miles of track. In 2006, that was extended to 51/2. In 2008, we could only obtain an additional 900 feet, but every little step is important to extend to the regular run of 8-1/2 miles, and eventually to the whole 15 miles and be able to run excursions like a dinner train. No longer just car attendants, we actually now provided the engineers and conductors, and even management. While it was disappointing to us that we should land so far from home, we’ve made the best of it. As some of our eastern New Jersey members came out to work less often, we’ve gained new members closer to the site who are taking their place and, most importantly, we now have a steady income. I still like to point out that the NYS&W isn’t that far away. One only needs to travel 17 miles north on our new home line to reach the old Delaware Branch of the NYS&W. Sadly, any hope of returning to the real home rail seems further diminished The M-1 on New Jersey Transit visiting Netcong railroad days in 1997 (Continued from page 4) property slated for use in Phillipsburg went instead to a developer. During this process, the town asked the Black River & Western, owners of the Belvidere & Delaware River Railway there, if they could start some form of operation. The Black River went out and obtained a Brill Model 55 motorcar to do so, dubbed the “Delaware Turtle.” Right about this time our business manager, Chris Cotty, approached the Black River to ask about any ideas where the Society could permanently run its steam program. And so it was that on May 1st, 2004 we graduated to an operating railroad. In partnership with the Black River, we were the weekend operators of the line. We started with 3-1/2 by the passing of NYS&W president, Walter Rich in 2007. We now carry his name on the cab wall of 142. During all this activity in the last twenty years, it can’t be forgotten that the Society, based on preserving the history of an “underdog” railroad, none-the-less has peaked at as many as 570 members in half the states of this country and in five foreign countries. While we currently have no foreign members, this issue of the Reflector will still be delivered in 28 states to around 470 people. What was once a Xeroxed copied newsletter has grown to a color magazine and our calendar remains one of the best year after year. I don’t suppose anyone in 1988 had any idea of what they had started, or what the Society would become, and as such, there’s no speculating on what else we may accomplish in the future. All I can say is we’ve had our share of naysayers over the years and all it’s done is to strengthen our resolve to do it anyway. In fact, we’ve thrived on it. Happy twentieth to the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical and Historical Society, Inc. and many more productive, innovative and historic years to come! Opening day on the Belvidere and Delaware River Railroad. Many people said it couldn't be done. Who ever said “ it will never work in Phillipsburg” never could have been more wrong. This year we had over 60,000 riders. 18
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