I have been watching videos of 614 and Mr. Rowland on the NJ Transit's "Erie Limited" trips. I have to say it is a joy to watch her running at track speed of 70mph or better. What ever happened to these trips, they only ran for 3 years I believe and 614 was about 3 years fresh from overhaul. But why did they end the trips? Thanks so much and to Mr. Rowland for the enjoyment of watching his engine again and again!

<Asks to share popcorn>

<Me, too, please.>

<Announces the opening of the popcorn, peanut, and Crackerjack concession. Licensed carryout sales will begin in the Gentlemen's Bar one half hour prior to the scheduled starting bell and conclude either at the beginning of Round Twelve or at the Moderator's decision. Black tie encouraged.>

<Opens bottle of Old Weller, pours some into highball glass, adds touch of spring water, sits back and sips>

...calmly lights a cigar while waiting for the popcorn.......

<tells the kids in the row in front of me to shut up during the previews as there's something about 1361 being mentioned...>

...I've read the reviews, this should be a good show....

Gentlemen, while I'm admittedly enjoying the wait for the show to start, can't someone just civilly explain the who/what/why for those who don't know the whole story?

Civilly? Good one. ;)

*grabs tortilla chips and dip*

I daren't explain anything, lest I be threatened with legal action.. again.

Thanks for the question southern 154.

The short answer to your question is that we wore the market out. We operated 24 trips over the 3 years ( 1996-98), carried approx. 23,500 riders and ran 98% on schedule. One of the major reasons for the declining interest was that one could ride the same route in NJT modern commuter cars ( the same ones we had to use) for about 1/2 of the fare we were charging to ride behind steam. The first 2 years sales were strong but the final year the trains were less than full and it was obvious that we'd worn out the market.

From a steam lovers perspective it was the first ( and last to date) time you could enjoy mainline steam at track speed doing exactly what it was designed to do, with NO diesels in the consist ( thanks to NS for the use of the HEP car which provided hotel electric for the cars) and an open window experience in the sound car for the rabid foamers.

The 614 did a great job doing what it was designed and built to do. The privilege of being able to operate at track speed with a full consist, do it reliably and safely was an honor I'll always cherish. The large army of volunteers who made it a safe and well run program ( each train had a total of 35 uniformed volunteer crewmen) deserve tons of credit for the job they did.

The main purpose of the program was to build public support for the creation of a NJ Transportation Heritage Center, an effort that died stillborn on account of short sightedness by those involved.

I'm devoting an entire chapter in my upcoming book " Full Steam Ahead" to this project and I'm confident you'll enjoy many of the back stories involved.

Thanks for your interest.

Ross Rowland