Scranton in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
CNJ #5 Steam Derrick
Idler Gondola #9208
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
1. CNJ #5 Steam Derrick Marker
The Central Railroad of New Jersey #5 steam derrick was built in 1918 and spent most of its working life in northeastern Pennsylvania. It could lift up to 150 tons. Though it could move itself and its idler for short distances, a locomotive usually pulled #5 to the work site.
The idler gondola, when coupled in front of the crane, carried rails, ties, spikes, chains, and extra hooks. Its primary function, however, was to enable the crane to be coupled into a train. While traveling, the crane's boom, lowered into a horizontal position, extended over its coupler and required an empty or "idler" gondola between it and the next piece of equipment.
Erected by Steamtown Nataionl Historic Site - National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 41° 24.453′ N, 75° 40.306′ W. Marker is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in Lackawanna County. Marker can be reached from Mechanic Street, on the right when traveling east. Located between the entrance and the roundhouse at Steamtown
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Illinois Central #790 (a few steps from this marker); Tank Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Oil House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Oil House (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamtown (within shouting distance of this marker); Oil House Foundation (within shouting distance of this marker); 1865 Inspection Pit (within shouting distance of this marker); 1902 Roundhouse Office (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scranton.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a photo captioned - The CNJ #4 and CNJ #5 cleared the June 1965 wreck of the Maine Central #3942.
Also see . . .
1. Central New Jersey Steam Derrick #5. (PDF) More details from the Park Service site. (Submitted on June 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Gondola #9208. (PDF) More details from the Park Service site. (Submitted on June 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
2. Marker in front of the Steam Derrick
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
3. Steam Derrick and Condola seen from the Observation Deck
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
4. View of the Other Side of the Steam Derrick
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
5. Steam Derrick Profile
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,097 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
