If you have been following the railroad scene on the Bethlehem Branch over the past 20+ years, you have probably heard of Rich Pattison. Rich was a founding member of the Lansdale Rails Yahoogroup, in fact his was the first informational post back on January 5 2002. From his home in Wyncote, Rich practically had the railroad running in his backyard (click here for the view) and he kept track of the comings and goings with meticulous detail, providing times and car counts for trains that were running past his house when most of us were sound asleep. Rich was infamous for the spotlight he would shine out his window at the sides of the passing freight trains at night as he recorded engine and car numbers. You would think that the crews might take issue with his activities, but in reality many of them became his friends.

Many of us in the railfan community were saddened to learn that Rich passed away this week. K3ACR has signed off for the last time. He will be missed.

And he will be remembered, here are a couple more photo essays featuring Rich's photography: the 2008 Phillies Parade trains and National Train Day 2008 at Cheltenham.

The third in a series regarding the changes around the Lansdale Cluster.

PN L160 shifting the yard, as it does most days.