Eastern Railroad Discussion > Helper Action NYS&W Utica NY Branch

NYS&W No. 3040 is usually the sole power on New York, Susquehanna & Western's Utica NY branch. However, each spring traffic greatly increases to customers in Waterville and Sangerfield (fertilizer and asphalt). Between Utica-Sangerfield, 23 miles, lies Paris Hill and its 1.8% grade. As No. 3040 is limited to taking 7 loads up Paris Hill, the Susquehanna brings on an additional locomotive to assist 3040.

This year, the extra locomotive is NYS&W SD45 No. 3618 (built 5/71, ex-BN No. 6500). No. 3618's first day on the Utica job was April 12th.

We first catch 3618 helping 3040 on Paris Hill at Richfield Junction, Cassville.

Next, we are at the summit just past Paris Station.

The folllowing clip features the freight crossing a small creek in Waterville.

Finally, about 4 hours later with 3618 up front, the train comes off the northerly end of Utica's Schuyler Street in the shadow of the ex-DL&W watchman's tower. The Utica yard is located within a half-mile of this point.

 

You must be a registered subscriber to watch videos. Join Today!

Excellent! Does that 45 still have its 20 cylinder lump?

Thanks for posting another super nice NYS&W video.
The presence of #3618 doubles the dimension.
Keep up the awesome work.
ALLEN

Great footage.
JB

Great videos, from watching you can tell that the GP40 is close to tonnage on that hill.

Out 

Great videos as always!  I rode behind the 3618 on the Marathon, NY - Cortland Maple Festival trains in 1988 (with 3620 on the other end)  I was attending college at Cortland State back then.  Was in the half empty dome  dome car both ways for the approximately 30 mile round trip.  I never thought that unit would be still pulling trains in 2021. 

Nice video!!