Vintage diesels alive and well in upstate New York

[Otto Vondrak]

 When I went to school in Rochester, NY, I had the opportunity to join the Rochester Chapter NRHS. Even though I moved away a few years ago, I still stay active with the Chapter. What's interesting about our group is that for the last 25 years, we have been hard at work building our museum surrounding a former Erie Railroad depot, just eight miles south of downtown. Amid the rolling hills, farmlands, and new home construction, the two-mile track built by volunteers of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum plays host to one of the most eclectic fleets of operating vintage diesel locomotives in New York State. We have examples from Fairbanks-Morse, Genereral Electric, Alco... We even roster a Plymouth gas-mechanical locomotive, recently restored to operation by our skilled volunteers. The only locomotive builder we currently lack is EMD!

We pride ourselves as the only operating railroad museum in the state, and we are fortunate to partner with the New York Museum of Transportation at the other end of out line. Our two museums are joined by our two-mile demonstration railroad, which also plays host to the only electric trolley ride in New York as well! It's a fun and exciting environment to work in, with nearly every mode of locomotive represented: electric, diesel, gas-mechanical... and yes, we even roster two small steam locomotives in our fleet. Here are some of the highlights from our fleet...

http://www.rgvrrm.org/about/railroad/

Eastman Kodak 6, GE 80-tonner

Eastman Kodak 9, Alco RS-1

Lehigh Valley 211, Alco RS-3m

Nickel Plate Road 79, Alco S-4

R&GV 1654, GE 80-tonner

Rochester Gas & Electric 8, GE 110-tonner

Rochester Gas & Electric 1941, GE 45-tonner siderod

Rochester Gas & Electric 1950, GE 45-tonner siderod

US Army 1843, FM H-12-44

The problem that we are facing now, like every other museum, are the skyrocketing costs of fuel and materials. As our vintage diesels age, finding replacement parts gets harder and harder. Servicing a forty or fifty or sixty year old diesel takes a lot of work and dedication. We are fortunate to have a new crop of young volunteers who have been able to step up and take on many tasks. However, like all museums, we suffer from a shortage of willing hands.

If you're ever touring through western New York, consider taking a short detour off the Thruway and come and visit us at Industry depot. Take a trolley ride to meet one of our trains (or Fairmont track cars) and come explore our exhibits. On special occasions, we offer supervised cab rides. Or, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride from one of our restored cabooses. If you appreciate vintage diesels, you won't be disappointed.

http://www.rgvrrm.org/

 

-otto vondrak

R&GVRRM Volunteer