Canadian National Mixed Train

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Mixed trains were at one time a part of branchline railroading. On lines that saw little traffic, the local freight train would sometimes carry a passenger coach on the rear, making it a mixed passenger and freight train. You didn't want to be going anywhere fast on a mixed train, as the train would pause to switch out its freight customers along the way. Today, only one mixed train remains in the U.S. and Canada, operating in far north Ontario.

On November 14, 2015, the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley brought back the days of mixed trains with a special excursion operated for photographers out of Milford, N.Y. On the point was the railroad's rare S7 diesel, built by Montreal Locomotive Works in November 1957 and freshly painted for its original owner, Canadian National Railway. The train behind the locomotive consisted of five freight cars and a rider coach. The train departed Milford and headed north, first stopping at the "lighthouse" behind Pop's ice cream stand (above).

The train was set up so the coach would be on the rear for the southbound trip, taking advantage of sun angles for the photographers. Alas, there was no sun on this day. Just south of Cooperstown the S7 ran around the train to get on the south end to have the train arranged properly for the return trip.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Cooperstown, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Heading south, a photo stop was made at the abandoned road bridge at Phoenix Mills. A variety of angles was available here for photographers to work in the trusses of the old bridge.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Phoenix Mills, Cooperstown, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Next was a stop at another through truss bridge, this one used by the railroad (and still in use, obviously) at Hartwick Seminary. The bridge over the Susquehanna River is located just north of the multi-diamond Dreams Park, a baseball camp. Cooperstown is generally regarded as the birthplace of baseball and is the location of the sport's Hall of Fame.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Hartwick Seminary, Cooperstown, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Back at Pop's ice cream stand, the mixed train was string out on the long fill next to the pond. Other photo stops and runbys were held during the day. There were two stops going north, the runaround in Cooperstown, a stop at the north end of track in Cooperstown, and four stops coming back south.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

The lack of sun doesn't matter after sunset, when night photography can be done. After a pizza dinner break at the Milford station, the train headed back north again to Pop's for a photo out on the line.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Back in Milford, the locomotive was cut away from its train and posed in front of the depot. The line is a former Delaware & Hudson branch. Conductor Bruce Hodges checks on the 8223 at the station.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

On its way back to the shop area, No. 8223 once again paused for a quick photo by the bed & breakfast that sits across the tracks from the depot.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Finally, the trip finished with a photo of the roster of the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley. Joining S7 No. 8223 were former Metro North FL9 No. 2029 (built by Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in 1957 as New Haven No. 2037) and Montreal Locomotive Works S4 No. 3051 (built in 1956 as Canadian National No. 8181).

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Despite the gloomy weather during the day, the 20 photographers on board and the crew had a great time. It was enjoyable to step back into the days of mixed trains for a few hours.

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley; Milford, N.Y.; November 14, 2015

Photos from this post can be purchased here.