Staff/photos as noted
Steamtown Railfest 2026 enjoyed record crowds over three days of Labor Day Weekend, with 5,282 guests and dozens more volunteers who showed up to work the various booths and displays.
Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad provided a wide assortment of equipment including D&H RS3 4068, “Nickel Plate” PA 190, the Erie Lackawanna “Twins”, C425s 2452 and 2461, and Lehigh Valley C420 414. Norfolk Southern brought in colorful Dash-9 USA 250 unit 4118. Crowds enjoyed displays from many historical groups including Anthracite Railroads Historical Society (EMD A-B-A- F3s), the National Museum of Industrial History (carmover “Tug), New Jersey Trackcar speeder rides, shop tours, demonstrations, music, and Yard Shuttle and Scranton Limited short train rides. Business cars Lehigh Valley 353 and Erie 3 were open for visitors to walk through. Ranger-led walking tours explored Mattes Street Tower and Renaissance Park.
Delaware & Hudson RS3 4068 is lit up during Friday evening’s night photo session. The beautiful paint job is the handiwork of D–L shop superintendent Bill Strine and his talented paint crew. — Michael T. Burkhart
The annual tradition of night photography was expanded to three nights this year, with all sold out. Alien Bee electronic flash lighting was provided by Steve Barry of Railfan & Railroad magazine, assisted by John Gabriel and John Regan.
The Iron Horse Society provided soda and water and packaged snacks for sale in the park, while food trucks just outside the park provided coffee, hot food, and ice cream. Music was provided by several local bands. Steamtown Park Superintendent Jeremy Komasz highlighted the opening ceremony on Friday morning, September 4 …
