News (blog)

UPDATED May 2018

I see this page hasn't been changed in a while so, it's overdue to mention the latest news from our train operation:

Top of the list - Steam engine #142 came due for a fifteen year inspection near the end of the 2017 season. The problem is the lack of a facility to do this most intense of inspections on it and the main impetus of the Society at this time is the erection of a new and permanent shop facility to accomplish this, and many other much needed equipment projects. While this project has been much delayed, it is under way, but not in time for 142 to see much, if any, action in 2018. An announcement will be forthcoming when we achieve this goal or when 142 will return to action.

The railroad (Bel-Del) currently has eight miles of track technically in service although the timetable only accounts for seven and sixth tenths. A reduction in speed precludes using an additional mile for time's sake. This year, track improvement is concentrated on upgrading the existing in-service section rather than the last half-mile needed to reach our goal of Riegelsville. There is also a mile and three quarters out of Milford, the south end, in service for occasional use.

Ridership continues to climb, particularly with the very successful Winery Train, for which it is not uncommon to see three runs a day, even outside of October.