Susquehanna RR president Walter Rich is most known for owning his Chinese SY-class 2-8-2, No. 142. He also owns this ex-Army 0-6-0, stored by company headquarters in Cooperstown, NY. It was originally U.S. Army 4038, renumbered 618 in 1952. When the Army disposed of it in 1958, the Virginia Blue Ridge Ry. bought it to augment its other Army 0-6-0s and operated it into the 1960s. Purchased from them in 1966, it first operated in tourist service on former Ulster & Delaware trackage out of Oneonta, NY. When that line was removed for highway construction, the operation moved to a former D&H branch running to Cooperstown. After being dormant for some years, the line is now operated by the Leatherstocking Chapter of NRHS, but the locomotive has been out of service for years.

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2004032116192616306.jpg&bydate%3A14
ryarger@rypn.org

the line is now operated by the
> Leatherstocking Chapter of NRHS, but the
> locomotive has been out of service for
> years.
I have video of this steamer and the yard from about 1991. The line was still dormant. It looks as though no. 2 is spruced up somewhat since then, and has lights on. My question: Is that red observation car Walter's private car, no. 510, or a display car? Does it ever leave Cooperstown?


mustang746@mac.com

> Walter's private car, no. 510, or a display
> car? Does it ever leave Cooperstown?

This car, to the best of my knowledge, has never been to Cooperstown. Its kept in Utica when not being used, behind a chain link fence with their sole remaining dome car.

Joshua