OH NO! NOT AGAIN!

[@peterperacchio528]

Thanks for documenting this old railroad before it's merely a memory and for including photos of the rolling stock that once operated on it.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

You are very welcome...glad you enjoyed it! Hoping for the best outcome, but reality sucks sometimes.

[@kevincurtis6550]

Thanks for documenting this railroad, Russ. I'm not from the area, but not a happy camper about what they are going to do to it. I guess NY state doesn't care about preserving rail history.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks, as always, for watching......no- NY caves to trail groups at every oppurtunity.

[@donaldnutter6941]

Enjoyed you telling the story of this old railroad

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thank You!@@donaldnutter6941

[@stardust-rv7mr]

There should never be any rails ripped up! they should all be improved so we can take as many trucks off the roads as possible. this comment is coming from a former over the road driver of over 35 years.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Driver, I could not have stated that any better! Thank You!!

[@tux_the_astronaut]

Agree other countries around the world do this meanwhile here the us we just put everything on a truck then wonder why traffic sucks everywhere

[@fotaugrafee]

@@tux_the_astronaut Lobbyists make America go 'round, unfortunately.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Sadly their are fewer and fewer of us that remember the NYC and PC running Trains on this line !! Thankfully we have of memories !! Thanks for this nice video 👍

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- the ghost trains on the U&D line remain for many of us! I am SO honored and privaleged to have as a dear friend a former employee who ran this line...and MANY more.....and love hearing his stories! Thanks!

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@@lostrailbeds8289 That's great, Hey I Love your style keep it going 👍 A little about myself I'm 66' now and grew up in the Boston area and as a young kid would go to watch Trains on the weekend with my Father and older Brother of 6 years. Our home rails was the B&M and we circle around in and around Boston to all the Many yards then, for me this was about 1966' I was 9' and The NH and NYC were still going and the yards were so busy that would change the next 10-20 yrs. I learn fast with my Father and Brother taking about all the many engines Alco this EMD that GE, FM etc Starting at the Many B&M yards in Somerville and Cambridge then a 2 miles to NYC's Beacon Park yard and then a mile south to NH Dover Street Yard.As a Kid all the Many Colors were great especially the NH & B&M "McGinnis" schemes and the B&M "Minute Man" Maroon & Gold !! I started in 1972' by myself or with Brother and friends and was hooked and Raifanned all over New England, NY & PA until the 90s Then became so many Fallen Flags and Wide Cab Computers on the rails and the fun wasn't there much more, I Love 1st/ 2nd Gen Power. So for a few summers in the late 60s my Dad would visit his Brother my uncle who lived just outside Esopus, NY and I spent two weeks their one summer and we would watch trains in the area and I'm sure I saw the NYC on that line also the NH around Highland, God I wish we took pictures Lol. Well sorry for the long story but just letting you know I Love the trains. I've lived in Exeter, NH the last 29 yrs 70 ft from the B&M , PAR main line sadly CSX now but I see most ever train. 👍

[@lostrailbeds8289]

That's great that you and Dad and Brother had those wonderful times! Yes- folks our age-ish had the last of the good Railroading years. You're right- not much personality now in the engines and paint schemes.@@ronniefarnsworth6465

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@@lostrailbeds8289 Thank You much 👍

[@fotaugrafee]

@@ronniefarnsworth6465 PanAm and previously Guilford did their share of damage to former B&M routes. They sold out to the states of MA and NH at any chance they got, and sadly now most of those routes are trails. At least a half dozen of them in the past 35 years, off the top of my head.

[@barfoonisland2003]

Thank you for your dedication of coverage this historic railroad. I guess NY State doesn't want tourist railroads that generate tax dollars.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

No, NY State is VIRAL with the amount of paved trails all over the place. And to think....Catskill Mountain RR was just voted the #1 tourist attraction in Ulster County 2023!

[@timpritts1499]

New York has a corrupt Democratic governor!

[@Terk131]

@@timpritts1499Both parties in NY are criminally corrupt.

[@dnhman]

Thanks for sharing it is really a shame to see this all gone. I have always been a fan of the U&D and one of my goals for retirement is to recreate the line in HO scale.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Now THAT would be an excellent task to tackle!! Thanks for watching!!

[@stanherman5604]

Gonna be a beautiful trail when finished. I'll look forward to wearing my spandex shorts and enjoying the fresh air.

[@trains2057]

And sitting sideways on your bluetooth butt plug

[@j2themac778]

It would have been something to see that line in action back in the day! I enjoyed your video and narration , good luck with your fight.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thank you !! We're not giving up!

[@Infinite_Traveler_HD]

Excellent video ❤ love from Indian railfan ❤

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks much!! Glad you enjoyed.

[@paulbergen9114]

Thanks For the tour It's those wonderments like horseshoe curve and the small towns that gives secondary and Branch lines that unique flavor. Also thanks for the usage of the old photos to show what operations were like

[@lostrailbeds8289]

You're very welcome. Yes, the U&D was the embodiment of small branch line operations that tied communities together. Thanks!

[@leadslinger49]

When was this line officially abandoned? All I could find was the last Passenger train ran in 1954. I would think the entire road bed would have to be rebuilt. v To follow current safety guide lines for a tourist Railroad. I've seen abandoned lines adjacent to the land owners turn into nothing but extended lawns. Any reminisce of historic value vanished. I've seen it here in the Midwest. I've also seen some bike trails preserve the Industrial History of the areas involved. An example of that would be the Elroy / Sparta Trail in Wisconsin. (They managed to preserve the old Brakeman's Tell-Tails) Letting it sit seems like the worst thing you can do to that old line. I'm a retired Conductor/Brakeman. I like to ride Bike Trails, a Railroad History buff and rail buff. BTW I don't need to wear spandex. Shorts or sweat pants will do just fine.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

We have been plugging away for years on the Rail WITH trail concept.....only thing is, NY doesn't cater to History and commerce.......the Rails to Trails Consortium sees to that.

[@slashmaster2]

Good thing about a rail trail is at least the property stays together so rails can be re-laid rather than cul-de-sacs with houses being put up all over it dividing it up.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

We all agree on that!

[@Terk131]

In this area but this is not true everywhere.

[@campcookhenry]

If the rail roads needed it it would still be a working rail road, but whining about it being gone is pointless, the money made from tourism is more than than is coming in now from an abandoned railway

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Exactly our point! The tourist RR currently running this line...AND bringing in tourism $$$ should be permitted to expand with their plans in place on this section.@@campcookhenry

[@silaskuemmerle2505]

@@campcookhenrythe railroads are actively trying to quit being railroads because all they care about is operating ratio, and by that metric, the ideal railroad is one that owns no track, owns no rolling stock, has no crews, and runs no trains.

[@anthonymaida5718]

Thanks Russ for all you do.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I enjoy it....and appreciate when others enjoy what we do!! Thanks!

[@SinSilvia]

As an avid biker and train buff… and recently just finished riding the c/o and gap trail. If the trail comes to be, instead of complaining and fighting it, bea part of it, trying taking the local history and preserving it to teach future hikers and riders what they are traversing. Preserve original mileposts, some signals, telegraph poles, a couple rail cars along the path with historical plaques of information on them. On the wmrr/ple/gap trail there was depots, cabooses, boxcars, track, signals, tunnels all which were great to see and filled in why I was riding there in the first place. Take YOUR knowledge, photos, research and inject it into the project…makes for a much more enjoyable trip when you see how it came to be, …just a thought

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Excellent points! I 100% agree. Especially on railbeds where there's no track left. Here, there is track left and 2 rail lines have tried over the years to get ducks-in-the -row to run it......to no avail due to certain political factions. THAT is what's so unsettling about this particular line. Thanks!!

[@kwhopper1100]

The problem is that unless you have a significant number of rail cars running a series of rails every day it is unprofitable to run . It’s more efficient to run long trains to intermodal yards and then run trucks to the deliveries . All these small branch lines that are shut down are not coming back no rail operator will use those tracks no matter how much you want them to . So why not use it to improve non car transportation infrastructure and drive tourism dollars to the communities along these trails ?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Tourist line is what this line is suited for!@@kwhopper1100

[@kwhopper1100]

@@lostrailbeds8289 good luck with that you have the money to add all the safety equipment and purchase locomotives and passenger cars ? I have 20 years in logistics and transportation including dealing with intermodal these short unprofitable lines are not coming back might as well make the right of ways useful again . And as for the property owners they knew that right of way was there when they bought the property . They were probably hoping that it would be never used again for anything at the time . They should have thought things through before they bought it .

[@lostrailbeds8289]

The local tourist line has all that is needed. We'll see how it goes. Thanks!@@kwhopper1100

[@sawyerpac9878]

Hi this is Jerry again in SC and they putting in the Bike Trail along side the old SP rail line but the only train we have running is the Big Trees Railroad that comes down from Felton Ca, which is about 7 miles up in the mountains down to the Beach & Boardwalk. So my friend be happy.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

And you be happy too!!!

[@mrfanman2u]

Pecos Hank Vibes. I'm here for it. Subscribed.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks!

[@armandoperez7967]

This is a travesty! An absolute atrocity and disgrace! Thank you for documenting this disgusting tragedy! If the environmentalists were sincere, they would fight to PROTECT this railroad line, not dismantle it and force everything onto asphalt!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

The $$$$ involved with the rail trail scene is simply absurd!! In this case almost $2million/mile and little to no return on investment. That's the $$$side of it. To your point- the environmental side- yes, a paved road going through the natural woods seems to be the wrong way to go.

[@armandoperez7967]

@@lostrailbeds8289 someone is getting paid and there is absolutely no benefit gained in removing this railroad line.

[@fotaugrafee]

The irony being that asphalt is created by using OIL, and LOTS of it!!!

[@humblepinecone]

I note that your video mentions the Lasher Road abutments would be removed during trail construction, but do you know if the abutments over Woodchuck Hollow Road will be retained? It's cool to see '1896' chiseled into them.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Well, we can only hope. 1st hope is that they simply DON'T tear up the tracks. 2nd hope is that if they do, they retain as much Historical evidence as possible. Too many times I've witnessed the total destruction of important Historical features with zero regard for our past.

[@overly7997]

Hey man you sound really cool and knowledgeable with your stuff and the surrounding area. If you ever happen to find your way to Long Island can you stop by the Oyster Bay Railroad museum on a Saturday? Would love to talk shop with ya! You got yourself a new fan!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Sounds good....Thank You!!

[@RScesium]

Russ. Another Russ here. As a spandex-wearing runner and cyclist, I am always torn between paved trails and old rails. I absolutely love your videos - I enjoy walking defunct rights-of-way (e.g., CNE through Connecticut) with or without rails. You provide a perfect vicarious alternative. I think rails-to-trails at least preserves the amazing engineering legacy of grades, fills and bridges that may be developed over and/or totally obliterated. Of course I would prefer they remain active lines but such is life. Stay well Russ. Russ

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Hi Russ. The Rail Trail idea and concept in general is a WONDERFUL one! And I applaud the re-use of former rail beds and ROW's for this purpose. I also have used them and walked them with my grandkids, although, not in spandex.....NOBODY should EVER want to see me and my body in spandex!!! Haha! However, the Ulster county/ CMRR/ former U&D situation is a dicey one, one I don't have enough time for here. Let me just leave off with "Politics sucks!!" Thanks Russ!

[@RScesium]

Well your last sentence says it all…..

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

Desubsidize all that sht. Taxation is theft.

[@renegadeoflife87]

Well-laid rails usually have a maintenance road next to them. This maintenance road could become the public trail, while leaving the rails themselves alone for a future revival.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- excellent idea!!@@renegadeoflife87

[@leecornwell5632]

You were excellent 👍 on the money.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks bud!

[@ChicagoMadisonWesternRR]

It looks as though there are at least two tourist operations on this corridor. What would be the point in a short bike trail? Bike trail enthusiasts have to realize that railroads need certain specifications in order to potentially operate in the future, whereas you can bike almost anywhere. Bike trails are not big money makers, but lack of access to rail will hurt communities trying to draw new businesses.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Very well stated! Thanks!

[@rongaul8169]

We’re of the same age, and I’ve seen a few old rail lines run into disrepair. A lot of them in my area have been removed and converted to trails. A few survived because of off load, and creation of new services, to new smaller service providers. (See the Goderich Exeter Railway, Stratford, ON, CA.) They have actually increased use of the line from the Sifto Salt Mine, Goderich, to their clients, taking many trucks off or local highways. (Yes!) The lines that were removed had no industry that required their volume, and were not viable in any regard. The trails have been a great bonus to our communities, and well used too. (Even between the little towns dotted over the landscape.) I liked you video because it is important to make a historical note of these lines as they are a part of our history. Maybe someday these beds may be rebuilt to provide the services again. But until then, this is where things are.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes railbeds are disappearing around the Globe. This particular section of this particular line will never see freight ops again, but the local tourist rail line already operating here has plans for expansion. Tourist RR's bring in MAJOR revenues to local municipalities. Thanks!

[@rongaul8169]

@@lostrailbeds8289 Nice! Ridden a few of those over the years. Steam is of particular interest.. Nothing to see here in my area, except farmland.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Appreciate that farmland around you!......while it's still there!! Thanks.@@rongaul8169

[@michaelbryant7377]

This is the biggest crock of $hit. Ripping out rails and crossings in favor of a walking path from New Albany to Mitchell Indiana. $29 million dollars to destroy railroad tracks (which I thought was needed in case of "National Security". I have been very vocal against this project. A lot of the tracks are just 30 or 40 feet from some properties with houses. I am pissed as Hell over this! "Monon South Trail | Southern Indiana Trail. The Monon South Trail is a proposed 57-mile trail between Mitchell and the Clark/Floyd County border that connects eight local communities in the Lawrence, Orange, Washington and Clark Counties uplands region of southern Indiana".

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Well, 1st off- I'm very saddened to hear of your plight on your line. Yes- the Rails to Trails consortium out of D.C. is a MAJOR player in manipulating folks' minds with such false #s!! So many times I've had conversations with folks on trails, or in parking lots of trails as to why...WHY! they feel trails have to be 12 to 14 feet wide and blacktopped?? Answers always the same....because that's what they HAVE to be for safety!! B.S.!!! Good luck on your end! Thanks!

[@deepspire]

Any track that uses gauge bars like that is on the verge of crumbling. It means the ties are rotten. Gauge bars are a very last cheap resort to keep a spur line open temporarily. By now there's no way that track could support a train of any size.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Pretty sure they're on there in high numbers due to the stress of weight on the sharp curve to curb derails.

[@harrisonbalduf3290]

Many gauge bars on the line were put in after the embargo in '78 as a measure of ensuring that speeder trips wouldn't be delayed by derailments. Having participated in rebuilding of track elsewhere on the line, the work required to get it running isn't as crazy as you'd think, nor is the condition here as bad as possible. Also consider that with effectively no new ties since 1970, that any work one were to do to this, would last quite some time.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Totally agree. You and others have proven that on the CMRR!@@harrisonbalduf3290

[@conraillock666]

That section is disconnected from the catskill mountain railroad anyway at highmount

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes, it is. But TOTALLY connected to the D&U with plans to run it.

[@notter59]

I have been in this area many times over the years and often wondered why more wasn't done to restore this rail line to at least some type of tourist run. The main problem is the cost to restore sections that were washed out. As I recall, Kathy Nolan was opposed to any motorized use. Do the Esopus tubbers still use the line? There were also human powered rail cars that ran on a short stretch.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

The D&U out of Arkville has had plans on the books to run this piece of the line. Yes- Nolan is the biggest loudest voice of ripping up History on the rails. And yes, the Railbikes operation based out of the Phoenicia yard still runs in warm weather months.

[@train5974]

The trail people want every inch of the corridor for their trail.They are a nasty bunch if they don't get what they want.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I cannot disagree with you on that point!

[@billchildress9756]

In Charleston WVa there is an old Iron and wood bridge on the west side that was abandoned many years ago because it was unsafe for freight trains to use anymore and Robert C Byrd was gonna have it converted into a pedestrian walkway before he passed away...Supposedly But it never happened. I used to watch New York Central trains come thru back in the 60's before it became Conrail. Lots of memories on the West Side.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Keep those old train memories alive Buddy! Thanks!

[@polythenewrappedme6102]

Very informative video. Lovely part of the world. Shame no heritage railway wants to take it over. It could be a scenic tourist route. Best regards from London England.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes, it is a BEAUTIFUL piece of the World in the Catskill Mountains! Thanks and greetings to you all across the pond!

[@polythenewrappedme6102]

Nice to find a railfan so passionate about railways in America. I have enjoyed riding the AMTRAK Maple Leaf from Toronto to New York down the Hudson valley. And the AMTRAK Vermonter between New York and St Albans VT. I have also done the entire Alaska Railroad and the White Pass and Yukon. With the single exception of Churchill, I have also ridden every railway in Canada, including Sept Iles to Schefferville, Toronto to Moosonee etc. On this side of the Pond, I have done all lines in Britain, Ireland, Norway, and Portugal. Plus vast parts of Europe. If you ever need advice on these, just ask. I am always happy to help a fellow railfan.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

WOW! You're a veteran railroader with that many miles under you!! That's great! I've ridden Amtrak from Savanah Georgia to Montreal. What a trip!@@polythenewrappedme6102

[@polythenewrappedme6102]

It is a great way to see the country, particularly if you can dine on the train. Ridden with the driver @ 350 times, and even got told to drive the train in Hungary ! Been on 17 trains that have caught fire, including one explosion. Been on 3 trains that have come off the tracks and two that have collided. 8 trains where either the brakes failed to work, or we never had any brakes to start with ! Held a top managerial role on the railway until retirement. Great career. Great fun. Happy memories.

[@williambird9256]

Oh no!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

"Oh No is right!!" Thanks!

[@ctg6734]

I mean, nothing is stopping anyone from hiking along the rails with them intact.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thank you! But, the $2million per mile paved trails feel SOOOO much better on their wittle feeties!

[@ctg6734]

Ugh! Never get rid of rail infrastructure! You never know when it may be needed again, and it's too hard to replace once gone!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Once it's gone, that's it....forever. Then- the ghostly empty rail trails they made at $2million/mile will be just that.....empty.

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Well first things first. Fantastic video! The date in the stone of the bridge, wow! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Rail trails make sense if it's a branch or line thats been ripped up since the 70s but come on. These tracks are in place and bothering no one. Ripping out those abutments would be an absolute shame. Probably wouldn't even reuse the stones. I get tired of picking up dunkin donut coffee cups on the trails down here in PA. This just seems like a bad idea. Lets keep well enough alone on this one. Keep up the good fight Russ.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Oh man do I wish we could rally enough folks to fight this. So many people and landowners and residents these days are so wrapped up in their own lives they don't even look up for air most times!

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

​@@lostrailbeds8289Don't the land owners have the final say?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

This particular line has a muddied past, and we're not quite sure of the actual ownership due to certain deeds. I'll leave it at that. Abandonment by and with permission of the ICC and, now, the STB means fair game. Reverts back to landowners. Railbanking means trail ok for now, but if rail wants back in....they get it. @@kevinsalsbury2118

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

​@@lostrailbeds8289Got it. Thank you sir.

[@MissRailfan]

Tioga Central line in Tioga County PA lost to the Rails-2-Trails freaks. That was the only Touris RR in the Northern Central part of PA. The next closest is Oil City And Titusville near Jamestown NY, and Steamtown, and or Honesdale PA at the Stourbridge Line. :( G&W didnt wanna help share the lines, and they arent that busy....

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Very sorry to hear of that loss! The Rails to Trails Consortium in D.C. is SO powerful, and the $$$ spent to further their agenda baffles the mind!

[@georgepotter9621]

While I generally agree with what you say please allow some room here. Yes, I wish there was rail traffic and that would be the end of the story. Sadly, that is not the case. A trail is not as good as a rail but much better than nothing at all. Lord knows we need people out side hiking and exercising as the obesity problem in this country is at tragic levels. Also, the land is preserved and not sold to housing companies where the land would be forever lost.It is sad but many rails will never be coming back. Anyone who looks at old rail maps and compare them to today will be shocked. Lastly, the spandex people who want to be seen are usually in gyms and such. Trail hikers are usually down to earth people trying to enjoy the beauty of the outside and stay in shape. My two cents.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes, obesity in America is horrible. This line at this location however is a candidate for an operating tourist RR to expand its' operation.

[@tomp8871]

I don't know how long it has been, but that ROW is pretty clear, no trees and big bushes growing up. They are trying to do this on Cape Cod also, on a working rail. Yes, you heard right. They already have a 10 mile bike crap, now they want more. Don't budge an inch, they are not to be trusted. Sad video, but thanks.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Mass has a fight on their hands for sure on that line. I believe there's a Military institution served by it also. Trail groups are the spoiled little kids who seem to want what they get and get what they want. Sad is an understatement! Thanks.

[@jacobrieper4320]

I’ve been on many of the abandoned lines you’ve filmed and after a while it becomes obvious why they had to be abandoned, this one in particular. They were designed at a time when high speed travel meant 45mph. Their ROWs are too twisty with too many at grade crossings to handle modern train traffic even if there was commercial and/or passenger traffic demands in the area which in this case there isn’t. Ulster Co. has grossly oversold the recreational value of their rail trails, but they are low maintenance and realistically the only way for people to enjoy the scenery and learn about the history of the area.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Agreed, on the travel speeds, grades, curves, all of it! However- the D&U has had plans to expand Eastward to this very spot....from Arkville through Fleischmanns, to Highmount and on down the grade and around the curve to Pine Hill and perhaps Big Indian. It may or may not happen now.

[@harrisonbalduf3290]

Generally the line was suited for 40 or greater, with specific curves, in-town sections, and other incidental restrictions as appropriate. This here was always a slow section due to a yard limit at Highmount, and the sharp curves on the steep grade over Pine Hill. To discount the value of the entire line based on this unique & restricted section is a tad disingenuous.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

VERY well put!@@harrisonbalduf3290

[@archer5479]

@@lostrailbeds8289 I was a volunteer with the CMRR from 2006 to 2012 and enjoyed every minute of it! At least the scenic tour railroad still exists in Kingston (last I knew). A lot of it depends on how the politics swing.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- politics sucks!! Thanks for doing what ya did on CMRR!!@@archer5479

[@airsearch1]

Isn't there a way to get a group together to try to have this line added to the national register being that it is as old as it is. It seems there must be a way to have it added and protected.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

We live in a World where all those interested in doing something as you mentioned are aging out and youth of today...well for the most part they don't really care.

[@glennpupino4890]

All the rails right near my home have been made into paved trails. Every time I see that i think of all the jobs lost to make that trail. Railroad jobs and all the customers they once served. Sad!

[@petehouskeeper4196]

Excellent. The yuppies have to destroy history, they have no respect for it. Ryan lennox has done some video by the curve. Your video really shows the crve, and its in really pretty good shape. Any idea what those markings are? I live in lagrange and the maybrook and beacon line looks like its going to get torn up. Really pathetic

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- Ryan and I have worked together since 2016 to try and save what could be saved....unfortunately, the trail groups are well-oiled and well FUNDED machines. I'm hoping to document the Beacon to Hopewell line REAL soon....before it too is torn up. Thanks!!

[@MarkLac]

Wait a second, when was this announced? I have not seen an article on this?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Just heard about it a month ago....apparently there's a study that was done in 2021!!!!!April. Ulster County Transportation Council. U&D corridor revitalization study...feasability report. Done by Barton and LoGuidice

[@RobertWebb11]

I'm not from that neck of the woods, But out here in Salt Lake city, Utah we had the same thing happen they ripped out tracks and put in Bike trails.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

It's a multi zillion dollar scheme! Happening all over the damned World! Thanks.

[@armandoperez7967]

It seems like many places in this country would rather have a hiking biking trail than a railroad of any kind. Never mind that a working RR generates $$$$ and the trail generates 0. Also if there is no rail then absolutely everything must go on the road!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

100% agreed!! Thanks!

[@EskimoJoe492]

If the rails are abandoned, then what is the use of keeping them? I love trains, but I don't like waste.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

They're dormant...awaiting the local Tourist RR to use them. They have had plans on the books now for a few years with expansion plans on this very section of rail. The trail group simply wants it for themselves.

[@garycousino]

8:20 the green flagging and paint probably marks the beginning of the point of curve in the tracks. Somebody has been surveying down there

[@lostrailbeds8289]

It indeed was the engineering firm marking things out. The same engineering firm used on the OTHER 11.1 miles of track ripped up in 2016/2017 on the same line. Cronyism goes a long way!

[@Navy0401]

It is truly sad to see as my Dad worked for the NYC for a couple years after WW2 he was a avid model railroader as so am I. I grew up in Ardsley NY a stop on the Putnam division. Unfortunately to be realistic the general profitability of maintaining these right of ways is cost prohibitive. In today's world they could not generate enough profits to keep those shortlines going. Most of the Putnam line that runs through Ardsley is now a rail trail south into hastings and North through Elmsford.and I have to say I have enjoyed it over the years riding many rail trails on my mountain bike if the lines become rail trails perhaps someday they can always go back and lay rails down but I look at rail trails as preserving the right of ways to at least some extent.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks for watching and sharing about your Dad!!

[@leecornwell5632]

They are definitely gonna wind up having Both rails and trails and back to rails just like maybrook Connecticut has both rails and trails I'm telling you.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I sure do hope you're correct!@@leecornwell5632

[@leecornwell5632]

Listen carefully. They are definitely gonna start digging under ground at Barley Avenue in the west Bronx and they are definitely gonna lay down pipes and sewers above the old putmam railroad tracks all the way the old Jerome Ave Tibbets brook lake and they is gonna make a hole so the dirty waters could shoot down the Harlem Hudson River and they are gonna have fresh water 💦 . They were talking about ripping up the old Putnam railroad Putnam railroad tracks and the metro North and the CXS company told the city lawyers no they can not put a Putnam Greenway over there. I'm very grateful and thankful unto the Lord they are not gonna ripping up the old tracks. As you ride your bike to tibbets park you will definitely see a lots of railroad track ties around on the ground and they have the doddle trestles at vancortlant park 🏞️ double trestles both of them one for trailer and one for rails. I'm telling you. If you ever ride your bike to Putnam North county you will definitely see the old train tracks up . Along side the trailer I'm telling you because I have seeing it myself. There's still enough room to lay down the tracks again I'm telling you because I have a real spriital feeling they are definitely gonna lay down the train tracks down again I'm telling you. Millions and millions of people are still fighting for the Putnam railroad line to come back again I'm telling you.

[@leecornwell5632]

Search on on Google for Connecticut maybrook and you will definitely see both rails and trails together I'm telling you.

[@tpep1693]

Screw those trail people, they complain and whine about getting it, then they go ride their bike on the highway. Screw them.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I cannot tell you how many times I encounter bike riders out on roads, highways. In areas and regions where rail trails abound in multitudes!! Maybe if the bike riders paid use taxes.....

[@RScesium]

Also - cello music from Bach suites?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I'll have to have Katie let me know....she found the clip in Public Domain music.

[@josephbrandtner7713]

A clasic case of a tail wagging a dog!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- destroy History in lieu of (progress??) Thanks!

[@AlanKroeger]

What is that cello or viol music, just curious Russ

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Cello! Isn't it awe-inspiring?

[@alankordzikowski7670]

Russ, good video, but terrible news. As I shared with you I was heavily involved in the cmrr back in 2013. One of the many who believed in getting tourist trains to run from Kingston through the Catskills again. Heck, my great-grandfather was an engineer on the U&D and NYC on this line back in the day. Shame on the trail people. Such a niche group who want this trail. Would be like making the Erie Canal only for kayakers. Far more people will benefit from keeping the rails in place.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes! Thank you! If only we could go back in time to cab-ride with great grandpa!!

[@alankordzikowski7670]

@@lostrailbeds8289 my parents and sister are still in Kingston. I relocated to Lebanon NH where my wife is from. But I can tell you this, there js a rail map online for the state of Nh. Shows all the old ROW’s that once connected the state. Much of it is long gone and torn up. Much of it on the west side of the state is gone, and there is nothing that connects west to east anymore. Where I am in Lebanon the rails use to run across the Connecticut River from White River Jct Vt to West Leb, (which they still do to a quarry). Beyond that it’s all trail to concord NH (136 miles to Boston as the old stone markers still read). Once outside of Lebanon the trail hardly gets used. Sure, in areas like around Mascoma Lake it’s kind of popular, but for the vast majority of it snaking its way through rural NH along I-89, it’s just unused. Today a coach bus operates to Boston. It’s very popular with the locals and college students at Dartmouth College. But can you imagine if it was a commuter train like Metro North, Or a Budd car? It’s a great resource to get to the airport, but often you find yourself stuck in Boston traffic if you catch the coach at the wrong time. Trains don’t deal with traffic. We need railroads, not rail trails. Ulster County was blessed to have these tracks from Kingston up to the beautiful Catskills. So much tourism opportunity. Look at the Conway Railroad for example. Ulster county, and really NYS has enough rail trails. Heck in ulster county alone you have the old Walkill Valley rr line to southern ulster county. They have the old Maybrook line and the west side of the walkway over the Hudson at Highland. But tracks are unique. Save the rails!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

YES!! We're going to give it another try here in Pine Hill. Agreed- so many trails...so much money spent. For little to no financial gain to ANYONE except those involved with the actual destruction/ construction.@@alankordzikowski7670

[@alankordzikowski7670]

@@lostrailbeds8289 absolutely! I forget how much money was made by the company who tore the rails up in the Rondout area to the tunnel in mid-town Kingston.

[@alankordzikowski7670]

@@lostrailbeds8289 would love to see a video of the rail lines around Troy Ny. I lived there for a bit in 2021. The apartment complex I was in is next to the Green Island bridge. The old depot for the D&H still stands. Today it is the home of BricksRUs. But you can walk the rail bed out across 787 to where it has a y to the main line that is still active. On the Troy side the tracks still run from the train station in Rensselaer to Adams street in Troy. At one time I think the B&M even ran into Troy.

[@pittsburghwill]

can abandoned rails be claimed by someone that wants to start up a railroad?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

RR law states that when a RR ceases ops and abandons the land reverts back to the original deed holders and passes on down through subsequent landowners. We shall see.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Here in Australia, a number of rail corridors have been "converted" to rail trails. Millions of dollars spent so a small number bicycle riders and hikers could invade these spaces. It sucks.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Down Under too??!! Guess it's happening all over.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Yep yuppies and treehuggers with bicycles, what all the branchlines made into rail trails...

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Here in New York the cost to rip up, destroy History, pave, put up guardrails, signs, kiosks, and other totally useless junk is around $1.5 to $2 million per mile!@@Dallas-Nyberg

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

yep, pretty much the same cost here. There are quite a few wooden trestle style rail bridges on the lines here. It costs a lot to deck them for rail trail use. Plus, they have to fit side guardrails on them. Cheers

[@melkel2010]

Maybe the nearby landowners would orgainize a railbike club and claim the rails for preservation and recreational use

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes, in a perfect World. Most landowners are so oblivious to their surroundings these days they don't even take time to find out what's going on in their own backyards. Sad.

[@melkel2010]

@@lostrailbeds8289 Hi again and thank you! I spent hours looking for the location on Google Earth. Then I went to the planner site and traced the section slated for destruction (and yes, this would be a destruction I agree). I ran into the horse shoe and my jaw just dropped and my eyes teared up. This is a double - magnificent - horse shoe! You should include a shot from Google Earth of this in your video. I live in northern NY, would I be eligible to include my name on a petition there to save at least the horse shoe? I see the rail section isn't continuous and would be difficult to include in the historic railway without costly restoration. Some bridges would need to be built and that's needs engineering for safety. Also some roads have either used sections or crossings have been paved over. I see one section looks like it intersects the road on a steep slope. That might get hairy during winter use. But, the tourism this double horse shoe could attract on a historic rail, especially in winter, might be significant, and significantly better than hiking and biking trails. I would want to add my name to a petition. Please post a video if a petition to save this rail section is going around.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thank you so much! Yes, the curve is fabulous......I had to refrain from including some "stuff" on this video but may be putting out follow ups. Stay tuned!@@melkel2010

[@mvl9591]

Sad. Government Transit officials have the wrong priorities.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Look...in general, rails in America make TONS of sense. More efficient means of transporting mass quantities. THIS particular piece of THIS particular line has been slated to be re-maintained for use by a local OPERATING tourist line. To rip up this particular piece of line for yet ANOTHER trail is a travesty!

[@ocsrc]

Rural NY, they are going to be making high density housing for the people working in Kingston and Newburgh

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Not out there, where this line is located.

[@gsowm]

barb wire fence's along the property line might help the home owners in long run

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Barbed wire is a good start!! Ugh, it's just madness. The per/mile #s baffle me...$millions and millions and millions spent to blacktop the woods just makes me sick. Thanks!

[@TheJagjr4450]

The cost to rehab those corridors to short line much less Class I (ability to carry people) would be between 300-700k/mile not including the bridges, addtionally most if not all of the rail would need to be replaced - - you may be able to start on the better areas, and work out, but it still going to be ridiculous... the purpose of Rails to trails is to preserve the corridor, if the rail road beleives in the future they can use the line for their operations THEY need only pay the municipality or trail operator for their upgrades, then they can go in and lay rail back down and take it back over... TECHNICALLY!!! I lost my short line service to a trail operated by the county, sued and won treble damages on the additional freight charges I incurred (75k/month- 18months)- they should have just bought my building and payed for my move)

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- truly costs are involved to re-hab rail lines. BUT! This PARTICULAR line was seized with questionable means by the County.......and, there's a tourist line operating on it already!! With plans on the books to continue rehabbing and expanding. THAT is the frustrating part... I compare it to a neighborhood bully kid storming into another kids sandbox and stealing the toys he was in the midst of playing with......I'm sorry to hear of your plight.

[@smokechub]

Ask the home owners who live by trails and they'll tell you about all the 🗑️ trash you have to deal with. It's better to just leave the rails where they are.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Correct! Not all, but MANY trail-users are very inconsiderate. I've spoken with tons of adjacent landowners and yes- they hate folks in their backyards. I'll try my best to stay out of jail, and continue to bring updates on this line. Thanks!

[@smokechub]

@@lostrailbeds8289 All the best of luck to you!!! 🤞👍

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks!!@@smokechub

[@redwolfpiping5701]

Saluda grade is going to be lost forever, the plan on pulling up the rails all the way through for a trail

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Going on Nation-wide!

[@DanielUnger-gn9ct]

What some people don't understand is that a lot of the older railroads is actually historic n the sad part is they don't care

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Here in the Hudson Valley of NY, and especially in Ulster County...so much History has been erased and eradicated for "progress" It is sad.

[@DanielUnger-gn9ct]

@lostrailbeds8289 that is sad all the abandoned rails is what built America with all the goodness that was delivered by rail n if they brought back passenger rail service n they open there eyes n realize that it will ease traffic on the roads if alot of people used passenger rail service

[@lostrailbeds8289]

I could not agree with you more!! Thank you!!@@DanielUnger-gn9ct

[@DanielUnger-gn9ct]

@@lostrailbeds8289 ya welcome

[@daveperry2772]

Maybe they won’t take all the rails up like they didn’t in my town seems they gave up building a rail trail.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

We can only hope.....we'll keep on top of this for the time to come. Thanks!

[@Wessexshire]

Well, at least you don’t have houses built on the old track bed so you loose that right of way forever. Government and Local authorities here in the UK are horrendous for doing that. Make a quick buck by selling the land, then they get stuck when they look to reopen old lines years later!!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Going on all across the Globe! This particular stretch of line has the interests of an operating tourist line for expansion. Thanks!

[@johnchambers8528]

I agree it is bad to loose any rail line. However if there is no market for either freight or passenger service then a trail is the best use. A trail does preserve the right of way. Otherwise the land may be used for something else and then there would be no possibility for railroad use. One of the problems the railroad has until it is abandoned is the taxes they have to pay. Of course trails are not taxed since they will be owned by the state or local government.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

No passenger. No freight. A tourist line has plans to run this part and expand its' operations. Thanks!

[@rrpilot]

I used to live a mile from there, volunteering on the CMRR lead to my career in professional railroading, these short sighted idiots have no idea who's lives will be affected so they can get the taxpayers to maintain yet another linear garbage dump....

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Well, perhaps we ran into each other out and about.....I've been working with Earl on #23 in Phoenicia lately.We Appreciate the work you did on the corridor and you're correct on the waste of $$ on "linear parks!" Thanks.

[@AgentSpockAgentSpock]

It the car company they are trying to turn this into a trail that way they will not have any competition

[@pierrechristian6767]

Sounds like the same rail trail group that's convinced our stupid state government to rip up all of our branch lines and turn them into seldom-used exercise tracks. I used to do bus trips to our local snow fields and a once well-used branch line has been turned into a 50-mile rail trail. In the 15 years I have been doing these snow trips, I have only ever seen about 15 cyclists on this trail. Another that could have been a hugely profitable winter tourist railway.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

It's amazing at the amount of $$$$ dumped into these trails! MANY of them around New York and New England are 14 ft wide and blacktopped!! Just plain wastefull if you ask me! Thanks!

[@caboosech]

Screw the hiking & biking trails keep the railroads alone the railroads pay more in taxes than the stupid bike and hiking trails

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Agreed.......

[@JBB4118]

Their called gauge rods....or metal railroad ties. Good for a fix but not a replacement for wood.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

There sure were alot of them in a short distance! Thanks!

[@justsmitty1709]

Is it okay to walk the right away if you're not wearing spandex? 😂

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Haha! I would hope so!.....Thanks!

[@MilePost106]

Abandoned tracks don’t bother me. What bothers me is the money spent on this for trails and where does the money come from? Here in Minnesota they raid the transportation fund and do bicycles pay taxes for road use. No! I’m tired of funding trails stealing money from the transportation funds like they do here in Minnetaxsota .

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Yes- it seems to be Nationwide. The Trails consortium out of D.C. has bottomless pockets, but where does all that $$$ come from? Us, the payers of taxes. Makes me sick.

[@PaulHoffman-w9y]

It's obvious that there aren't enough places to walk your dog or ride a bike. So, let's destroy what's left of the rail systems forever so that Fido has a place to pee ! Yay ! New York is very adept at destroying rail roads - look at what they have done to the Putnam division and the upper Harlem division - direct routes to NYC ( not exactly obscure logging railroads in the middle of nowhere). I recently emailed the governor to ask her why the Beacon line sits unused, and is one step above being abandoned. I understand that many freight customers along the route have long since fled or have gone bankrupt. This line is owned by Metro North ( ie the state ), and should be generating income. And there are short line operators who specialize in these types of operations. If Metro North can't make a penny with this unused resource, has an effort been made to rent the trackage ? I'm sure that I'll be hearing from the governor any day now. In the mean time, keep up the great work.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

The Beacon line really gets me upset too...what a great Tourist line it would make! (at the very least) The biggest obstacle is, from what I've heard for several years, is NYS DOT doesn't want to be bothered with an at-grade rail crossing at Route 9.

[@paytongauthier6452]

This has gone far enough, I refuse to have them turn this into a trail. They already cut up the tracks between Phoenicia and Kingston and the fact that they want to tear up more of this line is so disgraceful Why not just (rail with trail) which would be a better option, but of course They’re not gonna do that because when they look at this rail line, they think of it as nothing but a waste of space just sitting here rotting away. it’s history and you wanna destroy it? just utter bull crap.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

You, my friend, said it all!! Thanks!

[@RailPreserver2K]

Get south coast rail videos informed :)

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Hmmmmm, who?

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Just looked them up...will do! Thanks!

[@jerrys9226]

@@lostrailbeds8289they cover southeastern Massachusetts. The same thing is happening here on Cape Cod, except even worse, they’re going after active track.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Going after ACTIVE track is the epitome of the trail problem. The per/mile costs are what gets my nerve up! In many cases it's $1.5 million a mile and it just skyrockets from there! @@jerrys9226

[@jerrys9226]

@@lostrailbeds8289 yep, the same thing happened here in Falmouth ,Massachusetts . Now they’re trying to go after an active freight/ scenic line. It’s totally absurd. This sales pitch from 50 years ago by the rails to trails people that they’re “ preserving the ROW for future rail use” is total bull. The best thing to do is propose a rail with trail, most of these ROW are wide enough to accommodate both, but like you’ve said, rail trail group is very organized.

[@samuelt5131]

Get ready to kiss your railroad goodbye. The rails to trails people are persistent. They've got to have a place to ride there Ebikes, and trot their doggies. Oh... And dirt just won't get it. It all has to be paved.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Well, we're not going to give in just yet......but, sadly, you're correct. They have really deep pockets and have a way of manipulating politicians minds, and also the public. They spew false #s around and sway opinions to get what they want.

[@samuelt5131]

@@lostrailbeds8289 And most people don't know it, but railroads don't always own the right of way they operate on. Some of the land railroads use is "right by use." In other words, as long as the land the railroad is on is used for that purpose the railroad can use it. But, if the railroad ceases operation, or is dismantled and removed, the land "reverts" to the current property owner (or, in some cases, the State).

[@lostrailbeds8289]

100% correct.....and THIS line falls into that category. @@samuelt5131

[@MarkPeters-p8e]

Wow what the

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Bye bye rails??....We hope not!!

[@fotaugrafee]

The right-of-way is in rather amazing shape, and I'm quite surprised it's not littered with trees in the gauge. What was the grade up & over the Horseshoe Curve? What this county has allowed this line to become is utterly criminal, the entire state of NY is a disgrace anymore.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Grade was pretty much a constant 2% with two spots pushing almost 3%. Yes, the county has not been friendly to the RR that is/ was/ has been running the line. I recently read that New York is among the least "rail friendly" states in the Country. Rail Trails are everywhere........thanks for the comments!!

[@vinny142]

It's sad, but then again; nothing is forever. I get much the same sentiment from people who want to preserve battleships and the like; they all get very angry that the government did not preserve every ship they ever built, because it would be so cool to still be able to visit them. Oddly, when you ask how they are supposed to pay for all that... people go quiet. If you want the govt to preserve those tracks you are going to have to give them a reason that goes beyond "but I like to see rails". You're going to have to come up wioth a plan to preserve them and to give an alternative for the trail crowd (yes I know, you seriously don't like them. Get over it.) Nostalgia doesn't pay any bills, manual labour does.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Nobody is asking any Govt. to pay for and preserve this section of this line. Instead, both local tourist RR's operating on this corridor-the U&D- are completely self sufficient on operating and maintenance costs. THAT's who would pay for this. Thanks.

[@garycousino]

18:15 was a samsqwench

[@lostrailbeds8289]

HAHA!! .......could very well have been one!

[@cjones3710]

Awful ideas. Stop.tearing up.Raila that are in great shape. Waiting for.economic conditions to improve. I hate lobby group rail trail.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Thanks! We agree!!

[@ThomasWLalor]

Regarding "rails to trails" BULLSH!T - Who's going to "pedal" my goods to market?? on a bike built for two to get the groceries uphill?? WTH is using more than three brain cells in this planning??

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Rail Trails built on beds where the rails have not existed for many many DECADES are not a problem. Chances are almost 100% that rails will not be coming back. BUT!!! This particular stretch of bed on this particular line has an OPERATING tourist RR with plans for expansion to travel THESE VERY RAILS! That's where the line needs to be drawn.......I like your passion! Thanks.

[@jmream2618]

I hope they get there trial they want

[@johnzubil2875]

This guy complaining about rusty tracks he thinks will see use again.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Well, we shall see. The D&U has plans to use it.

[@sawyerpac9878]

😅no it makes me very happy,to see more bikes buddy .I'm Jerry from SC Ca, we have both Rail & Trails. So why are you upset? Don't be .be happy.👋🤠👉🥨🚲🌬⛅

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Around New York they don't believe in Rails with Trails. One sided is the ONLY way they see.

[@Terk131]

Videos like this will keep the history alive. I do not like when they take out the tracks. They have been doing this in the Adirondacks as well. Once the track is taken out it’s never able to come back. All this for granola lovers and snowmobilers (in the Adirondacks anyway). To be honest, winters are not as snow packed anymore and these trails are not seeing the amount of hikers or bikers like they suggested in the community meetings.

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Their projected #s NEVER come close to the actual user #s....