Author Archives: Exnavydoc@hotmail.com

Wordless Wednesday #138

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #95

“WW #137” of a week ago shows us high-stepping #119 rolling a mixed freight along at track speed. The plume of steam above the boiler could be from the safety valves lifting, or from the whistle blasting for a grade crossing near the photographer. Combination car #206 carries the markers at the rear. Location is not known to me.

Wordless Wednesday #137

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #94

Businesses run on paper. Railroads are no different, and the S&NY had its share. “WW #136 is a surviving example of one of the numerous forms the railroad used to keep track of things, in this case “foreign road” cars belonging to railroads other than the S&NY. According to the car usage rules at the time, foreign cars still on non-home rails at a certain time (usually midnight) required the non-home railroad to pay a usage fee (demurrage) to the owning railroad. This slip of paper allowed the S&NY to keep track of which cars belonging to other railroads were on S&NY property, and when the S&NY would have start paying that fee to the owning railroads.

Wordless Wednesday #136

Author’s Collection

Talky Tuesday #93

Last week’s “WW #135” gives us an interesting rear view of S&NY caboose #15. The rear flagman is just about to drop off and protect the rear of the train; or has just climbed back on board and is about to wave a highball to the engine. A few cars ahead is a flat that looks to be loaded with tractors or other machinery. An extension connected to the trainline airhose may be attached to either a valve allowing the crew to apply the brakes during a back-up move, or an air-whistle to also protect a reverse movement. The flagman is unidentified, unfortunately, as is the location.

Wordless Wednesday #135

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #92

Last week’s “WW #134” is an excellent side view of S&NY 4-wheel caboose #17. I am unsure of the history of this piece of equipment. The side-sill and underframe are different than a PRR ND cabin car, and #17 may be of Reading or Lehigh Valley heritage. Kaseman’s book is silent on regarding the fate of #17 after abandonment, other than that the cabooses were listed for sale at $50 each, price later reduced…

Wordless Wednesday #134

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #91

Last week’s “WW #133” is a shot near the north end of Towanda, just south of the Lehigh Valley station and interchange. The photo suggests a misty, damp spring day; and may be a departing shot of this train from “WW #102”