Where did everybody go?

NOTHING new on any of the LA&L family in almost a year? Or are the forum contributors on strike?

Word just came down that parts of the WNYP are going dark, with no traffic for the year prior. A number of ALCOs have been scrapped recently, too, so from a railfan perspective, things appear somewhat grim.

On the OMID, 3 was scrapped, 361 and 408 are now lettered for SNEX. 361 went east about a week ago.

It's my understanding almost everything on OMID was scrapped - locos (except for the 2 noted above), plow, flanger, side dump, boxcars, MW equipment, whatever else they had. Have not had confirmation but multiple reports to that effect.

Interesting, 408/40 was built in 1962 IIRC, spent 17 years on N&W. Went to Ontario Lines in 1979 and left in 2024, a little over 44 years. And still running I believe.

361 made it to the BKRR, and went north with 5012 and 10 or so loads out of Eagle Bridge today.

Good to hear it's found a home.

Also from the rumor mill of Facebook, the AC's are for sale if they haven't been sold already.
So far the MLW/Alco's which have been cut up seem to have had either major frame or mechanical issues, or they are lower HP switchers which are too small for freight trains and were exchanged for credits, as part of the Tier 4 locomotive program.

From the FWIW dept:

Rail Improvements Coming to Venango County with $1.14 Million Grant

A $1.14 million investment will bring new rail infrastructure to Venango County as part of the state’s effort to improve freight mobility and support local businesses.

The funding will help Webco Industries construct a rail spur and install rail car unloading and loading equipment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the allocation as part of $55 million approved for 30 rail freight projects across the state. The projects are designed to enhance rail operations and support economic growth.

Webco Industries’ rail spur project is expected to boost operations in Venango County, strengthening the region’s transportation and business capabilities.

“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

The state’s rail freight network, the largest in the nation, plays a key role in moving goods and sustaining jobs, according to PennDOT.

From Explore Venango
(Oil City, PA)

Nice upgrades at Dad's in Meadville.