Saturday, December 1st:


Track Blitz - Kingston

On Saturday, December 1st, starting at 8:30am, George Peck will be continuing track rehabilitation in Kingston beginning at MP 3.8 (just west of Westbrook Lane) and working west. We will tamp and spike up the 75 ties we inserted last weekend, and insert, tamp and spike as many ties as possible up to Fair Street, MP 4.01. We will have the tie handler, scarifier, gradall, and backhoe to help us. Earl will be bringing the 401 down and will cross Westbrook Lane for the first time in many years.

We will meet just west of Westbrook Lane, MP 3.78, at 8:30am. This is located on the east end of Kingston Plaza. We will park on Aaron Court, just east of the crossing. Please bring shovels and other equipment useful in spiking, plating and tamping with you. The first to arrive should go to Cornell Street and get several lining bars, claw bars, and shovels and start tamping.


N5B Caboose Reconstruction - Kingston

On Saturday, December 1st, Earl Pardini and will be opening the Cornell Street yard at 7:30am to continue work on the N5B Caboose reconstruction. Focus will be on the windows and interior.



Sunday, December 2nd


Kingston - Trackwork

Trackwork on Sunday will depend on crew size and interest. If you would like to continue trackwork on Sunday, report to the Cornell Street yard on Sunday, December 2nd, to Earl Pardini any time after 9am.


Kingston - Caboose Reconstruction

Cornell Street will open at 9:00am on Sunday, December 2nd. Plans are to continue working on the N5B caboose.


Weather this weekend is expected to be sunny on Saturday and cloudy on Sunday with highs in the forties both days.



Upcoming Schedule (subject to change):

Saturday, December 8th - Kingston track and caboose work continues! We plan to break open the asphalt on Fair Street!


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator, Catskill Mountain RR

Today, we had two crews working:

N5B Caboose - Kingston

Jeff Otto, John Patane, Raphael DeMeglio and Gary Lowe continued work on the window frames for the cupola windows for the N5B Caboose. Here is a shot if the interior of the caboose, which is ready for walls to be installed:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 130467.jpg


Trackwork - Kingston

Today, we tamped and spiked 92 ties, extending the line 1/10th mile from MP 3.8 to MP 3.9, the middle of Kingston Plaza. The crew consisted of Foreman George Peck, Earl Pardini, Dave Baker, Mark Glaser, Harry Jameson, Bob Blake, Ed Palmatier, Ron Epstein, Derek Stapleton, Jason DiTolla, Peter Fluchere, John Tuma, Ray Farrell, Paul Hintz, Bill Brosnan, Greg Vaughn, and myself.

Some pictures from today:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 730345.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 430573.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 930595.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 530624.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 730731.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 830860.jpg


Next we will be back to put in the 88 remaining ties to get to Fair Street, MP 4.01.

EH

It is really neat to kind of watch that project unfold over time. One thing I was wondering, don't you guys own tracks up to the ski resorts? When the line is finished do you think you would be able to move passengers up to the ski resorts from Kingston? Is there public transportation into Kingston as is? It could prove to be rather profitable for you guys especially if you could perhaps partner with one of the mountains? Also will you be able to haul revenue freight to places like that lumber yard? Real neat progression of work. How many miles will the line be?

Adam

Adam,

We lease the tracks from Ulster County (the owner) all the way to Highmount, where the ski resorts are. This totals 38.6 miles. We could move passengers up there someday, from buses that exit the Thruway. If the new Bellaire Resort is finally approved, and the state wants trains to move people there (to avoid expanding the highway), its possible that the state would repair the tracks from Phoenicia to Highmount, were 5 washouts have to be repaired. A lot of ifs, and not our current focus, which is Phoenicia to Kingston.

As for freight, the lumberyard might want freight, but our real problem is getting CSX to put the switch back in. We had a potential customer lined up last summer, who would have paid to reinstall the switch, and CSX would not cooperate, despite a letter from the Mayor of Kingston to put the switch back in. We are working on a plan to pressure CSX, who are receiving lots of money from the state for track upgrades, to be more cooperative.

As I said, our real focus is Kingston to Phoenicia. We plan to start revenue service in Kingston once we have opened the line to Washington Avenue (only .47 miles from where we stopped yesterday), then continue to upgrade the line until we meet in Shokan, MP 16.2.

Next year our plans are to open the Cold Brook extension to revenue service (MP 22.7 to 22.1), then continue to open the line to work trains to the Boiceville Trestle, MP 21.3, where we will need state funds to help repair the bridge before we can extend the line further. In Kingston, we plan to continue west from Washington Avenue, MP 4.37, to the bridge over the Esopus at MP 5, where we have to make bridge repairs (not as extensive as Boiceville) before we can proceed further. This will still leave a 17 mile gap!

EH

Saturday, December 8th:


Track Blitz - Kingston

On Saturday, December 8th, starting at 8:30am, George Peck will be continuing track rehabilitation in Kingston beginning at MP 3.9 (just behind Herzog's in Kingston Plaza) and working west. 88 ties need to be inserted, and we will tamp and spike them up to Fair Street, MP 4.01. We will have the tie handler, scarifier, gradall, and backhoe to help us. Earl will be bringing the 401 and worktrain down later in the day.

We will meet behind Herzog's, MP 3.9, at 8:30am. This is located in the middle of Kingston Plaza. Please bring shovels and other equipment useful in spiking, plating and tamping with you. If enough ties have not yet been inserted to start tamping, the first to arrive should go west of Fair Street (MP 4.01) and start to remove spikes and plates. Once enough ties are inserted, tamping will begin at MP 3.9.

We hope to make Fair street by the end of the day Saturday.


N5B Caboose Reconstruction - Kingston

On Saturday, December 8th, Earl Pardini and will be opening the Cornell Street yard at 7:30am to continue work on the N5B Caboose reconstruction. Focus will be on the windows and interior.



Sunday, December 9th


Kingston - Trackwork

Trackwork on Sunday will depend on crew size and interest. If you would like to continue trackwork on Sunday, report to the Cornell Street yard on Sunday, December 9th, to Earl Pardini any time after 9am.


Kingston - Caboose Reconstruction

Cornell Street will open at 9:00am on Sunday, December 9th. Plans are to continue working on the N5B caboose.


Weather this weekend is expected to be sunny on Saturday with a high of 45 degrees, and cloudy on Sunday with a high around 40 degrees.



Upcoming Schedule (subject to change):

Saturday, December 15th - Kingston track and caboose work continues. Work will continue west of Fair Street.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator, Catskill Mountain RR

Today, the track crew was only able to insert and spike 14 ties from MP 3.9 to MP 3.91 because the ground was frozen and we could not remove ties. However, the track was in good enough shape for the work train to proceed further west. 75 ties still need to be inserted for passenger service to begin, however.

Nevertheless, the line is now open for the work train to MP 4.01, Fair Street. This is only .36 miles from Washington Avenue.

Crossing Fair Street, although we marked out 73 ties from MP 4.01 to the west end of the Plaza at MP 4.15, the track is in sufficient shape for the work train to get to MP 4.15 once we remove the asphalt from Fair Street. There are also about 25 ties from MP 4.15 to MP 4.2 that were inserted by the CMRR in 1995 and never spiked, so once these are spiked, we should have the work train to MP 4.2 with no problem. When this is done the work train will only be .17 miles from Washington Avenue.

Next week we plan to remove the asphalt on Fair Street and spike up these 25 ties, if the ground is still frozen. Otherwise we will continue tie replacement west of MP 3.91.

The crew today consisted of Foreman George Peck, Earl Pardini, Greg Vaughn, Harry Jameson, Tom Healy, Dick Wilhelm, Mark Glaser, Peter Fluchere, John Tuma, Ron Epstein, Bob Blake, Paul Hintz, Jason DiTolla, Steve Kijak, Bill Brosnan, John Patane, and myself.

Some photos from today:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 632616.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 332758.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 847393.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 307493.jpg

Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Saturday, December 15th.

Our workday on Saturday will depend on the amount of snow that arrives on Thursday, December 13th. Because of this, all volunteers for both trackwork and caboose work should meet at Cornell Street about 9am.

If no snow comes Thursday, track work will proceed near Fair Street. However, if as expected there is significant snow on the ground, a crew will be dispatched to Phoenicia to run a snow plow train and clear the line up there for Sunday's Santa Train run. The rest of the crew will work on the caboose and other items in the Cornell Street yard.

To recap, weather is expected to be good Saturday. Work crews will meet at 9am at Cornell Street and work for the day will be determined then.


Sunday, December 16th

The ESRM and CMRR will be hosting their annual Santa Train in Phoenicia on Sunday, December 16th. Trains depart Phoenicia at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm. Rides will be free to the public.

Any volunteers who would like to help out on train duty or around the station should report around noon on Sunday.

Cornell Street yard will be closed Sunday.


Upcoming Events

Saturday, December 22nd and Sunday December 23rd

CMRR will decorate the 401 and caboose and bring it down to MP 4 both days, and talk to the public about our work on the RR.

Saturday, December 29th and Sunday December 30th:

Trackwork on Saturday and normal Cornell Street workday on Sunday.



Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Saturday, we had two crews working.

Phoenicia

In Phoenicia, most of the track crew worked to clear the line of about 10 inches of snow for the Santa Train tomorrow. The crew consisted of George Peck, Greg Peck, Tom Healy, John Tuma, John Isaksen, Mark Glaser, Al Howes, and Jason DiTolla.

Photos:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 617449.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 017481.jpg

Kingston

The crew in Kingston, consisting of Earl Pardini, Raphael DeMeglio, Jeff Otto and Mike LaLonde kept working at the Cornell Street yart on the N5B cabooose.

Writes Mike LaLonde: "Earl, Raph, Jeff Otto. and myself worked all day on the paneling and final window work. (latches and weather-stripping). The interior looks great with the trim out yet to do along with the seats and Jeff's stove. Earl is going to make some doors this week"


EH

Despite the bad weather, the CMRR/ESRM Santa Train Ran last Sunday December 16th:

Some photos:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 718355.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 618403.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 318437.jpg


Because the attendance was low due to the snow storm, the train will run again next Sunday, December 23rd, weather permitting. Departure times from Phoenicia will be 1, 2, 3, and 4pm.

EH

Saturday, December 22nd.

Our workday on Saturday will focus on clearing the line in Kingston so the 401 and caboose can make it down to MP 4, and clearing the line in Phoenicia for the rescheduled Santa Train on Sunday. Additionally, crews will work on finish work on the N5B caboose.

Clearing work will depend on how much snow is still on the ground in Kingston and Phoenicia on Saturday. Because of this, all volunteers should meet at Cornell Street about 9am.

Work for the day will be determined between 9 and 10am at Cornell Street. As mentioned, if work needs to be performed on the Phoenicia to Mt. Pleasant section of the line, a crew will be dispatched to Phoenicia to run a snow plow train and clear the line up there for Sunday's Santa Train run. On the other hand, if the line is clear in Phoenicia and the ground not frozen in Kingston, some trackwork may be done, in addition to work on the caboose and other items in the Cornell Street yard.

To recap, weather is expected to be good Saturday, with a high of 46 degrees. Work crews will meet at 9am at Cornell Street and work for the day will be determined then.


Sunday, December 23rd

The ESRM and CMRR will be hosting their rescheduled annual Santa Train in Phoenicia on Sunday, December 23rd. Trains depart Phoenicia at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm. Rides will be free to the public.

Any volunteers who would like to help out on train duty or around the station should report around noon on Sunday.

Cornell Street yard will be closed Sunday.


Upcoming Events


Saturday, December 29th and Sunday December 30th:

Trackwork on Saturday and normal Cornell Street workday on Sunday.

Saturday, January 19th

Annual Volunteer meeting at the U&D Train Station in Phoenicia, courtesy of the ESRM, 10-4pm.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

Saturday, December 29th.

On Saturday, December 29th, we will have two crews working:

Phoenicia

George Liucci will be doing set-up work on the 702 Saturday in Phoenicia. Those who would like to join them should contact George before hand. They will start at 10-10:30am.


Kingston

Our workday on Saturday will focus on clearing the line in Kingston so the 401 and work train can make it down to the Plaza. Additionally, crews will work on finish work on the N5B caboose and other projects in the yard.

Clearing work will depend on how much snow is still on the ground in Kingston and Phoenicia on Saturday. Because of this, all volunteers should meet at Cornell Street about 9am.

Work for the day will be determined between 9 and 10am at Cornell Street. Trackwork will possibly occur if the ground is free of snow Saturday. In any case, work will proceed on the caboose and other projects in the Cornell Street yard.

To recap, weather is expected to be good Saturday, with a high of 46 degrees. Work crews will meet at 9am at Cornell Street and work for the day will be determined then.


Sunday, December 30th

The Cornell Street yard will be open at 9am Sunday. Plans are to finish work on the N5B caboose, and plan for other future projects such as the Davenport and the future fence move. The Davenport will be used for special event service in Kingston and other parts of the line.


Upcoming Events


Saturday, January 5th and Sunday January 6th:

Trackwork on Saturday and normal Cornell Street workday on Sunday.


Saturday, January 19th

Annual Volunteer meeting at the U&D Train Station in Phoenicia, courtesy of the ESRM, 10-4pm.


Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR

At Cornell street, we had the following crew today: John Tuma, John Patane, Mark Glaser, Evan Jennings, Earl Pardini, George Peck, Raphael DeMeglio and Jeff Otto.

Writes Jeff Otto: "On the caboose, we bolted down the stove, bolted the replacement door on, adapted the smoke pipe to fit the stove, and fabricated part of interior smoke pipe support bracket. We also installed the last cupola support pipe, and did the final weather sealing on the cupola windows. In addition, we unloaded the rails from the work flat, rearranged the cars and brought the tie handler and scarifier into the Cornell St yard, began cleaning off the redecked flat in preparation for adapting it for passenger service, and plowed snow at the Plaza with the #401.

... [for the fence project] the two 6-inch, 21-foot pipes had been delivered, and got moved into the yard. We'll use most of each for the fence posts, and some of each for a smoke jack for the caboose."

Some photos from today:

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 115851.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 375816.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?pho ... 097038.jpg

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?200 ... 007112.jpg

Ernie Hunt
Volunteer Coordinator
Catskill Mountain RR