Anybody ever modeled a RR from the Schenectady, NY region?

[Anonymous]

I was born and raised in Scenectady, and I would really appreciate any photos/information about layouts anyone is has done or is aware of that depict that region. Strangely enough, I don't know much about the RR history of that area. Thanks

[Anonymous]

An area rich in RR history. 1831, the DeWitt Clinton made the first run of a train in NY from Albany to Schenectady.

Schenectady Locomotive Works built many thousands of locomotives in your town from the mid 1800's until around 1970. You can buy a video from the local PBS station about it.: http://www.wmht.org/TV/ironhorse/pro_desc_ih.htm

The New York Central & Hudson River ran through town. Look for any good history on the Central. So did the Delaware & Hudson.

The Schenectady Railway ran interurban electrics to towns all around the area. Here's an old map: http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/railroads/trolleytrips/map-100.jpg (Hint: save it to your hard drive and open it in MS Paint if you cant see it in full size on your browser.)

Other old road names in the area were the Cherry Valley & Albany, The Rensselaer & Saratoga, The Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville, The Adirondack R.R. and others whose names don't come to mind right now. Check out this site for Capital Distric t RR info:
http://www.crisny.org/not-for-profit/railroad/capdist.htm

This should get you started!

Wayne


Added:

Almost forgot, you asked about layouts depicting the region. Can't go wrong with RPI's layout. http://railroad.union.rpi.edu/ Only some of the site is free, these days, the rest is by a monthly subscription.

W.