Taken on Opening Day of the Valley Railroad, July 29, 1971. 2-6-2 #103 backs the three car train to clear the passing track; Brakeman Robert O. Lyon signals to Engineer Harry Vallas. VRR VP Stephen D. Bogen is seen in the distance (white shirt and black tie).

Steve Bogen had personally leased this line from the New Haven's bankruptcy trustees for almost a year in 1968-69, until Connecticut DEP could purchase it. Steve's action prevented the track from being lifted and the line becoming a trail.

CNW combine 409 is now at Mid-Continent, restored in CNW yellow and green. 103 is stored on the Naugatuck Railroad in Connecticut. Steve Bogen, Bob Lyons and Harry Vallas are all gone now. The photographer is not a kid any more.

There was a song, "Momma, Don't Take My Kodachrome Away;" of course, it's gone now.

The way things are going, you'll be lucky to get Verichrome Pan in the future.

Why did steam look so right in black and white?

Thanks.

Verichrome Pan is gone also, discontinued around 2002. I think the only Kodak films available now in that EI 125 range are Kodak Professional Plus-X 125 and Kodak Professional T-Max 100.

Jim Tatum.

Thank you Brother Pincus,
It might be possible that we have met.
I was there that day with the two oldest in tow...
Not only is the photographer not a kid any more - the 11-year old girl with the fingers in her ears is a grandmother.
GME

Howard, many thanks for posting this. I remember Harry Vallas coming down to the New Jersey Live Steamers many years ago. The older photos bring back some great memories. Thanks again!! We should have gone on more steam fantrips back in the 1960's and 1970's. Remember, we thought that they would always be around!

Howard,

Tell us more about the early history of the Valley RR, specifically:

1. Who were the VRR's CMO's from 1971 until 1986 when J. David arrived;

2. When was the last run of No. 103, and why was it retired?

3. How many shareholders does the VRR have?

4. Any good Steven Bogen stories from the past?

with appreciation,
~K.R. Bell

K.R.,

Wow, all of that? That's a book..... no short answers, really.

Steve Bogen deserves a biographic article in Classic Trains, perhaps; when he was alive, and when L & RP was also alive, he always dodged any attempts at publicity, calling attention to himself, etc. Steve always preferred to stay in the background, even when he was shaping events in the "industry".

103 came north in 1962 as a tired Southern shortline engine. It never received much real overhaul work, just minor items on occasion to keep her running. I think the most work at Essex were some staybolts and some rod brasses. Valves and cylinders were badly worn, with resultant power loss; firebox was known to have some lower side sheet and mud ring problems. By 1973, the VRR trains were 5+ cars, too much for 103, and 97 was finally ready for service in June of that year. 103 last operated in 1976, after very occasional use in 74 & 75.

You'll have to ask J. David about #3.

Howard P.
VRR stockholder

Kurt, et al:
Chief Mechanical Officers of the Valley Railroad?
Well, Barry Anderson was CMO by c.1977 when No.40 arrived, followed by Fred Jordan, William Drotar, Sr. and John Bush, who arrived in November 1985. I came to work here as a contractor in April 1986.
I had no expectation of staying, but got along well with Lynn Parrott who was General Manager and later also President of the Company. She asked me to stay and I became an employee in January 1987.
VRR Shareholders?
At this time there are 25...
J.David

Was Bob Carlson not the "original" Master Mechanic/CMO at the VRR during it's early days, pre-engine house, pre-full time staff? Also the name Ed Fenn comes to mind. Perhaps Howard P. will remember.

Here is a picture of Chicago & North Western 7409 at North Freedom from November 2010.

What other passenger cars were used on the first day? How long were trains in the early days of the VR?