See Reading & Northern 4-6-2 #425 like never before: running solo on the steep grades of the R&N mainline. This is easily the most thrilling #425 video yet, with full coverage of 3 days of solo runs during the 2016 season, including the first ever Autumn Leaf Excursion operated without a diesel helper.

This program begins with the first trip of the year: a two-day photo charter in mid-February, which featured #425 on the point of a 4-car passenger train with an authentic Reading 6-chime whistle. Operating amidst falling snow and bitterly cold temperatures, the special ran from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and then north into the Lehigh Gorge - with great runby action at a number of rare locations.

We'll then skip ahead to the last trips of the year, as #425 pulled two days of Autumn Leaf Excursions in October. Operating between Port Clinton and Jim Thorpe, these are the most popular trips the railroad offers and they always run with diesel assistance because of the length of the train. On Saturday the 15th, #425 pulled the usual 14-car train with an SD40-2 diesel helper (the only trip with a diesel in this video). Sunday was the big event, as #425 pulled 8-cars solo for the first time on one of these excursions. We'll chronicle this historic trip with extensive in-cab views as the little Pacific struggles mightily on the grade north of Tamaqua. Almost half this video is dedicated to this one incredible excursion.

Filmed entirely in HD, this program features impressive steam action and beautiful eastern scenery. There is minimal narration (with the option to turn it on or off) and no distracting music.