Chasing the Finger Lakes Railway

Finger Lakes Railway; Skaneateles Junction, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

The New York Central's main line once wandered through small towns located at the north end of the Finger Lakes. Once the "Water Level Route" was completed to the north, the original main line became the "Auburn Road" of the NYC, named for one of the villages along the way. The line eventually became a part of Penn Central and then Conrail, then was spun off by Conrail in 1995 when the Finger Lakes Railway (FGLK) was formed. Mindful of its heritage, the FGLK adopted the NYC's lightning stripe paint scheme for its locomotives.

Finger Lakes Railway; Martisco, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

The Finger Lakes Railway is based out of Geneva, N.Y. Its main line, the old Auburn Road, wanders east to a connection with CSX (former New York Central) at Solvay, just outside of Syracuse. From west of Geneva at Canandaigua to Solvay, the railroad runs 76 miles.

Finger Lakes Railway; Fairmount, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

On September 16, 2018, I went looking for a Finger Lakes freight with Mike Burkhart. Sunday is a good day to find train GS-2 (Geneva-Solvay), and we found the train just leaving Auburn heading east behind GP38-2s 2001 and 2003. Our first decent shot was at Skaneateles Junction (top photo), then we chased on to the overhead bridge near Martisco. The train really wanders through the woods, but as it approaches Solvay and Syracuse it gets back into suburbia. There are several NYC depots still located along the line, but Home Depot in Fairmount is not one of them (above).

Finger Lakes Railway; Solvay, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

Once at the interchange it didn't take the crew long to drop the inbound cut of cars and pick up the outbound loads. It took just 45 minutes from the time the train passed the fixed-aspect approach semaphore for Solvay for it to return past the signal (above). Next up on the chase was the old depot at Camillus, now part of a car wash complex (below).

Finger Lakes Railway; Camillus, N.Y.; September 18, 2018

The depot at Martisco requires a bit of a drive into and out, and that will have to wait for another chase. However, the depot at Skaneateles Junction (pronounced "skinny atlas") provided a nice photo prop.

Finger Lakes Railway; Skaneateles Junction, N.Y.; September 18, 2018

The gondolas on the head end directly behind the locomotives were destined to be dropped at Auburn, requiring the train to briefly work the small yard there. With a pause in the action, there was time to launch a drone for an aerial shot.

Finger Lakes Railway; Auburn, N.Y.; September 18, 2018

With the work done in Auburn, the GP38-2 duo made short work getting out of town.

Finger Lakes Railway; Auburn, N.Y.; September 18, 2018

For most of the chase, the pattern for the train was run fast between towns, but slow down in towns. With the train carefully negotiating Auburn, there was time to get ahead of the train as it worked uphill through the S-curves along U.S. 20.

Finger Lakes Railway; Auburn, N.Y.; September 18, 2018

Finger Lakes Railway; Cayuga, N.Y.

Between Auburn and Seneca Falls, the railroad loops north of U.S. 20, then drops south on its approach to Cayuga Lake. Meanwhile, U.S. 20 wanders north to skirt the top part of the lake. As the railroad and highway wander, they cross each other about halfway between the two towns with the highway passing overhead.

The highway crosses above the top of Cayuga Lake; meanwhile, the railroad leaves the village of Cayuga and crosses the very top part of the lake on a causeway.

Finger Lakes Railway; Seneca Falls, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

A wide-angle view shows the puffy white clouds reflected in the blue water of the lake as the train slowly makes its way across the causeway.

Finger Lakes Railway; Cayuga, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

From this point, Seneca Falls is only a couple of miles away, but the train slows down considerably as it approaches the village. There are a ton of neat photo props here, including a NYC passenger station and freight house. We opted to get the scene as the train passed through the town square next to the school.

Finger Lakes Railway; Seneca Falls, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

With the chase almost over, the last village is Waterloo before arriving in Geneva. At Waterloo, the Supreme Court courthouse with its golden dome rises above the town.

Finger Lakes Railway; Waterloo, N.Y.; September 16, 2018

From here the train only had a few miles to go before arriving at the yard in Geneva. We opted to leave the train in Waterloo, capping a wonderful Sunday on the Auburn Road and Finger Lakes Railway.

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.

Third Time's A Charm

NJ Transit; Port Jervis, N.Y.; October 21, 2015

When I visited Port Jervis, New York, a year ago, the old signals from the days of the Erie Railroad still protected the siding leading into town, but replacement signals were standing. A year later, and somehow the Erie signals were still surviving. I made it my mission to capture a photo I didn't get around to doing a year ago.

First some background. The line to Port Jervis is the old Erie Railroad mainline between New York and Chicago. In the merger with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western in the early 1960s the Erie was somewhat chopped up as the new Erie Lackawanna shed redundant trackage. The line took a severe downturn in 1981 when the EL was merged into Conrail. Today the eastern end of the Erie between Hoboken, N.J., and Binghamton, N.Y., sees commuter trains from Hoboken to Port Jervis. Freight service through Port Jervis is down to one trackage rights train from the New York, Susquehanna & Western, which traverses the line westbound on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, and eastbound on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights (although the westbounds usually get to Port Jervis after midnight). The shot I wanted was a Susquehanna train passing the Erie signals.

My first attempt was on October 21, trying to take advantage of the fall foliage. The commuter trains are a joint operation between New Jersey Transit and Metro North Railroad, since the first half the of the journey is primarily in New Jersey (from Hoboken to  Suffern, N.Y.) while the second half is entirely in New York to Port Jervis. Because of the joint nature of the operation, motive power from both railroads can be seen. I shot the 9:27 train that departs east on this evening (above) with the trees showing just a brief bit of color, even this late in the season. The train was pushed by NJT ALP45-DP No. 4527, a dual mode locomotive that can operate as a diesel, but can also operate as an electric from overhead wires where they are present. Alas, for some reason my camera lost its focus, so when Susquehanna showed up at 12:03 a.m., the shot was fuzzy and useless.

The second attempt came on November 4. I got to Port Jervis early to shoot the semi-frequent commuter trains that come in. Expecting Susquehanna after 10:00 sometime, I had some time to try different angles with the commuter trains before moving to the Erie signals. ALP45-DP No. 4524 led a train past the old Erie depot in town (the commuter trains stop at a plexi-glass shelter just west of the old station).

N.J. Transit; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 4, 2015

The next arriving train had one of Metro North's spiffy F40 locomotives leading.

Metro North; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 4, 2015

With the station shot in the bag, I moved on to what appeared to be some trees with color still in them just east of the station. Sadly, it looked better in the dark than it did illuminated by flash. Metro North GP40FH-2 No. 4904 led a train into town.

Metro North; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 4, 2015

Moving up to the signals, the trees were nice and colorful. My test subject before Susquehanna arrived was a train led by Metro North GP40FH-2 No. 4900. I was ready.

Metro North; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 4, 2015

Somehow once again, though, my camera's focus went astray before Susquehanna rolled through at 12:06 a.m. The resulting shot was once again fuzzy....

Determined to make this work, I went back again five days later, on November 9. I knew Susquehanna was running earlier, and this time I was determined to get it. I set my camera up on a tripod, adjusted the focus and waited. A parade of commuter trains went past my lens, led by NJ Transit GP40PH-2B No. 4206.

NJ Transit; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 9, 2015

Most of the colorful leaves were gone, but one almost-dead tree was hanging in right near where the locomotives would be for the shot. It was better than nothing... Next up was a westbound behind Metro North F40 No. 4910.

Metro North; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 9, 2015

The commuter trains run every 30 minutes or so until about 9:00, so I figured Susquehanna would probably not show up until after then. The next commuter train drifted into town just a bit before 9:00 with NJ Transit PL42AC No. 4008 leading.

NJ Transit; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 9, 2015

Normally after the 9:00 train the eastbound signal would flip to green in anticipation of the departure of the 9:27 train. The signal stayed red, however... Was there something behind the 4008? Susquehanna, maybe? At 9:20 a headlight appeared from around the curve. Show time.... Camera on, wait for it... And fire!

New York, Susquehanna & Western; Port Jervis, N.Y.; November 9, 2015

Got it. Finally. The train headed through town with SD60 No. 3800 leading a matched consist of four Susquehanna locomotives. It was time to pack up the camera and head back home. Mission accomplished!

Photos in this post can be purchased here.

20 Years Ago -- A Trip For A Hot Dog

New York City Transit Authority; West 8 Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

It seemed like a good choice -- the Wilmington Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society was looking for a spring trip using regular service trains. The trip would originate somewhere in northern Delaware or southeastern Pennsylvania. I suggested we go to Coney Island to get a hot dog from the original Nathan's Hot Dog stand. So on April 1, 1995, a group of us set out to travel through Manhattan to Brooklyn in search of a hot dog.

Our trip began at the SEPTA station in Marcus Hook, Pa. -- at the time, SEPTA service into Delaware was quite limited. We boarded a Silverliner IV and headed to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, where we would change trains and take another SEPTA train to Trenton, N.J.

SEPTA; Marcus Hook, Pa.; April 1, 1995

At Trenton we changed to a New Jersey Transit train to continue into Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan. We were riding in the lead car of a set of Jersey Arrow self-propelled multiple unit cars, and as the conductor was taking tickets he soon realized he had a group of railfans on board. He checked with the engineer and soon he was cycling members of our group through the cab for photos from the head end.

Amtrak; Elizabeth, N.J.; April 1, 1995

Once in Manhattan we worked our way into the subway system. We knew we wanted the F-Line out to Coney Island. As it works out, the F-Line also serves the oxymoronically highest point on the subway system at Smith-9th in Brooklyn, just after leaving Manhattan. The elevated line provides great views of the Manhattan skyline, so we paused for photos here.

New York City Transit Authority; Smith-9th, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

We continued on the F-Line to the West 8 Street station near Coney Island. This is a multi-level station that also has some good photo angles. We paused here for a few shots before finally heading to lunch.

New York City Transit Authority; West 8 Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

Two more stops and we had arrived at Coney Island. The Stillwell Avenue subway station marked the end of our outbound journey.

New York City Transit Authority; Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

Finally, it was time for our hot dog! We did take time to shoot subway trains approaching Stillwell Avenue across the street.

Nathan's Hot Dogs; Coney Island, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

After lunch we spent some time looking at the Stillwell Avenue terminal. A lot has changed in the intervening 20 years -- the terminal has been expanded and modernized. The BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit) signage on the outside that we saw is still in place in 2015.

New York City Transit Authority; Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

NYCTA; Stillwell Avenue

Now it was time to head home. Lunch was late, and it was already mid-afternoon. As I recall, we opted to take the B-Line back, but long shadows precluded photography. At New York Penn, a few of our group opted to hop on Amtrak to Philadelphia to expedite the ride home. Most of us, however, opted for the NJ Transit/SEPTA combination back to Marcus Hook. Arrival back at the hook was after dark, but it certainly was a memorable trip to get a hot dog!

Nathan's Hot Dogs; Coney Island, N.Y.; April 1, 1995

Trains At Lock 10

One of the most pleasant locations in the east to watch trains is in the middle of New York State, about halfway between Albany and Utica. CSX tracks hug the north shore of the Mohawk River for much of run between the two cities, and just a couple of miles east of Amsterdam is Lock 10.

CSX Transportation; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

CSX Transportation; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

The lock is located on the south side of the river, which is where the parking area is. If any boats come by to use the lock, you have a front-row seat as they are raised or lowered to proceed further along the Mohawk.

Amtrak; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

It should be noted that there are no shade trees here, and parking is out in the sun. If the weather is pleasant, you can unpack a sports chair and enjoy the sun and the breeze off the river. In hot or cold weather, you can take refuge in your car. If you have a radio scanner that picks up railroads, you will get plenty of warning for trains so you can get out of your car and set up. The signals at milepost 173 are just west of this location; there is a defect detector at milepost 177 that will give you a few minutes warning for trains coming east. Most trains also call all the signals on the line over the radio, so you'll hear approaching westbounds call the 169 and 171 signals as they approach you. The frequency you'll want to monitor is 160.800.

Amtrak; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

Fall is a good time to visit, as the weather is nice enough to be outside and the stand of trees behind the tracks turn awesome colors.

Amtrak; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

You can wander around to get angles from both sides of the dam. The area is public access, so there is no problem with wandering around. Be aware that there are no railings along the river just west of the lock itself, so you'll need to keep an eye if you have kids with you.

Amtrak; Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

If you need necessities you can find convenience stores at the New York Thruway entrance just a couple of miles to the west. If you want food (more than convenience store food), you'll need to venture into Amsterdam, north of the Thruway entrance. The tracks hug the Mohawk into Amsterdam. The Amtrak depot is on the west end of town. The photo above was taken just east of the station.

Amtrak; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

This railroad, currently owned by CSX Transportation, was once a part of the famed Water Level Route of the New York Central, so called because much of the line follows the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers as it leaves New York City; later, the route follows the shore of Lake Erie. This low-level route to Chicago was in contrast to rival Pennsylvania Railroad's New York-Chicago route that tackled the Allegheny Mountains further south.

Amtrak; Lock 10, Amsterdam, N.Y.; October 23, 2015

I spent the day at Lock 10 on October 23, 2015. Always up for a challenge, I decided to try some night photography. I set up three Alien Bees B800 studio strobes along the south bank and aimed them across the Mohawk. When I fired them, I couldn't really see any effect by just looking. But the secret to modern night photography is you need just enough photons for a digital camera to pick them up, and I was pleasantly surprised to see my camera was indeed finding the photons. I finished off with a night scene of Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited, bound for Chicago, passing by. Consider a visit to Lock 10 -- it's a great place to watch trains.

Photos in this post can be purchased here.