Erie Lackawanna
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From: "Joshua K DOT Blay" mail AT joshuakblay DOT com
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 10:07:35 -0400
Subject: DL&W 959 and the Syracuse Branch
"dlw_959_homer_1958.jpg" - image/jpeg, 844x583 (24bit)

The GP-7 was a fixture in the diesel era on the Lackawanna's Syracuse Branch
between Syracuse & Binghamton. Often they were in three-unit lashups,
sometimes with a RS-3 for a little variety. Here 959, 965 and 913 are
paused just south of Copeland Avenue at the outskirts of Homer in the summer
of 1958. In a practice that continued into the NYS&W era, they have made a
set out in the village and left their train to the south as to not block
crossings. After pumping up the air, they will continue their trek north up
the valley.



It is a period of change; in a few weeks the last passenger train will roll
through and the RS-3s and GP-7s will be left to their own devices. GP7s
will dominate the line for eighteen more years, wearing the Erie-inspired
black and yellow after 1968 before donning the more vibrant dress of maroon,
yellow, and grey.



Just about everything is gone in this view- the semaphore signals in the
distance, the former canning building behind the train, the telephone poles,
even the northbound main- but the 959 is still with us. She may never touch
the Syracuse Branch again, but 959 is home and will wear her Lackawanna
livery yet again.



Thank you to all who made her preservation possible.



Regards,



Joshua















dlw_959_homer_1958.jpg

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