A Six-Axle on NYS&W Utica Branch (video)

For the first time since 2008, there is a 6-axle engine on NYS&W's Utica line, specifically CSX No. 9027.

It arrived in Utica last weekend and will assist NYS&W No. 3040 with the annual spring increase in traffic (agricultural products and asphalt) to Sangerfield, 23 miles south of Utica.

Here's a video of Nos. 9027 and 3040 at work in Sangerfield on April 18th:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCFXpV6jRR4&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, here's a photo taken on the 18th in "SANG"

Pusher action by No. 9027 on Paris Hill today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qidrJucJp68&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sounds like that unit on the hind end was in idle. Not sure they need a helper to get 10 cars up a 1.8% grade ?

Nice video, thanks.

Hello NYCRRson:

Glad you liked the video.

Per a very knowledgeable source, NYS&W GP40 No. 3040 is rated for 1000 tons up Paris Hill, the equivalent of seven loaded cars.

The train in the video had 13 loads so No. 9027 was indeed assisting, even though it didn't look like it was breaking a sweat, so to speak.

John

Here's a short video from 4/24 showing a southbound on Paris Hill with Nos. 9027 and 3040 providing the power:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAzWkpy2sKA&t=7s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Screenshot from Richfield Jct.

More Paris Hill action from today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrL6C6W6gng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's a video from yesterday showing UT-1 passing by the former DL&W Chadwicks passenger station. No. 3040 is up front while CSX No. 9027 is performing helper service twenty cars back:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWP8SiMBnC0&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The big trains continue on the Susquehanna's Utica line.

Here's a short video from yesterday featuring a look at UT-1 tackling Paris Hill, Clayville, taken from a new vantage point:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boLGuWiHsl0&t=2s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's a video made on May 15th showing activity on the Susquehanna's Utica industrial on tracks once owned by the West Shore and O&W:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmU0stZ3gTk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Photo shows UT-1 nearly at the end of what remains of the O&W Utica line (along the appropriately named Ontario Ave, New Hartford).

Here's 9027 leading UT-1 yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G08ZmgVDw1w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Scenes presented in South Utica, Clayville, Marshall and Utica's Schuyler Street.

Be sure to read the YouTube description for commentary by Utica branch historian Doug Ellison on the telegraph pole seen in the Clayville segment as well as in the photo below.

Saturday activity on the Utica branch is uncommon but a crew was called yesterday to switch Utica-area customers. Here's a video featuring some of that activity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFFBq7_XN88&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, two screenshots:

With the "spring rush" slowing down, CSX leaser No. 9027 will likely be off the Utica branch soon.

Here's 9027 up front, with No. 3040 in the second spot, leading its train south past the former DL&W passenger station in Chadwicks on May 22nd:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr8nVB67xxw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Here's a screen grab: