But by looking into charters never built will lead you to many ruins which are unidentified otherwise. Nearby, in Warren Center, PA, there is roadbed and tiles for the chartered Pittsburgh, Bingahmton and Eastern (or a remnant thereofe) which you would not know if you did'nt know the charter existed; a farmer there thought that if he built up the roadbed the railroad would come! Another road built up from Camptown, PA to Vestal, NY. You would only know to look for something if you knew the charter existed. That's why the Tompkins County book is an important first step. There were a lot of farmers who voluntarily graded for a railroad that never got chartered or not started. Some of these roadbeds and tiles are less than a hundred years old!
And on a similar note, how about the Midland route up from Freeville to Auburn? That was built, was run, was abandoned, was partially used again, and abandoned again.
A friend of mine showed me the deed to his property that stated that the P.B.&E had an easement at one time through part of what is now his property. But look at the property. You'll find an airport, a golf course, a sewage treatment plant, a landfill, a road, and a railroad. I bet a look more closely at vintage maps and walking the area may...or may not...explain something.
This is not a slam at Russ's project at all, but rather a challange to anyone who wants to take it up. Happy hunting and enjoy another part of this hobby we call "railfanning"!
Last edited by henry6 on Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:13 am, edited 1 time in total.