Which was the first cast-off branchline he purchased to operate as an independent railroad and which was the last. Anyone have a complete list? Dates of aquisition and when applicable dates of abandonment and which are still operatiing?
First: St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County...1937. Last either the Wellsville, Addison and Galeton or the Louisiana and Southwestern 1978
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
Sam Pinsley's wife was a Salzburg and the Pinsley and the Salzburg railroads were closely related so it's a bit hard to separate those which belonged to one family from the other. In 1938 Sam Pinsley purchased the Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington which I believe was his first railroad acquisition. The last was the Arkansas Midland which became a Pinsley RR in 2011. Also in 2011, the Arkansas Midland acquired the Prescott & Northwestern and a part of the Caddo Valley RR.
To the best of my knowledge the WA&G and Louisiana & Northwest were Salzburg roads and were not owned by Pinsley. Of course the WA&G is long gone now but the L&NW is alive and well and a member of the Patriot group of railroads.
Mark
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter