Ep 2. Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern

"Tracks Ahead" is a celebrated documentary series that primarily features railroad travel in North America. The series is an all-time favorite of travel and history enthusiasts who love discovering new routes and places through train journeys. In this season's (season 9) second episode, "Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern," the audience is taken on a thrilling train ride that explores the tracks, railways, and railway stations of Pennsylvania.

The episode's title derives from the three different railroads that the show covers in this episode, all of which are located on one of Pennsylvania's scenic routes. The first and most iconic is the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern (WK&S) railroad. The WK&S, founded in 1963, is a preserved shortline railroad located in the scenic Kempton Valley. In this episode, viewers follow the WK&S as it travels to Kempton's historic train station. The train is a real treat, too, not only for historians but even for people that just aim to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We see the beautiful scenery, one of the highlights of train travel, as the WK&S traverses the picturesque valley, including the vast countryside and rich woodlands around it. From a technical perspective, the show's experts explain how the WK&S uses historical equipment and dress in period clothing, providing an enriched historical experience.

The next stop in the episode is the small train stations along the line, which the train stops at whenever a train arrives. The stations are adorned with interesting history and architecture, which the experts delve into, giving the audience a real understanding of how the railways and stations have developed over time.

As the journey continues, the show takes an exciting twist, as it explores a former extinct railway line, proving that even after such a railway line's cessation, interest remains. In particular, they discover the odyssey of the East Penn Railroad, or Iron Horse Rambles, which recreated the experiences of an old-time steamrailroading system in 1956. Brought out of obscurity in the US archives, the Iron Horse Rambles is a treat for history enthusiasts who love to connect with the past through recreations. The experts narrate how the railroad company started with one steam locomotive and made an immediate impact on the people of Pennsylvania. The steam locomotive also held an important place in the state's history as it cut through the heart of Bethlehem, a former steel town, providing employment and opportunities for the youth at the time.

Finally, the show concludes with a visit to the Lehigh & New England Railroad, a railway that played a vital role in industrial development in the early 1900s. The Lehigh & New England Railroad offered a competitive advantage over their competitors, using a revolutionary process in rail transportation. From an operational point of view, the episode highlights the various conservation practices that the institution has put in place to save the locomotives and protect the surrounding environment from hazardous pollutants.

The episode is an excellent example of how railway journeys are not only relaxing and enjoyable but can also be used as an educational tool. The various historical sites and railway stations that the show covers are a testament to this, as each offers a rich history and culture that is fascinating to learn about. Moreover, with their always-interesting experts providing detailed explanations and insights, "Tracks Ahead" provides deep insight into Pennsylvania's rail travel and their significant impact, undoubtedly making the trip an enjoyable and educational experience.