Eastern Railroad Discussion > NYS&W Work Train, Schuyler St, Utica, NY

New York, Susquehanna & Western's Utica-Binghamton branch was severely damaged by flooding in 2006 and 2011. Only the northern 23 miles of the line, Sangerfield-Utica, remained in continuous operation. The railroad's Syracuse and Utica branches share 12 miles of track from Binghamton north to Chenango Forks where, appropriately enough, the lines diverge. From this point, it is 83 miles to Utica.

The 60 miles of tracks between Chenango Forks-Sangerfield were placed back in service this spring. The first few forays north from "FORKS" were light engine moves.

On June 9th, however, the Susquehanna ran a work train north, the first non-light engine move since the branch re-opened. Powered by NYS&W SD40 No.3022, the train had 4 gondolas containing new ties slated to be placed along the line between Sangerfield-Utica. The train ran to Sangerfield where it tied up for the next few days.

On June 14th, after having dropped its ties, mostly lineside on Paris Hill, a 1.8% grade, the train eased into Utica.

Here are some photos showing No. 3022 heading north on Schuyler Street mid-afternoon, June 14th. They were careful to watch that the unloader (atop the first gon) didn't take down any wires. I saw the unloader operator move push-up a few wires lest the local residents lose cable service.

Here are some photos:

1. Work train, northbound, Schuyler St, 3:05 pm.

2. Speed limit 8 MPH, slow enough to watch for children (although some of the local urchins have been known to jump onto moving cars).

3. View looking north.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/24/17 04:51 by ut-1.

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A few more photos.

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Very interesting photos. Always like street running.
Thanks for posting.
ALLEN

Very nice..!!