CMSL Cape May New Jersey Seashore Lines Passenger Operations

Thanks for the update, Ben, and I'll ask the inevitable question....do they need 3 units down there, or are they gearing up for something else a little farther north in 2019?
Chris

Chris, while taking pictures in Tuckahoe, I was told that the excursions would still utilize two of the Geeps, and that the third was acquired to help out with freight.
Kinda vague, but that was the response I recieved. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.
Ben

'Vague' is normal on most railroads, thanks for the report; let us know if any updates happen to come your way.......
Cheers,
Chris

The first Santa Train of 2018 was the Santa Express Flyer, a one-hour trip out of Richland, departing at 11, 1, and 3. Sunday's trips will be out of Tuckahoe.
Deadheading to Richland through Milmay
Arriving at Richland
First trip departing Richland

Thanks Bob. No RDC's today.

The Vista Valley observation car is now listed on the CMSL website as New this season. They are selling seats in both the observation lounge and drawing rooms.

VISTA VALLEY lounge area
painting reproduction "Meeting of the Chiefs"
inside Compartment C

New this year, Cape May Seashore Lines Valentine's Express:

http://www.capemayseashorelines.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ben

I am pleased to hear that the CMSL is thriving on the northern end. As for the southern end to Cape May, this might be old news but it seems like we will never see service on that segment ever again. From what I noticed last month, Lower Township (South of Rio Grande) has apparently paved over the ROW. and turned a portion into a bike trail . The CMSL certainly did what it could to save the service but in the end was a day late and a dollar short.

dlagrua wrote:I am pleased to hear that the CMSL is thriving on the northern end. As for the southern end to Cape May, this might be old news but it seems like we will never see service on that segment ever again. From what I noticed last month, Lower Township (South of Rio Grande) has apparently paved over the ROW. and turned a portion into a bike trail . The CMSL certainly did what it could to save the service but in the end was a day late and a dollar short.

I will fondly remember the ONE time I was able to get on the CMSL RDCs at the Cape May station, cross the swing bridge over the canal, and go to the Cape May County Zoo and return with my wife and young son many years ago. Sad that an era in this region of CMSL operations has seemingly come to an end. But may I ask if Tony Macrie was ever notified by the township that they were going to pave over the ROW? And who tore up what tracks were turned into a bike trail? Can you say specifically where what tracks were torn up, if that was done?

dlagrua wrote:I am pleased to hear that the CMSL is thriving on the northern end. As for the southern end to Cape May, this might be old news but it seems like we will never see service on that segment ever again. From what I noticed last month, Lower Township (South of Rio Grande) has apparently paved over the ROW. and turned a portion into a bike trail . The CMSL certainly did what it could to save the service but in the end was a day late and a dollar short.

There is a bike trail south of Rio Grande on the old PRR ROW which runs adjacent to the CMSL. Are you sure that is not what you saw? The CMSL tracks are out of service but not abandoned. In fact, a brand new grade crossing was just installed a couple years ago with the reconfiguration of Tabernacle Road in Erma. Middle Township has been the nemesis of the CMSL down that way but not Lower to the best of my knowledge.

The line to Cape May is owned by NJ Transit and leased to Cape May Seashore Lines. A lease that expires July 31, 2029. Wouldn't any type of modification to the line that would otherwise impede rail traffic (not taking into account the damaged portion or severe overgrowth) violate the lease?

Ben

liftedjeep wrote:The line to Cape May is owned by NJ Transit and leased to Cape May Seashore Lines. A lease that expires July 31, 2029. Wouldn't any type of modification to the line that would otherwise impede rail traffic (not taking into account the damaged portion or severe overgrowth) violate the lease?

Ben

I would think! And I would think Tony should be aware of any modifications done, and if he isn't then hopefully someone can make him aware... Beyond that, I don't know what else can be done to reverse it...
The "powers that be" in Middle Township are quite the obstructionists when it comes to the railroad.. I'm sure the pockets are probably lined to keep Tony off.

Rails and trail coexisting in Cape May County, and yes, the ROW's were that close together. This is the view from Breakwater Road and Rt 9.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9969742 ... 312!8i6656

Does not sound good for the Wildwood Junction train station. Admittedly, the station is in very rough shape and has been neglected and abused for many years.

Fair use quote:

Demolition ordered for collapsing Middle Township train station

https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/cur ... 74969.html