The History of the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society
Chapter 1: Founding Years (1984–1991)
The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society (BHRS) was chartered in 1984 to offer excursions on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad (NBER). At that time, the NBER was a new shortline operating trackage owned by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority.
That same year, BHRS received its first major piece of equipment, RDC-1 #9167. Built in 1953 as New York, New Haven & Hartford RDC #40, it later served SEPTA before being retired and given to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. It arrived in Bellefonte in December 1984.
The Society also acquired a small fleet that included two track cars, a snowplow, and a caboose. Both the caboose and snowplow were former Bellefonte Central Railroad cars. They remain on display beside the Bellefonte station.
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
Chapter 2: Expansion and the Second RDC (1992–2004)
In 1992, BHRS acquired a second rail diesel car. RDC-1 #9153 was built in 1962 for The Reading Company and later operated by the MBTA. With both cars, BHRS ran excursions throughout Centre County.
Meanwhile, the NBER expanded to nearly 70 miles of track, stretching from Tyrone to Lock Haven and from Milesburg to Dale Summit and Pleasant Gap. In 1996, Conrail began operating coal trains over the NBER, which brought track upgrades and new traffic. When Norfolk Southern took over much of Conrail in 1998, traffic increased again. By 1999, welded rail had been laid on the NBER main line.
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
© Mark S. Wurst Photography
Chapter 3: Suspension of Operations (2005–2013)
In 2005, BHRS suspended service due to mechanical issues, rising costs, and new regulations. Both RDCs were sidelined.
In December 2014, RDC #9167 was shipped to Rail Mechanical Services in Columbia, PA. The goal was to complete repairs within one year, though the process would take much longer.
Chapter 4: Excursion Partnerships (2008–2019)
Despite its suspension, BHRS entered a partnership in 2008 with the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, and Penn Valley Railroad, LLC. This allowed the Society to sponsor twice-yearly excursions using Penn Valley’s restored passenger cars.
Trips included Fall Foliage excursions to Lemont, Pleasant Gap, Sayers Dam, Tyrone, and Lock Haven. The very popular Santa Express trips were also added in December each year and continued until 2019.
Chapter 5: Stagnation and Renewal (2020–2022)
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic halted activity. The board continued to meet and plan, but no excursions were possible.
Efforts to renew the Penn Valley partnership in 2022 were unsuccessful due to financial and regulatory challenges. Still, a group of dedicated members began working harder to find a new path forward.
BHRS raised funds through “speeder” rides during Bellefonte Victorian Christmas in December 2022 and at the Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt in April 2023. Talks with the North Shore Railroad System and SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority led to a new operating agreement. This agreement secured the Society’s ability to once again host excursions with its own or leased equipment.
Chapter 6: The Return of #9167 (2023)
After more than ten years in repair, RDC #9167 finally returned home in 2023. BHRS hosted a welcome home weekend in October, drawing many supporters.
That December, the Society revived its Christmas trains under a new name, the “Candy Cane Express.” For the first time, BHRS also hosted the “Sugar Plum Limited” during Bellefonte Victorian Christmas.
Milestone: In October 2024, RDC #9167 returned to Lemont on the “Mountain’s End” excursion. This was the first BHRS trip into Lemont in more than 20 years and marked a powerful symbol of renewal.
Chapter 7: The Return of #9153 (2025)
In May 2025, RDC #9153 was restored to full operation after nearly 20 years out of service. Its debut came during the High Iron Limited, where it quickly proved itself on long-distance runs.
Milestone: In its first season back, 9153 reached every end of the Nittany & Bald Eagle system. It ran to Tyrone on the west end, Mill Hall on the north end, and Lemont on the Bellefonte Branch. With these trips, 9153 showed its full capability and reunited with 9167 to recreate the classic image of BHRS excursions from decades past.
Chapter 8: Our Mission Today
BHRS continues to preserve local railroad history through restoration and excursions. By operating historic equipment and offering scenic rides, the Society connects current generations to the railroading heritage of Bellefonte and Centre County.
For information on upcoming trips, please visit our Ticket Page.
