Sometime in the late 1970's Conrail elected to stop serving a spur line in Wellsville that served Sterling China. The line came off of the Cleveland Line (Bayard Branch) at MP 22.05 and went through a flood wall and through the back yards and city streets of Wellsville for nearly two miles to the Sterling China Co. The line had middle of the street running at one point.
Sterling China wished to retain rail service and bought the line from Conrail as the Sterling Belt RR. To the best of my knowledge, they had no motive power but moved cars to/from plant and CR interchange with a front loader or tractor. (Interesting move considering the road crossings, FRA air test requirements, etc.) The line has about 20 crossings on it.
A visit to the area two weeks ago found the track and CR (NS) switch intact for the entire distance to the plant. The plant is closed and will be sold at auction next week.
Does anyone have any details on dates, movements, etc on the Sterling Belt Railroad?
Thanks
SMT
Sterling China wished to retain rail service and bought the line from Conrail as the Sterling Belt RR. To the best of my knowledge, they had no motive power but moved cars to/from plant and CR interchange with a front loader or tractor. (Interesting move considering the road crossings, FRA air test requirements, etc.) The line has about 20 crossings on it.
A visit to the area two weeks ago found the track and CR (NS) switch intact for the entire distance to the plant. The plant is closed and will be sold at auction next week.
Does anyone have any details on dates, movements, etc on the Sterling Belt Railroad?
Thanks
SMT
