Steam & Excursion > 1996: Iron Horse Rambles behind 614

In October, 1996, NJ Historical Societies and Iron Horse Enterprises of Lebanon, NJ put together a series of excursions between Hoboken and Port Jervis, behind C&O 4-8-4 #14. Hard to believe, but New Jersey Transit and Metro-North gave their blessing. I rode the trip on October 27, 1996, in first-class service on former PRRT Observation "Mountain View." These photos are part of my year-long photos in chronological order project, by year, but with the steam focus, I thought I'd make this the primary board.

In Hoboken Terminal, the cab was open for tours.

B&OBill



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/17 13:45 by bandob.

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Little did I realize how the skyline would change as seen from Hoboken Terminal.

From the vestibule of Mountain view, it was a long way to the locomotive.

An interesting old tower, perhaps To members can identify it and location?

B&OB

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Another view on the curves. The vestibule of Mountain View was a civilized place to watch the scenery. Things looked a little more wild in the open car.

Some views in Port Jervis.

B&OB

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After the locomotive was turned, a number of run-bys took place.

B&OB

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More run-by action.

Little boy, Big wheels!

B&OB

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Locomotive was of course quite a bit closer to Mountain View's vestibule on the way home.

We were a happy group detraining in Hoboken. similar trips would be repeated again in 1997 and 1998!

B&OBill



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/17 03:42 by bandob.

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Thanks for sharing these.
My favorite was 614 coming around the curve in your next to last photo.
Bob

B&O Bill;
Do you remember if the turntable needed Caterpillar tractors to turn the table? I was in P J for one of the trips and cables were needed to pull the table so spin the 4-8-4. Based on recent photos of an Erie E-8 A unit on that same table, the Erie RR name still appears at the top of the "A" framework.

That old tower is Waldwick tower. It is completely restored today.

Tom

Those maybe were the best steam excursions ever-Track speed of up to 80mph, open vestibules coaches, reasonable ticket prices and plenty of runbys i made 3 of those trips between 1998 and 1999 I wish I could've made more! I do belive however they were called the Erie Limited.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/17 13:26 by WauhopM.

Thanks, all for the additional information. I do not remember if caterpillar tractors were used, but the Erie RR sign was indeed on the turntable. (Photo 1)

The trips were called the Erie Limited, but advertised as Iron Horse Rambles. (Photo 2)

B&OB

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I was there for one of those trips, I remember that the dozer was a long track variety and at one point came perilously close to accidentally falling into the pit. The runbys on that trip were amazing, throttle to the roof, loud as heck, whistle screaming as she went by. You couldn't help but be impressed by her power. It was a long consist and she got it up to speed very quickly.

Posted from iPhone

Finders:

Complete with aluminum, cab, jacket, runningboards. Etc... 1948 style...
Interestingly, the cab is NOT insulated, or wood-lined ... and on cold nights, it 'rains' in there from condensing steam...collecting on the interior roof...

W.

Picture 15, the boy fascinated by the drivers...
Properly dressed and ready ...correct shoes and all

Larry Haines once told me: "There are only two things that we can give our children---- Roots and Wings!"..
He was so right...

Here's a young lad, that in this view, is getting both, in good measure ...
Where is he at, today???
25 to 28???

Wonderful pic.
Warms my cynical, old heart, up.

Wes

I was on one of these excursions with my parents around age 4-5. I barely remember if even at all anything but I sure wish I could get another chance to see 614 under steam again.

-Ryan N.

WauhopM Wrote:
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> Those maybe were the best steam excursions
> ever-Track speed of up to 80mph, open vestibules
> coaches, reasonable ticket prices and plenty of
> runbys i made 3 of those trips between 1998 and
> 1999 I wish I could've made more! I do belive
> however they were called the Erie Limited.

I don't recall any open vestibule coaches?....they were all NJT comet coaches. Only saw open vestibules on the handful of first class cars on the rear, one former stainless steel car converted to an "open car" with glass removed from the window frames and the baggage car/open car that currently is used by the New Hope and Ivyland and from the photos posted, looks like the had the one open car from the old Tioga Central trainset, which may have been at that time still part of the "Entertainment" consist.

I was fortunate enough to ride the Mountain View as well and my Mom was fortunate enough to win one of the cab rides, which took place on the Run by.

Those were fun trips....in first class. Not sure how the coach class made out (heard some horror stories of malfunction bathroom issues on some of the cars.)



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/17 19:08 by nhiwwrr.

The little guy in image #15 reminds me of ... well, ME at the age of 4. Summertime 1959, family pic-a-nic in Eisenhower Park in Abilene, KS. This was my first (un)official RR job: Inspecting the running gear of AT&SF 4-6-2 #3415 sitting on display in the park. One of these days I hope to be able to run the grand ol' gal for the Smoky Valley gang on an excursion or 2...

Lance/199 (ex-AT&SF, ex-DM&E & ex-MRL)



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/17 20:31 by santafe199.

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THAT AINT NO 4-6-0 !!!!

Try a 4-6-2....
Those 80" drivers are ahead of the firebox...if it was a 4-6-0, the firebox would be over top of much smaller drivers...

I expect a typo crept in to the essay...
I went to Google to find out about the 3415.... SMILES !!!

WOW Love those nice, thick driver tires !!
Whitewalls make 'em stand out...
(Railroads rarely applied new tires to shot, worn-out locos...[it's a clue to the general, over-all condition of the entire engine] ..at the time the decision was made to renew the tires...late in 'game' ...)

W.

( We need a spel-chkr. that corrects Whyte loco I.D. info with engine numbers...!!).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/17 01:38 by wcamp1472.

Thanks to great cooperation from NJTransit these were really great trips. It was the first time in 20 years ( and not since) that serious steam fans were able to purchase and experience the " full Monty" ( track speed, no diesels, open windows, real multiple speed runbys, cheap prices) . 614 did a great job doing exactly what she was built to do.

Grateful also that we were able to operate all 24 excursions without a single reportable accident and that 99.9% of the 27,300 paying guests were pleased with the product.

Could it be done again?? Never say never !!!

Ross Rowland

We also owe a huge debt of THANKS to the man who's vision made it happen: co614.

nhiwwrr: Is that your Mom in the cab in photo two?

B&O Bill



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/17 06:33 by bandob.

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