Joe Boyd photo – Author’s Collection
Talky Tuesday #49
I used another “trainless” view along the S&NY RoW for last week’s “WW #77” for a couple of reasons.
First, I already had it scanned and ready to go!
Mainly though, even though no trains are in the shot, it is still valuable for the historian and modeler of the era.
Despite being a backwoods shortline in the depths of the Depression, the track is still well-maintained. The ties are aligned, there are no dips or jogs in the track at the rail joints, and the roadbed is generally free of weeds. I remember MUCH worse track on supposed Class 1 “mainlines” during the Penn Central and Conrail era.
What I presume is the branch to Ralston climbs and curves off to the right. This track is less maintained, but was probably only in use a couple of times a week by 1942. The branch line does give us an idea of the grades the S&NY had to contend with, being built originally as a logging railroad.
Lastly, the mountains of the Pleasant Stream and Lycoming Creek valleys loom in the hazy distance. This appearance needs to be kept in mind when painting the backdrop for the model S&NY.
Wordless Wednesday #77
Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics
Talky Tuesday #48
Last weeks’ “WW #76” gives us a calming late winter / early spring view of a typical Eastern Pennsylvania mountain stream, possibly Schrader Creek. If we could return to this location in the present day, I doubt the view would be much changed beyond a few taller trees. One can almost hear the muted roar of the shallow falls in the foreground, but don’t fall in! Even in summer the water is cold enough to curl your toes, shall we say…
Wordless Wednesday #76
Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics
Talky Tuesday #47
Last week’s “WW #75” is a view of a mixed freight eastbound at Laquin, PA. By this late date (ca. 1942), the town is nearly abandoned. To the left are the foundations of either the Laquin store, or the S&NY depot. In the right distance is the old Laquin schoolhouse. In its heyday, Laquin was home to 2000 people, several industries including the Barclay Wood Chemical plant, two churches, a hotel, many homes, and a ballfield.
Compare with this view from earlier in the 20th century from nearly the same location:
And this view of the S&NY depot:
Wordless Wednesday #75
Bill Caloroso -Cal’s Classics
Talky Tuesday #45
In last week’s “WW #73”, S&NY #20 meets #21 at an unknown location, possibly Cabin Run or Long Valley. Some of the crew waiting “in the hole” relax in the shade of a derelict section house.
Talky Tuesday #44
An overview of Marsh Hill yard looking generally northeastward was the subject of “WW #72” of two weeks ago. The western end of Sullivan Mountain looms in the background, and the railroad will curve to the right after leaving Marsh Hill yard, following the Pleasant Stream valley generally eastward to Masten, the top of the grade near Ellenton, and thence downgrade past Wheelerville into the Schrader Creek valley. Behind the photographer is the Marsh Hill station and the junction with the PRR’s Elmira Branch.
Wordless Wednesday #72
Edward Kaseman photo – Author’s collection
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