hamton Monday afternoon. The other crew member, Joe Dillon, was going into the last week of his career before retirement. And that brings me to the next item… RETIREMENT, NYS&W STYLE I only mention Joe by name as it relates to the following. July 12 marked the retirement of locomotive engineer and long time (31 years) employee Joe Dillon. Joe hired on with the railroad in May of 1982, shortly after the late Walter Rich had purchased the Conrail (former E-L, nee DL&W) Syracuse and Utica branches and established the NYS&W Northern Division (The Southern Division was established two years earlier in 1980). Joe worked a good chunk of his career out of Utica, and the last several years he spent on the road pool between Binghamton and Little Ferry. Joe was also qualified on the 142 when that locomotive operated on the NYS&W. Joe was a professional all the way, a class act and a genuinely nice guy. It has been a real pleasure and honor to count him as a brother railroader, but more so, as a friend. I suggest that the readers go through any images they may have taken of the SU-99’s the past few years, if you have them. If you look in the cab and see a blue and white (or green and white) polo shirt, chances are its Joe. On Friday July 12, prior to his last run west, a small reception was had for Joe at the Ridgefield Park yard office. All the crews on duty were present, as was VP William Bloomfield, and retired engineer and former coworker Jim Ferrell ( a nice surprise). But at about 630pm, Joe opened the throttle on the SU-99 with a freshly washed (for him) SD60 3806 leading and began his last run. Judging by what I saw, I imagine his right arm was a bit sore from waving to everyone who waved to him. That was Joe; never without a friendly wave. Here’s hoping his days ahead are peaceful, enjoyable, and long. Thank You Joe, 17 SU 99 passing the mill at Cochecton, NY 7/8/13 Ralph Bonnano it’s been a pleasure. AND FINALLY … Well, I stated last time I needed Northern Division news, and brother, did I get it!!! My thanks go to all those who helped me with information, either by personal conversation or by posts in various internet forums. It was a great plus. As always, please stay safe trackside, don’t trespass, and take only pictures, leave only footprints. If anyone has anything they would like to contribute to this column, please email me at: blet601@gmail.com. After all, it’s YOUR dues that make this possible, and any and all contributions are welcomed. Until next time…
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