Jun 23 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, News 2010, Newsletters
(Jon Berkemeyer) In politics, politicians are measured by their first 100 days in office. Well, at the time of this writing, I have been Vice-President of the VRA for 83 days. These 83 days have been an exciting, nerve racking, and educational time for me. I’ve been introduced to the inner workings of a well established non-profit group and experienced first hand what a dedicated group can do when they set their minds to it.
My first experience was the annual Easter Bunny train. I was asked to be the crew caller for this year’s trip. I gladly accepted the task, but on the inside, I was very nervous. I would be responsible for assembling a crew of over 60. At the time, I had never taking on a responsibility that large outside of my employment. Visions of Donald Trump saying “You’re Fired!” were dancing in my head. However, the trips were a success and the crew performed extremely well. I went home Sunday night with a deep sense of pride. I had helped accomplish something good. It had been a feeling I was missing for a long time.
What that experience ultimately taught me was that our members, board and general alike, are the life blood of our organization. Without out all of us, there is no VRA.
This coming summer and fall, we have a busy schedule. We have the motor car trips that Chris Vitz reported on, and of course we have the station move coming, which now more then ever is closer to reality.
None of these things can take place without our volunteers. I encourage all members to come out and help. K.C. says that moving the station is the largest project the VRA has ever undertaken. I believe this is the largest task ever undertaken by a rail group in this state. Anyone can pick up a phone and have a locomotive moved. We are going to move a building.
On top of all this, planning has started for our Santa Train. Yes it’s May, but it is never to early to start planning. This year the Santa train committee will be myself, Carolyn Hoffman, Betsy Newbury and Joe Mele. I’m inviting anyone else who would like to join the committee to contact me or anyone mentioned above. As they say, many hands make light work.
Jun 23 2010
VRAAnnouncements, February 2010, News 2010, Newsletters
(Paul Trabert) The Joseph K. Weber library has in it’s collection many rail related magazines. The focus of the library for some time has been to place these magazines in protective binders. So far the following titles have been placed in binders. “The Short Line”, “Railroad Explorer”, “Extra 2200 South”, “Trains” and “Railway Quarterly. We will be working on getting more magazines into binders in the future. The biggest problem will be finding acceptable empty binders at reasonable prices. The best bargains are usually found at ‘dollar’ stores.
There are some duplicates of some issues. These will probably be donated to the Phillipsburg Station to add to their collection of magazines for sale. I will probably go down there this summer to look at their collection to see if I can find
some of the issues missing in our collection.
Additionally, the JKW collection of models continues to be sold. The VRA has been to 2 train shows this year with modest success. We’ll be attending an additional show in October in Scranton. Check back in later editions of The Digest for details regarding future sales and progress on the binder project.
Jun 23 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, Hawthorne Station, News 2010, Newsletters
(KC Smith) It is indeed my pleasure to report that we have come to an agreement with the NYS&W on the lease details for Hawthorne Station. As I write this we are preparing the final building permits that will allow us to start the work needed to move the station off the corner and save it for many generations to come to enjoy.
The first order of business is to have a new foundation dug and built. The new home of the station will feature a full basement, giving us the much needed room we need to store the many items that we have. Once that is done the building will be moved, but not before we remove or secure the many artifact we have inside the station. A few days of work parties
will be announced on the Yahoo Group, so be sure to watch your e-mail.
Once moved a small addition will need to be constructed on the back of the building to house the new stairs going down into the basement. Plus all the stuff we took out will have to be put back. And then the exterior work will begin including new paint, roof, windows and of course the construction of the park on the land currently occupied by the station.
This will certainly be the biggest single project we have ever undertaken and it will take a lot of hard work and dedication from all of us to make Once we are done the station will certainly be the centerpiece of the downtown area and will be a lasting example of what the VRA can do. Be sure to volunteer to help make this dream a reality.
There is an update to report since this story was originally written. Nathan Feno, president of the NYS&W, has signed and returned the lease to us. We can now begin to move forward on this project. A meeting was held on May 3rd to start planning the move. Several people volunteered for key jobs, such as over sight and planning of the park where the station currently sits and the coordination of press releases and public relations. Full details will be given at the meeting on the 20th.
Jun 23 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, News 2010, Newsletters
(KC Smith) The 2010 version of our Easter Bunny Train co-sponsored by the VRA and Tri-State Chapter NRHS was a success, although we were not sure early on it would be. This was because with all the snow and then the wind and rain we had this winter our signs and banners took a beating this year. But with the help of some very dedicated volunteers from both the VRA and Tri-State we were able to in the end sell the train out. Our costs where much higher than normal due to the sign damage and extra advertising we needed to do so we did not meet our goal financially but we were still able to raise a lot of money for our effort to move the station and Tri-States effort to repair and repaint their F-3 into the Lackawanna freight scheme.
As always the biggest thanks go out to the people who volunteered to wear the costumes that made all those kids on the train so happy.
These people worked and sweat to make the day out on the rails for over 4300 people a day they are sure to remember. Add to them the over 30 other volunteers from both groups that worked the platform, parking lots and on the train to make sure the day was safe and fun for all our passengers.
This year we ran with 8 cars for passengers and 1 crew car and except for the fact that we only had 2, yes I said 2 bathrooms on the train everything on board worked very well. As the passengers exited the train I greeted many of them and I am pleased to report that all I heard was praise for the work that we did. And then after the train we received more praise in e-mails and in person for the outstanding job done by everyone on board and on the ground.
I would like to thank Charles Smith for his tireless efforts to make sure the train was a success and for his friendship over the last 15 years. It takes people like Charles and the countless other volunteers too numerous to mention here to make trips like this work. You all deserve a round of applause.
Jun 23 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, News 2010, Newsletters
(KC Smith) Back in 1993 when Steve Weiss, Bob Blumenstock, Joe Weber and I came up with the crazy idea to start the Susquehanna Volunteer Association it never crossed my mind that 17 years later I would have the honor to serve as its President. It has been one heck of a ride getting to this point; from our early days of helping to run the 142 steam program, to running countless passenger trains that raised tens of thousands of dollars, to getting into the motorcar hobby, to changing our name to the VRA, to saving Hawthorne Station and to being one of the most respected rail groups in the State.
Along the way I have had the very good fortune to work with some great people who I will never forget and whom I can never repay for all they have done. I may be prejudice, but I think VRA members are some of the best people I know.
On the top of that list is our late founding member Joe Weber. Joe spent countless hours helping to create and grow the VRA and we can honor him by doing our best to see that what he helped create lives on for many years to come. It is with this in mind that I would like to take this time to layout my goals and ideas for the organization for the next year.
My first goal is to grow our membership and increase the activity of our members. To help reach that goal I would like to see us have more exposure to the railfan community. This will include getting pictures and stories about what we do in the railfan press.
Those people who are interested in seeing what we are up to will most likely turn to our web site for more information. Mike has made a lot of improvements to our web sites but he needs us to give him the information and pictures to make it better. So my second goal is to have our web site get even better, I would like to see timely news, photos and updates on our various projects. A web site that does not get updated is a web site that people do not look at.
To go along with the above I would like to see our newsletter get better. Now that we have most people getting it on line, we can increase the photos and content. So goal 3 is to have a report from every active committee be in each edition. Also I would like to see stories about things we have done in the past so that people who may not have been around or those who would like to remember can read about where we came from.
We have 2 major projects that we need to get done; the first is of course Hawthorne Station. We are working very hard to get the station moved this spring and when the move actually happens it will require the help of many. We are going to need to remove many items from the building and secure others in preparation for the move. Then once moved we are going to
need to not only put everything back but we are also going to have to start and do the work to make things better. We also need to make the JKW Library more user friendly and get the word out about its existence. This job will almost certainly take us the better part of a year but goal number 4 is to get it all done by spring of 2011.
The second big project is getting the 40B finished. With all we have to do on the station this is going to take a lot of effort, but again with the help of our members (new and old) we can get it done and finally be able to display and run the car for everyone to enjoy. So goal 5 is to have the car completed well before we run our motorcar trip on the southern division so we can show it off.
My sixth goal is that we do our best to do all the other things that we do. The better we do the better we will feel and the better perspective members will think of us. This will also help us reach the first goal.
My last goal is really the most important one of all, that we all have a good time doing what we do. It takes members to volunteer to make our group a success, so if you would like to serve on a committee or maybe even chair one let me or one of the other board members know.
Here is to a great year and to the many years that follow for the great organization,
Now lets go get our hands dirty,
KC
Jun 23 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, News 2010, Newsletters, United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
(Joe Mele) Now that the spring season is upon us, we will be resuming the weekend work sessions at the Boonton yard. Star Trak, the URHS’ mechanical vendor, has been working on our equipment during this past winter. Below is a summary of the current and possibly future URHS projects/activities:
New Jersey Transit approved the fence for Boonton Yard. The installation should begin sometime in May. We have also discussed the possibility of running a fall foliage train this coming October to Port Jervis. The URHS has approached NJT about running the trip, still waiting to hear from NJT.
I reported in the last URHS summary that we had approached NJT about donating one of their retired Comet 1 cab cars to the URHS. I am happy to report that NJ Transit responded with positive news, they will be donating Comet I cab car #5120 to the URHS. We are excited to add this piece of equipment to our collection.
The NYGL advised the URHS that the U34CH & Erie 436 will be returned to Boonton Yard this spring.
NJT is going to be moving the URHS equipment currently located in Lebanon, NJ to Boonton sometime in May.
Tony Macrie, Cape May Seashore Lines, is interested in leasing the CNJ #1524. Details are still being worked out with the CMSL.
URHS members discussed the possibility of running a fall train ride on the Cape May Seashore Lines, possibly in November again. Stay tuned for further details.
Jun 18 2010
VRAHawthorne Station, News 2010
PRESS RELEASE
After many years of negotiations and fund raising the Volunteer Railroaders Association cordially invites the public to join us for the new location groundbreaking ceremony June 28 at 6pm. During the two hour celebration there will be a display of railroad motor cars, operating N, HO, and G scale layouts along with an interactive train simulator. We will have HO scale models for sale and complimentary light refreshments. Plus be the first to reserve your personalized paver brick which will become part of the pathway leading to the station’s new location.
The station has been standing at the corner of Diamond Bridge and Royal Avenues for over 100 years and up until recently has been doing so safely. With the advent of bigger trucks and the widening of Royal Ave in recent years the roof has been struck many times as some trucks maneuver the turn. Moving the building from the corner will not only protect it from any further damage and help preserve it for generations to come, but will also open up visibility for motorist and pedestrians.
Once completed, the station will house the Joseph K. Weber Memorial Railroad Library, museum pieces representing the history of the NYS&W as well as the Borough of Hawthorne. So why not come out and join us for this historic event. You can read about the VRA and our efforts to save the station on this website.
KC Smith – June 16, 2010
Jun 13 2010
VRAAnnouncements, Hawthorne Station, News 2010
The work party consisting of Chris Vitz, Steve Gerritsen, Charles Smith and I cleared the weeds and long grass on the station grounds today. All the long grass within the perimeter of the station’s new footprint was cut by Steve. Meanwhile Chris, Charles and I cleared out the weeds around the station. Chris and Charles staked out the station’s new footprint using site plans and measurements of the station. There are spikes in the ground along with wooden poles marking the new foundation’s location.
It was an extremely productive morning and the site looks a lot better. With the marker poles in place, it is now much easier to visualize the station’s new location.
I’d like to thank Steve for the use of his power equipment, Chris for his engineering expertise, and Charles for his ceaseless dedication to the VRA’s projects. Reality is starting to settle in, and the station move is getting closer and closer.
Jon Berkemeyer 6/12/2010 02:27 PM
Jun 09 2010
KC SmithBrush Cutting, Motorcar Trips, News 2010
I wanted to give everyone an update on the brush cutting we did on the (ex-CNJ) New Jersey Southern Division this past Saturday.
The day was hot and sticky but went well. We did not have too many trees down and in fact had more problems getting through the sand than anything else. At one point I thought we may have made a wrong turn and ended up in the Mojave Dessert…lol.
The line runs through mostly pine forest but does go through a few towns. It was there that we encountered a couple of paved over crossings, which were not a problem at all, we just man handled the cars and got them over.
We made it about 10 miles before encountering a major problem, someone stole about 50 feet of rail. After trying to work out a way to get across the gap, using trees to act as rails, we decided the effort was not worth it and just turn the cars and ran back. We were done around 5pm and all went home hot and tired.
I want to thank Dave C., Carolyn, Justin, Steve G. and Ken C. from the VRA and Tony, Paul and Ron from the NJSL for helping and making the day enjoyable.
I also want to thank Tony and Paul for buying the crew lunch. We have created a great working relationship with the railroad and they have already invited us to run a motorcar trip over the line in the future.
We will be looking at available dates and will announce the trip when everything is finalized. Our plan is to combine a run over the Cape May line and the Southern division into a full weekend of running.
KC Smith 06/08/2010 8:00 PM
Jun 06 2010
VRAAnnouncements, News 2010
Well it has been a while since we updated this blog! It was severely underused in the past and I think we can change that.
The VRA ran a very successful Motorcar trip this past weekend at the Cape May Seasore Line. Thanks go to Tony and the CMSL employees! We spent Friday clearing many downed trees and overgrowth along the roughly 27 miles of track from Tuckahoe to Cape May allowing clear passage all the way through. On Saturday, 10 motorcars made the trip in beautiful weather. The group left Tuckahoe around 10 am and arrived in Cape May just before noon. We spent 2 hours in Cape May enjoying food, ice cream and seeing the sights before making the trip back.
This line is interesting in its variety of scenery; traveling through pine forests, salt marshes, over bridges (including a swing bridge over the waterway) and ending up just blocks from the beach. We’ll make sure to get some pics posted soon!
The other big project on the horizon for the VRA is the impeding move of the NYS&W Hawthorne Station at 80 Royal Ave. Over the years, the intersection of Royal Ave and Diamond Bridge has encroached upon the station and sadly the corner of the roof now gets struck by turning trucks quite regularly. The paperwork and approvals are all in order, so now we line up our contractors and hopefully break ground in the next few weeks! As we get solid dates we will make sure to update the blog accordingly.
While actual construction and moving of the building needs to be done by insured contractors, there are numerous things VRA members can be involved in. Keep checking back here for updates and information!
We have some more motorcar runs coming up over the summer and fall months:
Saturday, August 14, 2010: Tentative date for the Stourbridge Line
September 11 & 12, 2010: NYS&W Utica Branch and Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley
October 2 & 3, 2010: NYS&W Southern Division out of Riverdale NJ
Check back soon for pics from Cape May and further updates!!
–
Posted By Carolyn on 5/12/2010 07:39 AM
Jun 02 2010
VRAFebruary 2010, Motorcar Trips, News 2010, Newsletters
On May 7th & May 8th, several members of the VRA traveled to Cape May to ride on the Cape May Seashore Line Railroad.
Swingbridge over the Cape May Canal
Photo: KC Smith
(Jon Berkemeyer) On Friday, May 7th, 5 cars rolled south from Tuckahoe at 9:30, with the mission to clear the line from trees and other debris. As many of you know, in a weird weather twist, the past winter was far harder on southern New Jersey than on northern New Jersey.
Between the wind, snow and rain that had fallen, there was plenty of lumber to be cleared. In all, a total of 30 trees were cleared. The sickle bar on the VRA’s mower car was kept busy buzzing brush along the right of way, while the mower deck took a bite out of the grass and small brush that was growing between the rails. If you are ever presented with the chance to ride in the mower car, I highly recommend it. The operation of the sickle bar and the mower deck are relatively simple, plus the view afforded by an open air car is simply amazing. Bring a rain jacket just in case!
The work progressed slow but steadily. We had originally hoped to be in the town of Cape May by 1 pm that day. However, because of all the clearing and cutting, we ended up arriving around 4 pm. The next day 5 more cars joined us for the official run. This was a true pleasure cruise. Enjoying the scenery of Cape May, plus watching the CMSL’s swing bridge in operation made the previous day’s clearing operation all worth it.
CMSL bridge over the abandoned PRR Cape May Line at Woodbine NJ
Photo: KC Smith
We capped off the day with a stop on the bridge in Woodbine over the old PRR route for a group shot. Of the 4 scheduled motor car trips this year, I think this one will be my favorite. (Feature story from the VRA’s May 2010 newsletter.)
