Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) Discussion - 2015

BandA wrote:Awesome! Where is the coal tender? (or does it burn liquid fuels?)

It runs on the hopes and dreams of railfans everywhere.

-otto-

Otto Vondrak wrote:

BandA wrote:Awesome! Where is the coal tender? (or does it burn liquid fuels?)

It runs on the hopes and dreams of railfans everywhere.

-otto-

Doesn't it have a big key that you wind up before each trip?

This is #6:

http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=157705" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The latest in the debate:

http://www.kingstonx.com/2015/07/24/kev ... -glenford/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

EH

Otto Vondrak wrote:It runs on the hopes and dreams of railfans everywhere.

So, what, it goes 100mph?

eehiv wrote:The latest in the debate:

http://www.kingstonx.com/2015/07/24/kev ... -glenford/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

EH

Fair use quote:

[Cahill] compared the potential loss of a tourism train to what was lost in the City of Kingston in 1969 when the city’s old post office building was razed to make way for a fast-food franchise.

Oh, that's not really a good comparison... ouch...

Read that article, and one issue is that while the article is pro-rail, they refer to the CMRR as a "railroad club". The CMRR is a 100% real, for-profit railroad. And I'm pretty sure they follow all FRA rules as well. Having ridden the cmrr a few times, they are VERY professional in how they run there trains.

eehiv wrote:http://www.kingstonx.com/2015/07/24/kev ... -glenford/

Their ridership projections of 102,000 users is complete nonsense. I invite anybody who believes those numbers to get a chair, some sunblock and bug spray, and sit anywhere they want along the Catskill Scenic Trail and count the number of users of the trail.

I've ridden that trail end-to-end and I didn't see anybody else on the trail. Not one other person.

Quoting William Sheldon:
https://www.facebook.com/AssemblymanCah ... 22R9%22%7D" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

RussNelson wrote:So, what, it goes 100mph?

No.

But it does run all the way to Oneonta.

RussNelson wrote:I've ridden that trail end-to-end and I didn't see anybody else on the trail. Not one other person.

Russ, why do you insist on muddying the waters of this discussion with FACTS(??)

Engine 407 undergoing tests at Phoenicia, NY:

http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=224955" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

CMRR 407 is now back in service after being down for repairs. It is also sporting a new paint scheme.

We hope to reopen the line to Phoenicia to passengers soon. It is now open to work trains on a regular basis.

EH

Great news, Ernie. By the way, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad has an arrangement with Adirondack Rail Explorers to run railbikes on tracks they don't regularly use (Saranac Lake to Lake Clear Junction). My wife went to get a reservation, and THE ENTIRE MONTH OF AUGUST IS SOLD OUT. It's only six miles long and they get $25 per seat per one-way trip. Makes me wonder if you could do something similar with the far end of the Ashokan track. Go from the crane to Boiceville. Maybe see if they can move their operation down to the CMRR after they finish for the season on the ASRR. You have the advantage that there are no crossings needing to be flagged.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/opinion/201 ... ounty-line" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LETTER: Let’s run the tourist railroad from Kingston to the Delaware County line
POSTED: 07/30/15, 4:56 PM EDT

Dear Editor:

It is time to start moving on the Catskill Mountain Railroad from Kingston Plaza to the Delaware County line.

As for the railroad running though the reservoir property, we have had laws in our country for years. In years past, the railroad was used with no trouble. The law passed, the “grandfather law,” will override, not allowing New York City to stop the railroad passing through its property.

The railroad will bring tax money the Ulster County treasury. The trail will cost millions for pavement across the county. I’m sure there will not be any charge for using the trail.

The railroad will really put our county on the map. Once before there was talk of using the railroad, and it was turned down and it moved elsewhere and was a good success for the area to where it was moved.

If there are politics involved, Democrats and Republicans, shake hands and get busy on making money for our county. Remember, it takes money to make money. I’m sure there are grants available. The money the railroad makes can be used for the trail in the future.

Charles Lang
Kingston, N.Y.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/opinion/201 ... sabilities" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LETTER: Rail plan meets needs of those with disabilities

Ulster & Delaware railroad tracks looking toward the Ashokan Reservoir from the
POSTED: 07/18/15, 11:37 PM EDT

Dear Editor,

I urge the citizens of Ulster County to support both a rail and trail from Kingston, N.Y., to Phoenicia, N.Y., by contacting Ulster County Executive Michael Hein and your county legislator.

The trail-only options ignore the disabled. Although they claim that the trail will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, they fail to realize that there are many physically disabled folks and many on the spectrum who are not being addressed. These people can’t walk or bike a trail. They can only enjoy the fresh air and scenery provided by a train traveling along the Ashokan Reservoir on the Ulster and Delaware tracks.

I ask Hein and his trail proponents to go beyond their wants and show some compassion for our friends and families whose needs are covered by a rail and a trail. It is becoming selfish when it should be selfless.

Peter R. Baker

West Hurley, N.Y.

http://www.kingstonx.com/2015/08/05/rai ... or-aug-24/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kingston Common Council President Jim Noble is holding a hearing on rail vs. trail options later this month.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, the purpose of Noble’s hearing, set for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24 at City Hall, “is to afford the opportunity to city residents and business owners to ask questions and give their opinion on the rail vs. trail [question] for the U&D railroad corridor.”