Utica Branch Discussion Thread

For the first time in 10 years, a 6-axle locomotive is on the Utica branch.

A leased unit, CSX No. 9027, arrived last week and has already made a few trips to Sangerfield to help No. 3040 bring the annual spring increase in tonnage up Paris Hill's 1.8% grade.

Here's a video of No. 9027 in Sangerfield yesterday:

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

Also attached are a few pictures, also taken yesterday in Sangerfield.

Pusher action by No. 9027 up Paris Hill today is featured here in this short video:

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

Here's a big southbound freight on Paris Hill 4/24:

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

Screenshot at Richfield Jct.

20 car UT-1 yesterday, here's a short video of the train from a few new vantage points on Paris Hill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrL6C6W6gng&t=1s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

i could be wrong on this but i just heard a train horn sound just few min ago in norwich

Here's a video from yesterday showing an impressive UT-1 passing by the former DL&W Chadwicks passenger station:

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

Big trains and helper action continue on Paris Hill.

Here's a short video from yesterday showing UT-1 ascending the Hill in Clayville. This is 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 short video made on 5/15 showing activity on the Utica industrial:

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

Photo shows UT-1 on ex-NYO&W Utica branch trackage along Ontario Ave, New Hartford.

Here's yesterday's UT-1 with No. 9027 providing the power:

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

Scenes presented in S Utica, Clayville, Marshall and Schuyler St, Utica.

Be sure to read the YouTube description for commentary by Doug Ellison on the telegraph pole shown in the Clayville segment and in the attached photo.

UT-1 ran yesterday, a rare Saturday move, to switch Utica-area customers:

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

With CSX leaser No. 9027 up front and No. 3040 in a supporting role, here's UT-1 passing Chadwicks on May 22nd:

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

It's likely No. 9027 will be leaving the Utica branch soon as the need for extra power will cease once the annual increase in spring traffic to Waterville and Sangerfield abates.

Here's a screenshot:

This very short video features UT-1 crossing a bridge over the Sauquoit Creek in New Hartford on June 3rd:

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

Good morning.
1. Any news on the status of rebuilding the washouts (again) on the Utica Branch?

2. Based on the videos, is the Susquehanna moving more freight on the line than last year?
There have been multiple videos of guard rail material going to the DOT siding, where in the past, a delivery seemed rare.
Was this normal grain traffic compared to last year, or is it increased?

Thanks Railroad Rambler, Cactus Jack, et al for the news on the Utica Branch.

Lackman

no news yet its crying shame that nysw dont care fixings these washouts in south oxford

Here's UT-1 on July 3rd (a few new locations included):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t2L3KGrsIs&t=3s