Skaneateles Short Line ‘68


Illustration by Otto M. Vondrak. Not all stations shown. Not an official map. ©2013 Carstens Publications, Inc.


New York Central Auburn Branch


to Canandaigua and Rochester


NEW YORK Skaneateles


SYRACUSE former to Syracuse


SKANEATELES JCT. (Hart Lot)


Skaneateles Falls


Marysville


Long Bridge Enginehouse


Mottville


Abandoned after 1967 washout


Willow Glen


Stauffer Chemical


0


.5 MILES


1 SKANEATELES


Skaneateles Lake


change track and the depot to get all the cars in the right places. Had this been a normal day, it would have been an easy switch for the crews and a pleasant interlude for a railfan. But no, today would be a little different. In the midst of these maneuvers, up drove a non-descript baby blue and white Dodge van with tiny lettering on the door revealing its identity as a Penn Central conveyance. Doubtless some wag thought it cute to number this vehicle “999” in a sarcastic coun- terpoint to that famous record-setting New York Central steam locomotive that spent many years hiding in the old East Syracuse engine shed, only 20 or so miles away. Complete with special headlight, air conditioning and two- chime air horn, this modern cousin was taking officials on an inspection of the branch and would the crews please help get the hi-railer wheels down and


38 JULY 2013 • RAILFAN.COM


ABOVE: The historic bonds between the railroad and the old Wheeler House hotel were under- scored by the harmony of the engine number and the soda sign on the porch as the locomotive heads for home. BELOW: Exotic motive power, quaint markers and a bucolic atmosphere com- bine as No. 7 approached the junction at Hart Lot, near Elbridge, New York. The unique railroad crossing sign is currently in the collection of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.


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