RE: the Flimsies piece below. Who runs This line? Does the National Park Service run it directly, or is it contracted out to a private operator? Who owns the equipment?

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=3&ID=85574&r=0
ryarger@rypn.org

> RE: the Flimsies piece below. Who runs This
> line? Does the National Park Service run it
> directly, or is it contracted out to a
> private operator? Who owns the equipment?

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is a 501c3 non profit corporation. They own all the equipment and serve as operators of the line. The property is owned by the National Park Service. Both organizations work closely together to make it a successful operation. CVSR was formerly the Cuyahoga Valley Line who operated the excursions in the 70's and 80's on this line when the line was still owned by CSXT. The trainset at that time was leased from the Midwest Railroad Historical Foundation (MRHF) and consisted of ex-GTW 2-8-2 4070 and the Pennsy P-70 coaches. When CVL fell on hard times and could not follow through on their full financial obligations to MRHF, 4070 began to experience mechanical problems resulting in sporadic operation. By the early 90's, CVL/CVSR began to acquire their own equipment, starting with 3 RS-3's and some leased CN passenger equipment. See their website for more information. CVSR is the place to go if you like ALCO power as they operate an RS-3, 3 FPA4's, and an RS-18 with additional power available as well for the future.

CVSR is responsible for track and signal inspections while NPS is responsible for the capital improvements to the line. The NPS over the past 10 years has completed tie and surface rehabilitation work over the 26 mile line to FRA Class IV standards although 25 MPH is the top track speed right now. Now that the line has been tied and surfaced, they are turning their attention to the bridges on the line having replaced 2 significant Deck Plate Girder structures as well as two or three 20'-30' DPG spans as well. The line is all 131#/132#re rail with about 17 miles of CWR and 9 miles jointed rail. Replacement of curve-worn rail replacement and the elimination of the jointed 131#RE rail will become a higher priority as well over the next few years.

Currently the towering DPG bridge over the canal in Akron is undergoing structural upgrades and timber deck replacement. The at-grade crossing signals are being replaced/upgraded as well with about 8 crossings now having new hardware in place.

Look for CVSR to expand operations later this year south from Akron to Canton over the middle portion of the old CT&V (Cuyahoga Terminal & Valley) sub of the B&O which is now owned by Akron Metro with limited service.

rtrain@nls.net

> Rob,
Our current roster includes 4 FPA-4's, 1 RS-18, 1 C420, 1 RS-3, and an RSD-5 that we are storing for it's owner, but does see service every so often.
We also roster over 20 pieces of rolling stock, our web site has a complete roster at www.cvsr.com
B. Allan

http://www.cvsr.com
cvsrkahuna@aol.com

I'm looking, I'm looking ... where are the pictures of the "shop to die for"! Absolutely first class.


lamontdc@adelphia.net

> Our current roster includes 4 FPA-4's, 1
> RS-18, 1 C420, 1 RS-3, and an RSD-5 that we
> are storing for it's owner, but does see
> service every so often.
> We also roster over 20 pieces of rolling
> stock, our web site has a complete roster at
> www.cvsr.com
> B. Allan
Brian,

I wasn't 100% certain of the accuracy of my list. It wasn't quite 7 AM when I wrote that and probably should have given a disclaimer, too.

Sorry to miss the mark.

Rob

> Brian,

> I wasn't 100% certain of the accuracy of my
> list. It wasn't quite 7 AM when I wrote that
> and probably should have given a disclaimer,
> too.

> Sorry to miss the mark.

> Rob

Rob,
No problem, I figured that 7am had something to do with it.
Brian


http://www.cvsr.com
cvsrkahuna@aol.com

> Rob,
> No problem, I figured that 7am had something
> to do with it.
> Brian

I've said it before and I'll say it again; the guys at Cuyahoga are awesome. Its through their foresight and interest in preservation of rail history that we have our combine today. They were a great help, especially when our spirits were a bit down on the condition of the car. Thanks a bunch Brian, especially for that better than a year where you guys stored her for us!

T.J.G.


Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org