On Saturday, April 17, the Division (finally) ran its Staten Island Railway charter using the new BL20G replacement diesels for the Alco S-1’s. The itinerary was similar to the October 2008 charter which used the Alcos and there were many photo opportunities. We suspect our train may be the only one to use the Ballpark Station this year! Following the charter, we were presented with an informative tour of the Clifton Shop. We were able to photograph the two Alcos just outside the shop; they are due to leave the property within a few weeks. We thank the personnel from SIR, who were terrific hosts. A good time was had by all.
The N.Y. Division of the ERA is pleased to announce the second (and, hopefully, final) rescheduling of a special trip on Saturday, April 17, 2010. In October 2008, we ran a very successful trip on MTA SIR (Staten Island Railway) prior to the retirement of its ALCO S-1 diesels. This trip will be similar to the prior trip, but utilize the engines that replaced ALCO S-1 407 and 821. Our trip will be on a consist of two R-44 subway cars pulled by the new BL20G diesels which, after a long delay, are now in service. We will be treated to a round-trip excursion from St. George Terminal to Tottenville, Staten Island, and anticipate making a number of photo stops. A tour of the Clifton Yard Shops and a visit to the SIR Ballpark Station on the North Shore Line will be included. Whether or not you were able to make the October 2008 trip, you will not want to miss this trip!
All attendees should meet at the Staten Island Ferry entrance of the South Ferry terminal no later than 8:45 AM, as we will all be taking the 9:00 AM ferry to Staten Island. (Look for Sid Keyles in the waiting room with a N.Y. Division cardboard sign.) Waiver forms will need to be signed. Our excursion will begin at 9:30 AM at the St. George Terminal. A lunch break will take place at Tottenville where there are several stores nearby to purchase food (or you may bring your own lunch). Representatives from SIR will be our hosts to point out interesting features of the Clifton shop. We expect that the entire trip will be over by mid-afternoon. In anticipation of the need for security clearance for all attendees, please make certain to have a photo ID in your possession.
Join us for a very special excursion and shop tour. The ticket price for the excursion and shop tour is $50. This special trip will be limited to only 50 attendees per R-44 car, so get your money in early. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. For further updates and information, please call 201-684-9408. This trip operates rain or shine.