Catskill Mountain Railroad News - 2008

Damn, Mike, you are such a wet blanket...

Getting too big too fast is the kiss of death. They have a pretty big
workload just doing what they are doing.
Expansion is sexy but a sustainable operation is a lot of work money
and volunteers.
Well done so far and good luck to you all.

O-6-O wrote:After lunch we gotta get passenger service from Bingo to Scranton started, build park st bridge in syracuse, finish double tracking riverline and make Amtrak self sufficent. Then we'll build the pedestrian bridge over to the trolley museum if there is any money left.

It'll be dark by then.

But ... never dream small.

O-6-O wrote:
Paleeeze. We got enough to do now.. 23, chitty, coaches, scrap lion, c9, wash out 209, butternutcove, boiceville Bridge, roadbed west of phoenica, two more crossings to big indian, another bridge to Highmount
buy out Arkville operation, relay the track from hubbel corners to oneonta then continue line to Oswego as the original promotors of the line "promised". After lunch we gotta get passenger service from Bingo to Scranton started, build park st bridge in syracuse, finish double tracking riverline and make Amtrak self sufficent. Then we'll build the pedestrian bridge over to the trolley museum if there is any money left.

Just take over the CACV, rebuild the trolley line from Cooperstown to Richfield Springs, rebuild the DL&W/CNY to Richfield Jct., take over the NYS&W Utica side into Utica, rebuild the West Shore from New Hartford to Oneida, and the O&W from there to Oswego. That's not so hard.

FWIW, the model RR club at Skaneatles Jct. layout basically depicts a line from Grand Gorge to Lake Ontario, just west of Oswego, but east of Fair Haven if I remember right.

And use the lion as a station someplace, stuffed and mounted and made pretty with a Maaco paint job (lots of bondo) and some regular old household windows.

lvrr325, You have some of it right. DL&W from Utica with a bridge over the Central to the MA&N to Stittvile and build a line to Rome, jump on the RW&O to Richland, turn west thru Pulaski ,Mexico and into
Oswego. I have a soft spot for the HoJack. This will likely take a couple of weeks.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

On Tuesday, a group of technology students from the Hunter/Tannersville High School came to Cornell Street. They leared to replace a tie, and painted the side dump. They also were treated to a ride to Westbrook Lane:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 729205.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 729392.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 829603.jpg




Saturday, November 22, 2008

Phoenicia

On Saturday, Ernie Gehrer, George Liucci, Al Johnson and Dick Wilhelm continued work on the vestibules for coach 702.


Kingston

In Kingston, George Peck, Greg Peck, Dave Mason, Derek Stapleton and Jason DiTolla worked on a "special project" to obtain certain donated materials for the CMRR. They did work separating these materials from other non-donated materials, and prepared the materials for transport to Phoenicia.

Also in Kingston, work continued on CMRR flat 213/278, which is nearly ready for roof installation:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 632652.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 832760.jpg

Work on painting the side dump continued:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 732422.jpg

Crossbucks were also installed at Westbrook Lane:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 338776.jpg


Sunday, November 23rd

There were 20 volunteers: Earl and Mimi, Pardini, Greg Vaughn, Ernie Klopping and wife Pat, Harry Jameson, Mark Glaser, Bob Blake, George Cook, John Patane, John Tuma, Tom Healy, PJ Hintz, Raphael DeMeglio, Peter Fluchere, Fred Rasmussen, Joe Marsh, Ron Epstein, Walt Otto, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "On the flatcar, we installed and stretched the cover material, welded brackets and installed the second steel end railing, painted the letterboards and steel sides, and hung Christmas lights and garland. On the station, we installed most of the roof, freed up the sliding windows, welded brackets for the end posts and installed the posts. On the caboose, we added the glass to the second door, resized both doors, and partially hung one of them, completed two interior window frames, and painted the sides of the floor. We also improved the ignition on the crane, began to diagnose the engine problem on the Mack dump truck, and installed the cross buck at Fair St."


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR

ALL HANDS FOR KINGSTON!!!!

To all CMRR volunteers: This weekend will be final one for our big push to get our service ready in Kingston. Any of you are able to come on one or more days this weekend will be very helpful for the CMRR to get its Kingston operation started and we strongly ask that if you are able to attend, we need you now. Regular service starts December 6th.


Wednesday, November 26th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Wednesday November 26th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.


Friday, November 28th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Friday, November 28th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am. The CMRR Christmas train will later in the day be brought to Fair Street for display to the public in anticipation of the start of passenger service.

In Phoenicia, George Peck plans to lead a crew in Phoenicia starting at 8:30-9am.


Saturday, November 29th

Kingston

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Saturday, November 29th to work on the new station and loading platform and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.



Phoenicia

The 702 crew may be working Saturday in Phoenicia, but check directly with George Liucci or Al Johnson to be sure.

In Phoenicia, George Peck plans to lead a crew in Phoenicia starting at 8:30-9am.


Sunday, November 30th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday November 30th to work on the new station and loading platform and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am.





Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

To all CMRR Volunteers:

The CMRR's operations in Kingston will begin on Saturday, December 6th, at 1pm. There will be a grand opening ceremony, and all CMRR volunteers are encouraged to come and help out with train operations and interfacing with the public at our new station in Kingston off Westbrook Lane.

Those interested in being on the operating crew should contact Ray Farrell, who is the Trainmaster for Kingston Operations.

Our website has been updated to reflect the new service, courtesy of CMRR Volunteer Otto Vondrak:

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html

There is still much work to do to get ready for operations to begin. All volunteers who have extra time this weekend are encouraged to help out.

The CMRR's Kingston Christmas train is being decorated, and will be on display at Fair Street on Friday, November 28th.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have worked (and are continuing to work) on this important milestone for the CMRR, during its 25th anniversary year.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

This may have been covered, but when is the actual start date of the Kingston service and what will it consist of?

LE

LocoEngineer2 wrote:This may have been covered, but when is the actual start date of the Kingston service and what will it consist of?

eehiv wrote:The CMRR's operations in Kingston will begin on Saturday, December 6th, at 1pm.

Same link as above: http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html

This locomotive and caboose:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 818541.jpg

...plus a specially outfitted open air car, and a car carrying holiday decorations will make up the train.

Come out an enjoy a ride on the first scheduled passenger train in Kingston in more than 50 years!

-otto-

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD’S HOLIDAY TRAIN IS COMING TO TOWN

PRESS RELEASE - 2008 HOLIDAY SEASON


With their twenty-fifth Anniversary year of operating trains in Ulster County coming to a close, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is proud to announce the inauguration of Holiday Train service in Kingston, New York. The grand unveiling of the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s decorated Winter Holiday Train will be on Friday, November 28th, 2008, where it will be located from 1pm to 7pm, at the intersection of Fair Street and Schwenk Drive, at the entrance of the Kingston Plaza.

Holiday Train service will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm to 7:00pm hourly starting December 6th through December 28th. Holiday Train service will also run on the following Fridays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm hourly; 12/12, 12/19, and 12/26/08. Tickets will be available at the CMRR station, located at Westbrook Lane - Adult fares are $6.00, Children (ages 4-11) ride for $4.00, and children under 4 years-old ride free.

The Holiday Train will depart from Westbrook Lane for a two-mile round trip; heading West across the Fair Street Crossing, continuing to Washington Avenue, and then back again.

Have a toy train set-up under your Christmas tree? Well why not bring the kids out to experience the real thing. Get into the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa Claus and a train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s decorated Winter Holiday Train.

For more information visit our website at:

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html




Catskill Mountain Railroad

Kingston Holiday Train Schedule

11/28/08 Friday – GRAND UNVEILING OF HOLIDAY TRAIN to be parked at Fair Street and Schwenk Drive at the entrance to the Kingston Plaza from 1pm until 7pm. Photo opportunities for newspapers. No passenger service.



START OF HOLIDAY TRAIN PASSENGER SERVICE

12/6/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/7/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM


12/12/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/13/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/14/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM


12/19/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/20/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/21/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to7PM. Benefit Train with 50% of the proceeds going to Kingston’s Queen’s Galley Food Kitchen.


12/26/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/27/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/28/08 Sunday – Last Day Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

Friday, November 28th

The CMRR unveiled its Christmas Train to the public Friday at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Kingston Plaza. It was very successful. The Kingston Plaza "dancers" used the flat car for their platform! The Mayor and Ulster County Executive were there, and the opening of train service on December 6th was announced to the crowd many times. Some photos:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 011562.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 311797.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 387052.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 519653.jpg

Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR

Friday, November 28th

Kingston

On Friday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Tom Healy, Joe Marsh, John Tuma, John Patane, Bob Blake, PJ Hintz, Dan Howard, John Voelcker, Neil and Kathy Isabelle, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "We bolted the ticket booth to the rail skids, completed the roof, patched the missing and damaged sheathing, painted most of it, and hung the door. We also did further diagnostics on the dump truck engine problem, completed installing the caboose door hinges, hung Christmas lights on #401 and the caboose, and participated in the tree lighting ceremony at The Plaza."

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, George Peck, Greg Peck, and Dave Mason did a detailed inspection of the line from Phoenicia to the Boiceville Trestle.

Saturday, November 29th

Kingston

On Saturday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Tom Healy, Greg Vaughn, Ernie Klopping and wife Pat, Neil and Kathy Isabelle, Thom Johnson, Dave Baker, Ed Palmatier, John Patane, Bob Blake, Mark Glaser, Walt Otto, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "We installed posts for the new signs at Westbrook Lane and Fair St. On the ticket booth we added sheathing under the eaves, improved the door hinges and set up the door latch and stop moulding, cut the acrylic sheets for the windows, and finished painting it. We also fabricated brackets for the boarding ramp and platform, installed the safety fence around the caboose stove, rounded the edges of the caboose interior window frames, and improved the Christmas lights on #401 and the caboose."

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, George Liucci, Ernie Gehrer, Al Johnson and Dick Wilhem continued work on the vestibules and interior window sills of Choach 702.

George Peck, Derek Stapleton and Greg Peck did culver cleanouts from MP 25.3 to MP 24.5.

Sunday, November 30th

On Sunday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Greg Vaughn, Tom Healy, Ernie Klopping, Mark Glaser, John Watson, Chester Hartwell, Bob Blake, Fred Rasmussen, Walt Otto, John Patane, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "On the flatcar, we installed the steel end supports, wood posts and plywood for the East end of the passenger area, and the steel portions of the sliding car-to-car walkway railings, and double nutted the cover tensioners. On the caboose, we painted the doors and the safety fence for the stove, fabricated cover plates for the door latches, and decorated the interior. On the station, we finished installing the new "glass", finished freeing up the sliding windows, added the fence at the end of the overhang, installed a lock hasp and temporary shutters, and moved the whole thing to it's site at Westbrook Lane."




Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

ALL HANDS FOR KINGSTON!!!!

To all CMRR volunteers: This week will be final one for our big push to get our service ready in Kingston. Any of you are able to come on one or more days this week will be very helpful for the CMRR to get its Kingston operation started and we strongly ask that if you are able to attend, we need you now.

Regular service starts Saturday, December 6th, at 1pm.

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html



Monday through Friday, December 1st-5th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on each workday this week to finish work on Flat Car 278 and the caboose, and build the loading platform on Westbrook Lane. He plans to start at 8am every morning this week, but if you want to come early, let him know ahead of time by phone, as he may be out of the yard temporarily seeking supplies, and if he knows you are coming he'll be sure to open up the yard for you.


Saturday, December 6th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street at 8am to make final preparations for starting Kingston operations. All volunteers who are available please come early that morning to help out. The startup ceremony is at 1pm, and friends and family are encouraged to attend. All Kingston trains will originate at Westbrook Lane.

Ray Farrell is trainmaster in charge of train crew, and if you want to work as Train Crew Saturday or any other day in the December Kingston schedule, call him.


Sunday, December 7th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday at 8am, to finish any details for Kingston operations. Any staff not needed for Kingston operations that day will probably be working on completing the new siding in Cornell Street Yard.




Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

and..........If you find yourself down Hudson Valley way this season check out the Kingston Holiday Train on the CMRR. (this shameless plug was brought to you by......O-6-O......upstate director of sales)
nahh. I made that part up . Really, have a Happy Holiday...to all.