Adirondack Scenic’s Railfan’s Weekend 2007
Saturday & Sunday, June 9-10, 2007
www.adirondackrr.com

What a weekend!  The railroad and weather cooperated to make the 2007 weekend one of the best Adirondack events in memory.  As is usually the case, the event was based out of Van Auken’s Inne in Thendara and we found the new owners of the Inne to be excellent hosts.  The rooms, food, and atmosphere are what we have come to expect and more.  This place felt like home.  [Van Auken’s Inne, 315-369-3033, www.vanaukensinne.com]

Motive power on the Adirondack is still in a state of change.  Our expected unit, the Alco C-424, is still land-locked up at Lake Placid due to some track problems, so we drew our old favorite, the former New York Central RS3 #8223.  Nobody complained.  The railroad matched it to a perfect three car set and even included a manned café car for the trip.  Our train was ideal.  That single unit meant that we would have more opportunities to record our train since we would be having run-arounds at various points to reposition the RS3 before changing direction.  Adirondack weather is always fickle and Saturday morning arose to more clouds than sun but we had patience.  After a group photo on the platform, we traveled south to our first stop at Lock & Dam.  What’s the saying – three time’s the charm?  We tried to execute our run-bys by matching our train to breaks in the clouds and failed the first two times.  But, due to a patient crew, and more than a few stubborn photographers that wanted to do it just right, we waited for a large blue seam to open in the skies and our third run was perfect.  While Lock and Dam has been known to be the home of full squadrons of mosquitoes and black flies, our early start must have taken them by surprise – we were in and out without losing any passengers.  With a blast of the horn, we were southbound again.  The volunteer crew served coffee and donuts in the café car.  Blessed.  Our train was blessed.

McKeever Trestle, the small waterfall at Little Woodhull Creek and the gorgeous little station at Remsen , NY were all stops and photo locations.  With so many opportunities and views, it was difficult to avoid taking “too” many pictures and wasting all that film.  But,  . . . wait a minute, . . . digital . . . . most of us were digital for the first time ever.  Film and its costs were no long an issue. Cameras clicked as if movie cameras.  We were having fun!

Scenery and friendly waves.  All along the way we were treated to gorgeous scenery and friendly Adirondack waves.  Our special train caught lots of residents by surprise and smiles and waves greeted us throughout our adventure.  And, the sound of that horn, the power of that RS3 and those open vestibules and baggage car kept us leaning out for more.  Lunch?  Someone mentioned lunch?  Our café crew had a variety of box lunches ready and our hungry railfans and railfanettes wolfed down some food in between stops.

Mid-day, we ventured down the Mohawk Adirondack & Northern tracks to Utica where we attracted a small group of spectators and got the opportunity to look over the restored Utica Union Station.  Many ventured inside to check out this absolutely beautiful and ornate station while others waited trackside for CSX to run a freight or two on the mainline.  Of course, Amtrak was late and didn’t show up while we were there.  All too soon, the crew broke from their lunch and we were again on the road, this time for a brand new adventure – a ride over the MA&N freight line to Lyons Falls, NY.

Snow Junction, as usual, but instead of bearing right to Thendara, we took the left switch and were soon rolling along a brand new route for us.  The MA&N line is a worthy adventure with lots of great scenery including a high trestle as well as passing through Boonville and Lyons Falls .  Of course, we recorded much of it to photographs and had a blast as our passenger train surprised residents with its passing.  On the MA&N, it’s a long, long, long time between passenger trains.  Smiles and waves and more waves.  Quite a day. 

But, as with all good things, the time passed too soon and true to form, “railroad” form that is, we were running late and had to make a quicker return trip.  With our white “extra” flags flying at track speed, our southbound journey over the MA&N took us back to Remsen with a final runaround and photo stop before some hard and fast running back to Thendara.  Arriving just a little later than planned, we were tired and hungry but pleased with the entire day.  It could not have been better.

Dinner at Van Auken’s, some railroad programs on a computer screen, a few night photos by the station and the freedom to ride and photograph all of Sunday’s trains completed a super weekend on the Adirondack.  Next year’s Railfan’s Weekend will be held on Father’s Day weekend, June 21-22, 2008.    All Aboard.

Thanks.  This event could never happen without the hard work
 and encouragement of the Adirondack Scenic’s staff and volunteers.
  The participants of the 2007 weekend say “THANKS”!!

For further information on the 2008 Railfan’s Weekend excursions, and to be placed
 on a special email list, contact Tom Trencansky at publicity@newyorkrailroads.com