Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Encyclopedia
The Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum (RGVRRM) is an operating railroad museum located in Industry, New York. The museum started in 1971 with the leasing of a former Erie Railroad
Depot from the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. Since then the museum has grown into a volunteer run two mile long demonstration railroad in conjunction with the New York Museum of Transportation
(NYMT). The museum was formerly an operation of the Rochester Chapter National Railway Historical Society
, approximately three miles to the west, from 1853 to 1874. The depot provided the village with daily mail, express, and passenger service by means of an omnibus. In 1858 the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad was leased to the Buffalo, New York & Erie Railroad, which in turn was controlled by the Erie Railway. By 1874 the Rochester and State Line Railroad
reached the village of Scottsville proper, and the Erie depot became less attractive to local citizens. The Rochester and State Line would eventually become part of the Baltimore & Ohio, currently operated by Rochester & Southern Railroad.
In the early part of the 20th century, the Erie electrified the line from downtown Rochester to Mount Morris, NY
. This was the only part of the Erie that was electrified. The 34-mile electric line was put into service on June 18, 1907. The route from Rochester to Mount Morris was covered in about an hour and ten minutes, and hourly service was provided from 6:00am to 11:30pm. The improvements never managed to pay for themselves, and electric service was discontinued in 1934.
In 1960 the Erie merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western to form the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. As a result of general economic downturn and the devastation in the aftermath of 1972’s Hurricane Agnes
, Erie Lackawanna became a part of Conrail 1976. In 1996, the short-line Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad
acquired the line and continues to operate the former Erie branch today.
Throughout the railroads' presence, the depot has had several names. At first it was named Scottsville, for the nearby village. Once a railroad was built through Scottsville, the name of the depot was changed to Oatka, named for Oatka Creek
, which flows into the nearby Genesee River
. In 1902, the "State Agricultural & Industrial School," a school for troubled boys, relocated to the Town of Rush. When the current depot was constructed in about 1909, the name was changed to Industry, to reflect the small community that the School had created.
, the former Erie Depot, located in Industry, was selected. The depot was built in 1909 as "Oatka," later changed to "Industry" after the newly-established state school for boys. The depot features two waiting rooms, separated by the agent’s office. It was custom of the time to provide separate waiting areas for men and women. In later years, the separate waiting room was used to segregate inmates from the state school from the public.
The last passenger train stopped at Industry on September 30, 1941, and the depot was closed in 1950. Over the years, the Erie survived a few name changes and bankruptcies and merged with its long time competitor to form the Erie Lackawanna Railway in 1960. The Rochester Chapter was seeking a home and possible museum site for its activities, and discovered Industry depot was available. The depot had been abandoned since 1957, and by December 1969, the Rochester Chapter had adopted it as their new home. The depot was purchased outright from EL in 1971 for the ceremonial sum of $1.00. After years of restoration by volunteers, the Depot has been restored to how it would have appeared in the 1930s.
Since acquiring the depot, the museum has been growing both facilities and expanding track capacity. The site had no available sidings, even though the Eire Lackawanna was still in use for freight service. By 1979 volunteers had constructed enough track to receive the first piece of equipment, a Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway caboose. In 1981, the RGVRRM got its first locomotive, EK 6, recently retired from Eastman Kodak
. Volunteers started to acquire additional railroad and construction equipment. This led to the eventual completion of a 2 miles (3.2 km) railroad connecting the RGVRRM with the NYMT, completed in 1995.
Since 1996, the two independent museums have been operating track cars, or Speeder
s, between both locations over the demonstration railroad. In addition to track cars, diesel-hauled trains are operated for special events. Partner organization NYMT is actively electrifying the railroad to provide 600-volt overhead power for the operation of their two former Philadelphia and Western Railroad
interurbans. In 1998, the museum began their popular Diesel Days weekend celebration, in cooperation with the NYMT, showcasing the collection of operating vintage diesels for the public. The museum continues to grow and expand, with additional storage space planned to house its unique collection of equipment.
The museum is unique as it is one of the only operating railroad museums in New York State, and the only railroad museum connected to another railroad museum (sister organization NYMT) by an operating two-mile demonstration railroad constructed by volunteers. The museum prides itself on maintaining most of its collection in operating condition, which further enhances the visitor experience.
RS3m
211 is part of the operating collection. The museum is also home to the sole remaining trolley car from the Rochester Subway
fleet, returned to Rochester Chapter in 1998 after being on loan and later in storage for many years. In 1998 a steel building was erected to assist in the preservation and restoration of equipment. 2007 saw the arrival of the seven Budd-built 1941-vintage Empire State Express
coaches that are used for Fall Foliage trips, most recently hosted by Ontario Midland Railroad
.
Because Rochester is known as the "World's Image Center" and is associated with photography and the home of Eastman Kodak
, the museum boasts an extensive collection of photos. Of note is the collection of steam-era images from Robert Carper, a Rochester native who authored "American Railroads in Transition." Many of the photos from that book are now in the museum's collection, and on display for visitors to enjoy.
Other artifacts include an extensive collection of signaling equipment. Rochester was home to General Railway Signal
, and as such the installation and operation of signals on the railroad is a long term goal. Items include an operating semaphore
, searchlights, an under restoration Saxby and Farmer armstrong machine
and a Union Switch and Signal CTC Machine
.
For additional information on these locomotives, see the roster page.
built 1941 stainless steel coaches from Metro-North Railroad
; followed in 1990 by an additional coach, and in 1992 a baggage-rpo. Over the years, these cars were used for scenic excursions. As of 2008, they are being refurbished with new window glazing and improved heating systems. Another noteworthy car is the "Pine Falls," a 1939 Pullman
built sleeper-lounge for the Pennsylvania Railroad
. The museum also has in its collection the last car from the last train of ex-Lackawanna DC-electric MU's to depart from Hoboken Terminal
in 1984. Two baggage cars are also part of the collection. An ex-Baltimore & Ohio baggage car serves as a tool car and workshop, while an ex-Lackawanna baggage car has been refurbished to house displays. An ex-Pennsylvania Railroad class B60 Railway Post Office
is currently being refurbished to house additional displays.
at their Dunmore, PA Shops in 1946. Penn Central 18562 was built in East Rochester, New York
in 1969 at the Despatch Shops. It was donated in 1996 by Conrail to the museum where it was restored to its original Penn Central appearance. MDT 14053 is an ice-cooled refrigerated boxcar built by Pacific Car and Foundry, and houses displays related to the Despatch Shops
in East Rochester, where thousands of cars like it were built until 1970.
Erie Railroad
The Erie Railroad was a railroad that operated in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, originally connecting New York City with Lake Erie...
Depot from the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. Since then the museum has grown into a volunteer run two mile long demonstration railroad in conjunction with the New York Museum of Transportation
New York Museum of Transportation
The New York Museum of Transportation is a non-profit organization located at 6393 East River Road, in the Rochester suburb of Rush. The museum is open all year, on Sundays only, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m....
(NYMT). The museum was formerly an operation of the Rochester Chapter National Railway Historical Society
National Railway Historical Society
The National Railway Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1935 in the United States to promote interest in, and appreciation for, the historical development of railroads. It is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and organized into 16 regions and...
Site History
The site of the RGVRRM has been home to railroading since 1851, the year when the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad was chartered. This depot served the nearby village of ScottsvilleScottsville, New York
Scottsville is a village in southwestern Monroe County, New York, United States, and is in the northeastern part of the Town of Wheatland. The population was 2,128 at the 2000 census. The village is named after an early settler, Isaac Scott...
, approximately three miles to the west, from 1853 to 1874. The depot provided the village with daily mail, express, and passenger service by means of an omnibus. In 1858 the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad was leased to the Buffalo, New York & Erie Railroad, which in turn was controlled by the Erie Railway. By 1874 the Rochester and State Line Railroad
Rochester and State Line Railroad
The Rochester and State Line Railroad typifies those transportation companies of the 19th century which arose from more than the customary desire to amass great amounts of money...
reached the village of Scottsville proper, and the Erie depot became less attractive to local citizens. The Rochester and State Line would eventually become part of the Baltimore & Ohio, currently operated by Rochester & Southern Railroad.
In the early part of the 20th century, the Erie electrified the line from downtown Rochester to Mount Morris, NY
Mount Morris (village), New York
Mount Morris is a village located in the Town of Mount Morris in Livingston County, New York, USA. The population was 3,266 at the 2000 census. The village and town are named after Robert Morris....
. This was the only part of the Erie that was electrified. The 34-mile electric line was put into service on June 18, 1907. The route from Rochester to Mount Morris was covered in about an hour and ten minutes, and hourly service was provided from 6:00am to 11:30pm. The improvements never managed to pay for themselves, and electric service was discontinued in 1934.
In 1960 the Erie merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western to form the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. As a result of general economic downturn and the devastation in the aftermath of 1972’s Hurricane Agnes
Hurricane Agnes
Hurricane Agnes was the first tropical storm and first hurricane of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season. A rare June hurricane, it made landfall on the Florida Panhandle before moving northeastward and ravaging the Mid-Atlantic region as a tropical storm...
, Erie Lackawanna became a part of Conrail 1976. In 1996, the short-line Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad
Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad
The Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad is a short line railroad that operates in Livingston County and Monroe County in New York, United States...
acquired the line and continues to operate the former Erie branch today.
Throughout the railroads' presence, the depot has had several names. At first it was named Scottsville, for the nearby village. Once a railroad was built through Scottsville, the name of the depot was changed to Oatka, named for Oatka Creek
Oatka Creek
Oatka Creek is the third longest tributary of the Genesee River, located entirely in the Western New York region of the U.S. state of New York. From southern Wyoming County, it flows to the Genesee near Scottsville, draining an area of that includes all or part of 23 towns and villages in...
, which flows into the nearby Genesee River
Genesee River
The Genesee River is a North American river flowing northward through the Twin Tiers of Pennsylvania and New York. The river provided the original power for the Rochester area's 19th century mills and still provides hydroelectric power for downtown Rochester....
. In 1902, the "State Agricultural & Industrial School," a school for troubled boys, relocated to the Town of Rush. When the current depot was constructed in about 1909, the name was changed to Industry, to reflect the small community that the School had created.
Museum History
The Rochester Chapter was founded in 1937, and by the late 1960s was ready to start a museum due to the ongoing acquisition of artifacts and rolling stock. After a survey of several locations around Rochester, New YorkRochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, the former Erie Depot, located in Industry, was selected. The depot was built in 1909 as "Oatka," later changed to "Industry" after the newly-established state school for boys. The depot features two waiting rooms, separated by the agent’s office. It was custom of the time to provide separate waiting areas for men and women. In later years, the separate waiting room was used to segregate inmates from the state school from the public.
The last passenger train stopped at Industry on September 30, 1941, and the depot was closed in 1950. Over the years, the Erie survived a few name changes and bankruptcies and merged with its long time competitor to form the Erie Lackawanna Railway in 1960. The Rochester Chapter was seeking a home and possible museum site for its activities, and discovered Industry depot was available. The depot had been abandoned since 1957, and by December 1969, the Rochester Chapter had adopted it as their new home. The depot was purchased outright from EL in 1971 for the ceremonial sum of $1.00. After years of restoration by volunteers, the Depot has been restored to how it would have appeared in the 1930s.
Since acquiring the depot, the museum has been growing both facilities and expanding track capacity. The site had no available sidings, even though the Eire Lackawanna was still in use for freight service. By 1979 volunteers had constructed enough track to receive the first piece of equipment, a Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway caboose. In 1981, the RGVRRM got its first locomotive, EK 6, recently retired from Eastman Kodak
Eastman Kodak
Eastman Kodak Company is a multinational imaging and photographic equipment, materials and services company headquarted in Rochester, New York, United States. It was founded by George Eastman in 1892....
. Volunteers started to acquire additional railroad and construction equipment. This led to the eventual completion of a 2 miles (3.2 km) railroad connecting the RGVRRM with the NYMT, completed in 1995.
Since 1996, the two independent museums have been operating track cars, or Speeder
Speeder
A speeder is a maintenance of way motorized vehicle formerly used on railroads around the world by track inspectors and work crews to move quickly to and...
s, between both locations over the demonstration railroad. In addition to track cars, diesel-hauled trains are operated for special events. Partner organization NYMT is actively electrifying the railroad to provide 600-volt overhead power for the operation of their two former Philadelphia and Western Railroad
Philadelphia and Western Railroad
The Philadelphia and Western Railroad was a high-speed, third rail-operated, commuter-hauling interurban electric railroad operating in the western suburbs of the U.S. city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of its lines is now SEPTA's R100 Norristown High Speed Line; the other has been abandoned...
interurbans. In 1998, the museum began their popular Diesel Days weekend celebration, in cooperation with the NYMT, showcasing the collection of operating vintage diesels for the public. The museum continues to grow and expand, with additional storage space planned to house its unique collection of equipment.
The museum is unique as it is one of the only operating railroad museums in New York State, and the only railroad museum connected to another railroad museum (sister organization NYMT) by an operating two-mile demonstration railroad constructed by volunteers. The museum prides itself on maintaining most of its collection in operating condition, which further enhances the visitor experience.
Collection
The collection of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is quite extensive. The RGVRRM rosters 10 locomotives, 13 freight cars, 15 pieces of passenger equipment and various other pieces of rail equipment. Of note, distinctive high-hood "Hammerhead" Lehigh Valley RailroadLehigh Valley Railroad
The Lehigh Valley Railroad was one of a number of railroads built in the northeastern United States primarily to haul anthracite coal.It was authorized April 21, 1846 in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and incorporated September 20, 1847 as the Delaware, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad...
RS3m
RS3m
The RS3m is a diesel locomotive rebuilt from an ALCO RS-3 road switcher. There are many variations with various spotting features, the common features being the ALCO RS-3 frame, trucks, and usually cab and short hood...
211 is part of the operating collection. The museum is also home to the sole remaining trolley car from the Rochester Subway
Rochester Subway
The Rochester Subway or Rochester Industrial and Rapid Transit Railway was an underground rapid transit line in the city of Rochester, New York from 1927 to 1956. Contemporary photos show it used single streetcars, like Boston's Green Line, as a light rail line, with a large portion underground...
fleet, returned to Rochester Chapter in 1998 after being on loan and later in storage for many years. In 1998 a steel building was erected to assist in the preservation and restoration of equipment. 2007 saw the arrival of the seven Budd-built 1941-vintage Empire State Express
Empire State Express
The Empire State Express was one of the named passenger trains and onetime flagship of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad...
coaches that are used for Fall Foliage trips, most recently hosted by Ontario Midland Railroad
Ontario Midland Railroad
The Ontario Midland Railroad is an American railroad company operating in western New York.It was founded on 5 October 1979 and was created to save the entire Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad line from Oswego's West Yard to Suspension Bridge in Niagara Falls. However, the railroad managed...
.
Because Rochester is known as the "World's Image Center" and is associated with photography and the home of Eastman Kodak
Eastman Kodak
Eastman Kodak Company is a multinational imaging and photographic equipment, materials and services company headquarted in Rochester, New York, United States. It was founded by George Eastman in 1892....
, the museum boasts an extensive collection of photos. Of note is the collection of steam-era images from Robert Carper, a Rochester native who authored "American Railroads in Transition." Many of the photos from that book are now in the museum's collection, and on display for visitors to enjoy.
Other artifacts include an extensive collection of signaling equipment. Rochester was home to General Railway Signal
General Railway Signal
General Railway Signal Company was a supplier of railway signaling equipment, systems and services in the Rochester, New York area. The company was established in 1904 and became part of Alstom Transport in 1998...
, and as such the installation and operation of signals on the railroad is a long term goal. Items include an operating semaphore
Railway semaphore signal
One of the earliest forms of fixed railway signal is the semaphore. These signals display their different indications to train drivers by changing the angle of inclination of a pivoted 'arm'. Semaphore signals were patented in the early 1840s by Joseph James Stevens, and soon became the most...
, searchlights, an under restoration Saxby and Farmer armstrong machine
Lever frame
Mechanical railway signalling installations rely on lever frames for their operation to interlock the signals and points to allow the safe operation of trains in the area the signals control...
and a Union Switch and Signal CTC Machine
Centralized traffic control
Centralized traffic control is a form of railway signalling that originated in North America and centralizes train routing decisions that were previously carried out by local signal operators or the train crews themselves. The system consists of a centralized train dispatcher's office that...
.
Locomotives
| Locomotive | Type | Source | Year Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
| EK 6 | GE 80-ton switcher GE 80-ton switcher The GE 80-ton switcher is a locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems. It is classified as a B-B type locomotive. It was designed for industrial and light switching duties around railheads and ports.- Military version :... |
Eastman Kodak Eastman Kodak Eastman Kodak Company is a multinational imaging and photographic equipment, materials and services company headquarted in Rochester, New York, United States. It was founded by George Eastman in 1892.... |
1981 |
| LV 211 | RS3m RS3m The RS3m is a diesel locomotive rebuilt from an ALCO RS-3 road switcher. There are many variations with various spotting features, the common features being the ALCO RS-3 frame, trucks, and usually cab and short hood... |
Conrail | 1986 |
| RG&E 1941 | GE 45-ton switcher GE 45-ton switcher The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by GE between 1940 and 1956.-Equipment:The locomotive was equipped with two Cummins diesel engines, each driving a generator which, in turn, drove one of the two traction motors, one per truck. In early models, the second axle on each... |
Rochester Gas and Electric | 1991 |
| USA 1843 | FM H-12-44 FM H-12-44 The FM H-12-44 was a yard switcher produced by Fairbanks-Morse from May, 1950–March, 1961. The units featured a , six-cylinder opposed piston engine prime mover, and were configured in a B-B wheel arrangement mounted atop a pair of two-axle AAR Type-A switcher trucks, with all axles powered and... |
Seneca Army Depot | 1993 |
| EK 9 | Alco RS-1 ALCO RS-1 The ALCO RS-1 was a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by Alco-GE between 1941 and 1953 and the American Locomotive Company from 1953 to 1960. This model has the distinction of having the longest production run of any diesel locomotive for the North American market.The carbody configuration of... |
Eastman Kodak Eastman Kodak Eastman Kodak Company is a multinational imaging and photographic equipment, materials and services company headquarted in Rochester, New York, United States. It was founded by George Eastman in 1892.... |
1997 |
| Brooklyn Navy Yard #12 | Vulcan Vulcan Iron Works Since Vulcan was the Roman god of fire and smithery, the name was an obvious choice for an iron foundry or mechanical engineering works in the nineteenth century, both in England, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and in the United States.-England:... 0-4-0T |
Tioga Transportation Museum | 1997 |
| Connecticut Light & Power | Hiesler Heisler locomotive The Heisler locomotive was the last variant of the three major types of geared steam locomotive, Charles L. Heisler receiving a patent for the design in 1892 following the construction of a prototype in 1891. Somewhat similar to a Climax locomotive, Heisler's design featured two cylinders canted... Fireless 0-4-0 |
||
| 1654 | GE 80-ton switcher GE 80-ton switcher The GE 80-ton switcher is a locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems. It is classified as a B-B type locomotive. It was designed for industrial and light switching duties around railheads and ports.- Military version :... |
US Army/DLA | 2001 |
| 8 | GE 110-ton switcher GE 110-ton switcher The GE 110-ton switcher is a locomotive model built by GE Transportation Systems. It was intended for use in light switching duties.- External links :*... |
Rochester Gas and Electric | 2008 |
| 1950 | GE 45-ton switcher GE 45-ton switcher The GE 45-ton switcher is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by GE between 1940 and 1956.-Equipment:The locomotive was equipped with two Cummins diesel engines, each driving a generator which, in turn, drove one of the two traction motors, one per truck. In early models, the second axle on each... |
Rochester Gas and Electric | 2008 |
Passenger Equipment
The museum owns a variety of passenger equipment. In 1988, the chapter as well as several members acquired five ex-New York Central BuddBudd Company
The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century....
built 1941 stainless steel coaches from Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North Commuter Railroad , trading as MTA Metro-North Railroad, or, more commonly, Metro-North, is a suburban commuter rail service that is run and managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority , an authority of New York State. It is the busiest commuter railroad in the United...
; followed in 1990 by an additional coach, and in 1992 a baggage-rpo. Over the years, these cars were used for scenic excursions. As of 2008, they are being refurbished with new window glazing and improved heating systems. Another noteworthy car is the "Pine Falls," a 1939 Pullman
Pullman Company
The Pullman Palace Car Company, founded by George Pullman, manufactured railroad cars in the mid-to-late 19th century through the early decades of the 20th century, during the boom of railroads in the United States. Pullman developed the sleeping car which carried his name into the 1980s...
built sleeper-lounge for the Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
. The museum also has in its collection the last car from the last train of ex-Lackawanna DC-electric MU's to depart from Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal is one of the New York Metropolitan area's major transportation hubs. The commuter-oriented intermodal facility, is located on the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey...
in 1984. Two baggage cars are also part of the collection. An ex-Baltimore & Ohio baggage car serves as a tool car and workshop, while an ex-Lackawanna baggage car has been refurbished to house displays. An ex-Pennsylvania Railroad class B60 Railway Post Office
Railway post office
In the United States a railway post office, commonly abbreviated as RPO, was a railroad car that was normally operated in passenger service as a means to sort mail en route, in order to speed delivery. The RPO was staffed by highly trained Railway Mail Service postal clerks, and was off-limits to...
is currently being refurbished to house additional displays.
Freight Equipment
There are a total of 13 pieces of freight equipment in the collection. The oldest piece in the collection is an ex-New York Central 40 foot flat car built in 1907. Most often used are two cabooses. Erie C254 was restored in the mid 1990s and sees regular service. It was constructed by the Erie RailroadErie Railroad
The Erie Railroad was a railroad that operated in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, originally connecting New York City with Lake Erie...
at their Dunmore, PA Shops in 1946. Penn Central 18562 was built in East Rochester, New York
East Rochester, New York
East Rochester is a coterminous town and village located southeast of the City of Rochester in Monroe County, New York. The village, home to about 6,587 people, is bounded by Pittsford to the west and south and Perinton to the north and east. The southern boundary is delimited by New York State...
in 1969 at the Despatch Shops. It was donated in 1996 by Conrail to the museum where it was restored to its original Penn Central appearance. MDT 14053 is an ice-cooled refrigerated boxcar built by Pacific Car and Foundry, and houses displays related to the Despatch Shops
Merchants Despatch
The Merchants Despatch Transportation Company was established in 1857 or 1858 by the American Express Company of New York...
in East Rochester, where thousands of cars like it were built until 1970.