NYSW SU 99 at Franklin Lakes, NJ July 16, 2012 . Ralph Bonnano Binghamton, plus Syracuse, and on an as needed basis, Utica, usually a couple of days a week. I do know that the SU-99, on arrival from New Jersey, drops its CP and NS blocks, and then heads north to Syracuse with any additional CSX interchange traffic, before returning from Syracuse with the Jersey bound traffic. This job (usually BH2 or if need be, a BH-X) usually makes the 12 hour limit, as there is also traffic to pick up and drop at Cortland NY, which usually has its own assignment, CL-1, handling the local customers. The bulk of the traffic, however, is Jersey bound for the SU-100, and upon arrival in Binghamton, additional traffic from the CP and NS is added to the train, it gets recrewed, and then heads east as the SU-100. In addition, Binghamton is also the main servicing center for the railroad’s locomotives, and the 92 day inspections and running repairs are usually made here. Speaking of the road trains, there is another important change on the horizon for the NYS&W. This past fall, Metro North Commuter Railroad (which is in partnership with NJ Transit and Norfolk Southern) announced that they will be investing in cab signal installation and preparation for the required PTC (Positive Train Control) installation as required by the FRA by 2015 (a deadline that may not be met by the industry). This means the NYS&W will have to have a cab signal equipped lead locomotive on its trains between Port Jervis and Hudson Jct, where they leave the Southern Tier. At present, the Southern Tier between Suffern, NY and Port Jervis is pretty much the only non cab signaled segment of the MNRR/NJT system. So the railroad will likely have to invest in cab signal equipment somewhere down the road, or at the minimum, borrow an already equipped locomotive to lead their trains once installation is complete. As this also ties in with the coming PTC mandate, expect changes for the railroad down the road in this regard. 17 Well, this pretty much winds things up for now. I apologize for the extended delay in getting this together, but its due to a variety of factors. I ask that anyone with news to pass along for the next addition please forward it to me at: blet601@gmail.com with the notation that it is for the THS Reflector. I can't do it without the membership’s assistance, so, since its YOUR dues and YOUR Reflector, YOU should not hesitate to contribute in any way shape or form. Until next time………
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