Southern Division Excursion Help Needed

Once again the Volunteer Railroaders Association is hosting a two day railroad speeder trip over the NYS&W Southern Division. This year the event will take place on September 17 and 18th. Because the speeders were built and designed so not to trip railroad signals, they do not actuate the crossing gates either. We therefore need to flag each crossing to stop vehicular traffic and allow the railroad speeders to safely cross. Large and dangerous crossing will have the flashers and or gates actuated manually by railroad personel.

What we are looking for... some volunteers, to follow the NYS&W Southern Division with their own vehicle, and flag certain designated crossings. Flags, reflective vests, directions, crossing lists, and two way radios will be provided to each group. Ideally we would like to have 4 or 5 two man crews each day. In return for working one day, you will get to ride, for free, the speeders the other day. Lunch will also be provided to you for free, the day you flag. If you can only volunteer one day, we will try to get you on a speeder for part of that day, but it will depend upon the number of flaggers available. You must be 18 years of age or older and you will be required to sign a railroad release form. Per the NYS&W, children under 18 are not permitted on these trips, and there are no exceptions.

These trips are run with the full approval and coopertaion of the NYS&W management.

If you are interested in Volunteering please email me at ([email protected]) your name and a contact telephone number and I will have our crew caller Mark, contact you directly. We plan on having a meeting with the flaggers one week before the event. You do not need to be a member of the VRA to attend or volunteer for the event.

You can find out more about the event here,

http://www.vratrips.org/schedSD.html


Thank you,
Chris Vitz

Unfortunately due to numerous cancellations from attendees and an additional fee imposed by the railroad, we have determined there is a real chance for us to lose money if we run this trip. So after much discussion we have decided to cancel the September 17, and 18th trips.

We are looking into the possibility of running another similar trip later this year, but again it will depend upon the number of people willing and able to bring their motorcars for the run. We will, however definitely be back next year.

Most cancellations noted that high gas prices are making it difficult for them to find the available money to come from places like, VA, MD, DE, PA, and New England to run. We hope the spike in gas prices in short lived for everyone's sake.

Chris Vitz

Yea, I just heard the announcement

Oh, well.

Ken