Saturday, November 8th

Kingston

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Saturday, November 8th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.

Phoenicia

George Peck will be working on the coach track extension in Phoenicia on Saturday.


Sunday, November 9th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday November 9th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am.


Monday November 10th and Tuesday November 11th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Monday November 10th and Tuesday November 11th to continue work on items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start each day at 8am.

Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Saturday, November 8th

Kingston

Despite the rain, Earl Pardini led a crew consisting of Chester Hartwell, John Patane and John Voelcker, who continued work on flat car 213.


Phoenicia

On Saturday, George Peck, Greg Peck, Dave Mason and Derek Stapleton did cleanup at the Phoenicia Yard. Writes Otto Vondrak: "Observed George Peck and crew at Phoenicia yard using the Gradall to clean up and move some of the heavy iron in the yard. Crew also took down an old tree that was in danger of falling. Lots of site prep in anticipation of winter work. "We don't slow down for winter!" Also, the Phoenicia section house has a new occupant! Nice to see the section house actually used for what it was intended!! "


Sunday November 9th

On Sunday, 11/9, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Ernie Klopping, Greg Vaughn, Walt Otto, Mark Glaser, Bob Blake, Chester Hartwell, Tod Siska, John Patane, Al Schoessow, Raphael Demeglio, Ed Mead, Ron Epstein, Dick Ray, Tim Kane, and Jeff Otto.

Per Jeff Otto, "We replaced the rotted sills on the ticket booth and started building the extended roof, continued ripping, planing, routing, and installing boards for the flat car, straightened and raised the brake wheel on the flat car, began installing interior window frames on the caboose, trimmed trees and picked up trash along the ROW in Kingston, and painted four 6x6 cross buck posts."

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 824041.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 323978.jpg

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Writes Otto Vondrak: "I observed "Extra 401 West" on Sunday afternoon transport the CMRR crew and some excited "passengers" for the trip from Cornell Street to Washington Avenue. Caboose and 401 made a great looking train in the afternoon light. Having the train parked at Washington Avenue was the best advertisement we could muster."

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 725533.jpg


Monday November 10th

The crew consisted of Bob Blake, Todd Syska, Greg Vaughn and Earl. They worked only on
the flat. The major roof framing is done, including the intermediate
carlines. The ends are under construction.


Tuesday November 11th

Earl Pardini, Bob Blake and Mark Glaser worked. They got the roof
purlins installed, making the car almost ready for it's roofing
material, which has been ordered and will be delivered on the 22nd.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Friday, November 14th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Friday, November 14th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.


Saturday, November 15th

Kingston

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Saturday, November 15th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.

Phoenicia

George Peck will be working on the coach track extension in Phoenicia on Saturday.

George Liucci and Ernie Gehrer will be working on Coach 702 on Saturday.


Sunday, November 16th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday November 16th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am.


Monday, November 17th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Monday November 17th to continue work on items for startup of operations in Kingston, including scraping paint off the side dump. He plans to start at 8:00am.


Tuesday, November 18th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Tuesday November 18th. George Bain is planning to bring a crew of high school students to paint the Kingston Side Dump Car. Earl will open the yard at 8:00am.






Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Friday, November 14th

Al Schoessow, Todd Syska, Greg Vaughn and Earl worked on flat 213, replaced fan belts on 401 and worked on doors for 675. 213's roof frame is done now except for a couple of corner brackets and end blocks. Will be ready to install cover next weekend (it should be here by then). The A-end railing posts are in and they got the plywood to finish the ends.

Saturday, November 15th

Kingston

Chain link sides were installed on flat 213, and framing continued on the ticket booth. Present were Earl Pardini, Greg Vaughn, Mark Glaser, Jeff Otto, Al Schoessow, Harry Jameson and myself.

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 527397.jpg

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, George Peck, Greg Peck and Derek Stapleton finished the extension of track No. 2. Afterwards, they moved coach 702 onto the new track, and were now able to put the entire passenger train on the siding. Later in the day, they ran No. 29 to the Boiceville trestle, the first trip the 29 has made there.

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 326876.jpg


Sunday, November 16th

There were 18 crew working Sunday, which included Earl Pardini, Greg Vaughn, Ernie Klopping, Dick Ray, Tim Kane, Ron Epstein, Peter Fluchere, Harry Jameson, Jeff Otto, Walt Otto, John Watson, John Tuma, Bob Blake, Mike LaLonde, Raphel DeMeglio, Mark Glaser, Joe Marsh and Chester Hartwell.

On Flat 213, they got the chain link sides completely tied down and started enclosing the west end railing, installed 1/2 of the east end railing. Thet the ticket booth got roof framed, work continued on caboose doors, window sills and end sill. Work continued on the tamper, and they took the train to Westbrook to spot/plan/revise the site during daylight, and went to Picnic Pizza for lunch. The crew also completely scraped/prepped the side dump for paint.

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http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 363878.jpg


Monday, November 17th

Earl Pardini, Joe Marsh, and Bob Blake continued work on flat car 213. George Peck stopped by in the afternoon to help out.





Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR

ALL HANDS FOR KINGSTON!!!!

To all CMRR volunteers: This weekend will be our big push to get our service ready in Kingston. Any of you are able to come on one or more days this weekend will be very helpful for the CMRR to get its Kingston operation started and we strongly ask that if you are able to attend, we need you now.


Thursday, November 20th and Friday, November 21st

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Thursday November 20th and Friday, November 21st to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.


Saturday, November 22nd

Kingston

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Saturday, November 22nd to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.

George Peck will be working on a special project in Kingston on Saturday morning. He plans to start between 8 and 8:30 at Cornell Street yard, but will be working at a separate location in Kingston and will need help. If you are running late and want to join him, ask Earl for his location.

Phoenicia

The 702 crew may be working Saturday in Phoenicia, but check directly with George Liucci or Al Johnson to be sure.


Sunday, November 23rd

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday November 23rd to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am.


Monday, November 24th and Monday November 25th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Monday November 24th and Tuesday November 25th to continue work on items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am





Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

I really enjoy reading about the renovation of this railroad and am quite inspired by the use of the internet in order to generate volunteer interest. I do have one question that sits in the back of my mind all the time. I know how having a good looking train is important, and that historical integrity is not necessarily the most important thing for common historical trains (ala Alco hood unit and a couple D&LW ex-electric coaches)... but... what is the actual status of the Empire State Railway Museum? They used to publish the Steam Passenger Service Directory, but I have never been aware of their efforts and success in preservation. From what I can see of the Catskill Mountain RR, equipment is not restored to a historic appearance... however a good historic experience for the train ride is emphasized.

So, is a railroad museum and restored equipment in the future at Phonecia/Kingston? And are the CMRR and the ESRM different entities or more or less the same? We have heard much of the CMRR in the past few months here, but the ESRM website seems to be not significantly updated in 5 years.

Thanks much and wish you all the best success,
O. Anderson

Mr. Anderson,

I am an ESRM member as well as a CMRR Volunteer, and there is quite a large cross-membership between both organizations.

The ESRM is a museum based in the Phoenicia Station, and owns additional land around the station. It also owns 5 railway cars, all in need of restoration work, and a steam engine, former LS&I No. 23, which is in the CMRR's yard in Kingston. The CMRR and ESRM are jointly working on restoration of the steam engine.

In general, the ESRM membership is more geographically dispersed than the CMRR, and has less "hands-on" volunteers, though they have several volunteers who staff the station in Phoenicia through the operating season.

The ESRM is a non-profit, and the CMRR is for-profit, though both are all-volunteer.

The ESRM ceased publishing the directory many years ago, and ended its arrangement with Kalmbach, who took over production, in 2006.

The CMRR is more active with the internet than the ESRM, especially with its website. However, since the CMRR is an active tourist railroad, it has to keep its website active to attract customers. The ESRM website serves a less critical function for the ESRM, and it is updated less frequently, say 3-4 times a year (except the No. 23 section).

The CMRR leases the former U&D from Kingston to Highmount and is in the business of carrying tourist passengers. It is not a museum, and its locomotives are not restored to their historical appearances, but rather to an appearance that will help us attract passengers.

Hope this gives you some insight.

EH

Thanks EH,
Your summary is kind of what I had thought was the story in New York. I hope that the museum side of your group grows and survives, as your tourist railroad thrives.

It occurs to me that there are a number of railroad/museum relationships that are worth studying. If I am not mistaken, the Aurora Elgin and Fox River Electric still exists as a railroad entity, though the tracks are used and maintained by the Fox River Trolley Museum (I believe some members are the directors of the railroad). The tourist-oriented Strasburg Railroad exists side by side with preservation-oriented state railroad museum. FEBT/Rockhill Trolley Museum and FC&TS exist in concert with the parent railroads EBT and the C&TS. California State Park's Railtown 1897 and tourist/freight railroad Sierra Railroad have a functional relationship with a mixed history. The Milwaukee Road 261 group functions because of its relationships with all of the major American freight railroads. It seems that an Arizona rail museum will soon grow at the Williams base for the tourist railroad to the Grand Canyon.

Perhaps train museums and railroad companies have different goals, but they can very well serve to support each other. I ask, are there any generalizations that can be made about these relationships?

O. Anderson

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

On Tuesday, a group of technology students from the Hunter/Tannersville High School came to Cornell Street. They leared to replace a tie, and painted the side dump. They also were treated to a ride to Westbrook Lane:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 729205.jpg

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http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 829603.jpg



Saturday, November 22, 2008

Phoenicia

On Saturday, Ernie Gehrer, George Liucci, Al Johnson and Dick Wilhelm continued work on the vestibules for coach 702.


Kingston

In Kingston, George Peck, Greg Peck, Dave Mason, Derek Stapleton and Jason DiTolla worked on a "special project" to obtain certain donated materials for the CMRR. They did work separating these materials from other non-donated materials, and prepared the materials for transport to Phoenicia.

Also in Kingston, work continued on CMRR flat 213/278, which is nearly ready for roof installation:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 632652.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 832760.jpg

Work on painting the side dump continued:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 732422.jpg

Crossbucks were also installed at Westbrook Lane:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 338776.jpg


Sunday, November 23rd

There were 20 volunteers: Earl and Mimi, Pardini, Greg Vaughn, Ernie Klopping and wife Pat, Harry Jameson, Mark Glaser, Bob Blake, George Cook, John Patane, John Tuma, Tom Healy, PJ Hintz, Raphael DeMeglio, Peter Fluchere, Fred Rasmussen, Joe Marsh, Ron Epstein, Walt Otto, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "On the flatcar, we installed and stretched the cover material, welded brackets and installed the second steel end railing, painted the letterboards and steel sides, and hung Christmas lights and garland. On the station, we installed most of the roof, freed up the sliding windows, welded brackets for the end posts and installed the posts. On the caboose, we added the glass to the second door, resized both doors, and partially hung one of them, completed two interior window frames, and painted the sides of the floor. We also improved the ignition on the crane, began to diagnose the engine problem on the Mack dump truck, and installed the cross buck at Fair St."


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR

ALL HANDS FOR KINGSTON!!!!

[To all CMRR volunteers: This weekend will be final one for our big push to get our service ready in Kingston. Any of you are able to come on one or more days this weekend will be very helpful for the CMRR to get its Kingston operation started and we strongly ask that if you are able to attend, we need you now. Regular service starts December 6th.


Wednesday, November 26th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Wednesday November 26th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.


Friday, November 28th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Friday, November 28th to work on Flat Car 213 and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am. The CMRR Christmas train will later in the day be brought to Fair Street for display to the public in anticipation of the start of passenger service.

In Phoenicia, George Peck plans to lead a crew in Phoenicia starting at 8:30-9am.


Saturday, November 29th

Kingston

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Saturday, November 29th to work on the new station and loading platform and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8am.



Phoenicia

The 702 crew may be working Saturday in Phoenicia, but check directly with George Liucci or Al Johnson to be sure.

In Phoenicia, George Peck plans to lead a crew in Phoenicia starting at 8:30-9am.


Sunday, November 30th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday November 30th to work on the new station and loading platform and other items for startup of operations in Kingston. He plans to start at 8:00am.





Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

To all CMRR Volunteers:

The CMRR's operations in Kingston will begin on Saturday, December 6th, at 1pm. There will be a grand opening ceremony, and all CMRR volunteers are encouraged to come and help out with train operations and interfacing with the public at our new station in Kingston off Westbrook Lane.

Those interested in being on the operating crew should contact Ray Farrell, who is the Trainmaster for Kingston Operations.

Our website has been updated to reflect the new service, courtesy of CMRR Volunteer Otto Vondrak:

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html

There is still much work to do to get ready for operations to begin. All volunteers who have extra time this weekend are encouraged to help out.

The CMRR's Kingston Christmas train is being decorated, and will be on display at Fair Street on Friday, November 28th.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have worked (and are continuing to work) on this important milestone for the CMRR, during its 25th anniversary year.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD’S HOLIDAY TRAIN IS COMING TO TOWN

PRESS RELEASE - 2008 HOLIDAY SEASON


With their twenty-fifth Anniversary year of operating trains in Ulster County coming to a close, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is proud to announce the inauguration of Holiday Train service in Kingston, New York. The grand unveiling of the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s decorated Winter Holiday Train will be on Friday, November 28th, 2008, where it will be located from 1pm to 7pm, at the intersection of Fair Street and Schwenk Drive, at the entrance of the Kingston Plaza.

Holiday Train service will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm to 7:00pm hourly starting December 6th through December 28th. Holiday Train service will also run on the following Fridays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm hourly; 12/12, 12/19, and 12/26/08. Tickets will be available at the CMRR station, located at Westbrook Lane - Adult fares are $6.00, Children (ages 4-11) ride for $4.00, and children under 4 years-old ride free.

The Holiday Train will depart from Westbrook Lane for a two-mile round trip; heading West across the Fair Street Crossing, continuing to Washington Avenue, and then back again.

Have a toy train set-up under your Christmas tree? Well why not bring the kids out to experience the real thing. Get into the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa Claus and a train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s decorated Winter Holiday Train.

For more information e-mail info@catskillmtrailroad.com, or visit our website at:

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html




Catskill Mountain Railroad

Kingston Holiday Train Schedule

11/28/08 Friday – GRAND UNVEILING OF HOLIDAY TRAIN to be parked at Fair Street and Schwenk Drive at the entrance to the Kingston Plaza from 1pm until 7pm. Photo opportunities for newspapers. No passenger service.



START OF HOLIDAY TRAIN PASSENGER SERVICE

12/6/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/7/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM


12/12/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/13/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/14/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM


12/19/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/20/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/21/08 Sunday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to7PM. Benefit Train with 50% of the proceeds going to Kingston’s Queen’s Galley Food Kitchen.


12/26/08 Friday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 3PM to 7PM

12/27/08 Saturday – Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

12/28/08 Sunday – Last Day Holiday Train Service – Hourly 1PM to 7PM

Friday, November 28th

The CMRR unveiled its Christmas Train to the public Friday at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Kingston Plaza. It was very successful. The Kingston Plaza "dancers" used the flat car for their platform! The Mayor and Ulster County Executive were there, and the opening of train service on December 6th was announced to the crowd many times. Some photos:

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Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
CMRR

Friday, November 28th

Kingston

On Friday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Tom Healy, Joe Marsh, John Tuma, John Patane, Bob Blake, PJ Hintz, Dan Howard, John Voelcker, Neil and Kathy Isabelle, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "We bolted the ticket booth to the rail skids, completed the roof, patched the missing and damaged sheathing, painted most of it, and hung the door. We also did further diagnostics on the dump truck engine problem, completed installing the caboose door hinges, hung Christmas lights on #401 and the caboose, and participated in the tree lighting ceremony at The Plaza."

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, George Peck, Greg Peck, and Dave Mason did a detailed inspection of the line from Phoenicia to the Boiceville Trestle.

Saturday, November 29th

Kingston

On Saturday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Tom Healy, Greg Vaughn, Ernie Klopping and wife Pat, Neil and Kathy Isabelle, Thom Johnson, Dave Baker, Ed Palmatier, John Patane, Bob Blake, Mark Glaser, Walt Otto, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "We installed posts for the new signs at Westbrook Lane and Fair St. On the ticket booth we added sheathing under the eaves, improved the door hinges and set up the door latch and stop moulding, cut the acrylic sheets for the windows, and finished painting it. We also fabricated brackets for the boarding ramp and platform, installed the safety fence around the caboose stove, rounded the edges of the caboose interior window frames, and improved the Christmas lights on #401 and the caboose."

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, George Liucci, Ernie Gehrer, Al Johnson and Dick Wilhem continued work on the vestibules and interior window sills of Choach 702.

George Peck, Derek Stapleton and Greg Peck did culver cleanouts from MP 25.3 to MP 24.5.

Sunday, November 30th

On Sunday, the following worked: Earl Pardini, Harry Jameson, Greg Vaughn, Tom Healy, Ernie Klopping, Mark Glaser, John Watson, Chester Hartwell, Bob Blake, Fred Rasmussen, Walt Otto, John Patane, and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "On the flatcar, we installed the steel end supports, wood posts and plywood for the East end of the passenger area, and the steel portions of the sliding car-to-car walkway railings, and double nutted the cover tensioners. On the caboose, we painted the doors and the safety fence for the stove, fabricated cover plates for the door latches, and decorated the interior. On the station, we finished installing the new "glass", finished freeing up the sliding windows, added the fence at the end of the overhang, installed a lock hasp and temporary shutters, and moved the whole thing to it's site at Westbrook Lane."




Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

ALL HANDS FOR KINGSTON!!!!

To all CMRR volunteers: This week will be final one for our big push to get our service ready in Kingston. Any of you are able to come on one or more days this week will be very helpful for the CMRR to get its Kingston operation started and we strongly ask that if you are able to attend, we need you now.

Regular service starts Saturday, December 6th, at 1pm.

http://www.catskillmtrailroad.com/ki_schedules.html



Monday through Friday, December 1st-5th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on each workday this week to finish work on Flat Car 278 and the caboose, and build the loading platform on Westbrook Lane. He plans to start at 8am every morning this week, but if you want to come early, let him know ahead of time by phone, as he may be out of the yard temporarily seeking supplies, and if he knows you are coming he'll be sure to open up the yard for you.


Saturday, December 6th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street at 8am to make final preparations for starting Kingston operations. All volunteers who are available please come early that morning to help out. The startup ceremony is at 1pm, and friends and family are encouraged to attend. All Kingston trains will originate at Westbrook Lane.

Ray Farrell is trainmaster in charge of train crew, and if you want to work as Train Crew Saturday or any other day in the December Kingston schedule, call him.


Sunday, December 7th

Earl Pardini plans to open Cornell Street on Sunday at 8am, to finish any details for Kingston operations. Any staff not needed for Kingston operations that day will probably be working on completing the new siding in Cornell Street Yard.




Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR