guest learned that the railroad was slated to be officially abandoned. As he firmly believed that the line was worth saving due to its rich history, he started a campaign to get trains running once again.
His first move was to approach the Berks County commissioners for help. He was able to convince them that the Colebrookdale Railroad is a crucial asset for the old industrial communities of Pottstown and Boyertown that are along its route. He also made it clear that once the railroad was gone, it would be gone forever.
The commissioners put their support behind the project and the Civil War-era railroad was born again as a heritage railroad named the Secret Valley Line.
A nonprofit organization, the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, was established to oversee the project. The organization successfully restored and developed the railroad, which now serves as an active freight utility and heritage tourist railroad.
Read more about Nathaniel Guest at Trains.com.
