Wilmington & Western RR Railfan Guide

RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.

Todd's Railfan Guide to
the WILMINGTON & WESTERN RR
Greenbank DE

In General
Getting Here
Map
Pictures
Signals

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The Wilmington & Western Railroad has been around for quite sometime, 1966 to be exact for tourist service.

The railroad was chartered in 1867, and began operation in 1872. The railroad went into foreclosure in 1877. After reorganization, it reopened as the Delaware Western RR. The railroad was purchased in 1880 by the Baltimore & Philadelphia RR, a subsidiary of the B&O, and became known as the Landenberg Branch. A resort had been built on the line, and the line interchanged with the Pennsy in Landenberg. As traffic declined, and the resort closed, the Pennsy killed the connection in the early 1930's. The line was shortened in the late 1940's to Southwood DE. Then, in the late 50's, after the demolition of the Broad Creek trestle, the line was further shortened to Hockessin. In the mid 60's, the Historic Red Clay Valley Inc was formed and began leasing the tracks from the B&O. When the Chessie System decided they no longer needed the line, the HRCV bought the remaining 10.2 miles in 1982.

More history is at: http://www.wwrr.com/about/history.aspx

As always, if you have something to add or correct, my email is here

Getting Here

If you're travelling into the area via I-95, take exit 3 for DE 141, and head north. Take exit 5 for Centerville Rd, and then make a left at Boxwood Rd, going over 141. Just after going over 141, take a right onto Newport and Gap Turnpike. This will take you to the railroad.

If you're in Wilmington, it's probably a whole lot easier to out of town on S Union St, to Wilmington Ave, to the Robert W Kirkwood Hwy. Once you go under 141, Newport & Gap Turnpike will be on your right in short order.