L'mont,
The NYS&W no longer runs excursion trains open to the public on the Southern Division. I believe the E-9s were purchased for use with the 142 Steamer. Once the decision came down to kill the passenger trains, the E-9s were no longer needed and placed in storage. They came out to play once in a while on work trains, on a freight, or for an inspection train.
I have also heard there were mechanical problems with one of the units. For nearly the last 2-3 years they have been up for sale and within the last month they were sold to Larry's Truck and Electric.
Chris
CV the Civil E