Gino's Rail Blog

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Saratoga & North Creek Update 5-14-2019

https://www.saratogian.com/news/local-news/kelley-rail-could-rejuvenate-region/article_68a99f68-75c6-11e9-be92-775b1609d3ee.html

Thursday, March 14, 2019

The following is a Blog entry about the Amusement Parks and picinic areas along the Berkshire Electric Railway...

From Stories Of The Berkshire Hills Blog...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Got your attention...right? Model railroader and FJ&G Super-fan, Steve Lamora is once again building the FJ&G in HO scale. Steve had an FJ&G layout in the past, but scrapped it try some other roads. Seeing the Atlas S2s and constant harassment by his friends has Steve RE-modeling our favorite railroad again...

A custom painted Brill Car grabs one's attention immediately! The detail is incredible. The 340 was purchased in 1938 to carry mail between Fonda and Gloversville. A job that was previously held by electric cars on the former Cayadutta Electric Railroad.

Here she is crossing North Street in Gloversville.

A beautiful detailed S2 is seen at the Lincoln Street Crossing. This model has all the sounds of 1950's railroading.

This crossing view also includes a glimpse of the Cayadutta Creek.

You can almost imagine Leslie 'Pete' Vosburg, or Red Morey running the Number 20 north through Gloversville.

Night-time is deep purple on the FJ&G!

The skin mills in Gloversville and Johnstown ran night and day. This scene captures the 1950's perfectly...

Decca Records was a hopping place in 1950's Gloversville. Before that it was Surpass Leather. The building still stands between Lincoln and North Streets...

Don't take my word for it, but have a look and listen at Steve's FJ&G!

Stay tuned for more from Steve's FJ&G!

Monday, January 21, 2019

Albany Hudson Fastline...Yesterday And Today

Albany & Hudson/Albany Southern/Albany Hudson Fastline...

Yesterday And Today...

The Albany/Hudson Trolley Depot on Main Street in Valatie. Semaphore Signal at the station.

Same view today from Main Street in Valatie. Plans are underway to convert the former trolley line into a biking/hiking trail running from Hudson, New York to Albany, New York.

A NYS Historical Marker informs visitors of the historical depot.

(Photo: Jared DiCarlo)

A summer of 2018 photo of the former depot. Notice the power lines behind the Depot. The right-of-way of most Capital District trolley lines were purchased by Niagara Mohawk, or their predecessors to run high-tension lines.

(Photo: Jared DiCarlo)

UTC...Yesterday And Today

United Traction Company, Yesterday And Today

UTC 824 is seen heading west on Madison Avenue in Albany. Today this would be NYS Route 20.

Willitt Street is to the left.

The same view today. Not much different.

(Photo: Google Maps Street View)

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

The Last Run Of The FJ&G

November 27th, 1984

PHOTO: Eber Davis

The Last Run Of The Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad

November 27th will be the 34th anniversary of the last run of the FJ&G Railroad. The road had been embargoed the previous May, but various equipment moves and maintenance took place through the Summer months.

On the morning of Tuesday, November 27th, Trainmen Mark Wilber and Mike Yerina alternated running ALCO RS3 103 and protecting the crossings in town. There were too many cars to move that day so it would finally be completed 4 years later in 1988. This was the last day a locomotive graced the rails between Broadalbin Junction, Gloversville, Johnstown and finally Fonda.

Slide Show

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Saratoga And North Creek's Equipment Move On 9/7/2018

Friday the 9th of September was a sad parade of sorts. Almost all of the Saratoga And North Creek's motive power was moved south from North Creek. Leading the historical consist was BL2s 52 and 56. EMDs were in full force as were ALCO S2 switchers...

Special thanks to Bonnie Shatraw Wingler on Facebook's Railroading Rambler for sharing these photos with us....

Photo: Bonnie Shatraw Wingler

Watch this!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

The Last Ride Of The Saratoga And North Creek Railroad

On Saturday, April 7th The Saratoga And North Creek Railroad polished up their BL-2 #52 and made what looks like their last passenger run. At this time what the future of the S&NC holds is anyone's guess. Our friend Greg Klingler hit the road and snapped some photos of the last run of the SNC...

All Photos: Greg Klingler

Manager Of Passenger Services, Steve Torrico sits at the throttle of the Number 52.

General Manager Justin Gonyo, who's family has worked the Adirondack Branch for a century gives a wave as they prepare to head back to Saratoga Springs.

Leaving Thurman with the beautiful Upper Hudson and the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains for a background...

The BL-2 pulling passengers, perhaps for the last time passes through Stoney Creek.

Making the curve at Hadley. Is this the last time tourists cross the Sacandaga at Hadley?

Stay Tuned!

Friday, April 6, 2018

Last Of The Snow Trains

Due to flooding on the Upper Hudson River, The Saratoga And North Creek Railroad was only able to run a shortened Snow-Train Schedule. Trains were due to run January through April. The last train will be Saturday, April 7th...

All Photos By Greg Klingler

Saturday, March 10 was the second Snow-Train run on the S&NC. What was originally going to be a round trip to North Creek, was shortened to Thurman, NY (Warrensburg). Power was IP 4135 and 4137...

The 4137 heads North to Thurman.

Northbound at the Stoney Creek Curve.

Arriving at Thurman Station

Running around at Thurman Station with the 4135 now in the lead.

Now South-bound, leaving Thurman for Saratoga Springs. Ice-chunks can be seen on the River in the background.

Here a great shot of the South-bound leaving Thurman.

Heading south to Stoney Creek Ranch.

The 4135 entering The Stoney Creek Ranch.

Southbound at Hadley/Luzurne.