Milk Run on the Erie Railroad
Allen KellerDescription
It’s double duty in this video, as Allen Keller follows a milk run on the Erie Railroad from Port Jervis to Binghamton, New York, and he checks back in at Port Jervis regularly to see what’s happening there.
The milk run starts at Port Jervis, a railroad town that was created as a division point for the Erie Railroad. Train 9 is a mixed west-bound milk train. On the point is ALCO PA #857. The passengers know it will be a long day because the milk run always has a lot of switching. But rail fans love the milk run because they can check out all the switching, so let’s enjoy this milk run on the Delaware Division of the Erie Railroad.
ALONG THE DELAWARE RIVER
The first pickup is Borden car #538. At Lackawaxen, car #1308 gets dropped off. The RS-3s in the back wait for us to clear the interlocking. Another Borden’s milk tank car, #521, is added. When the interlocking is clear, RS-3s #926 and 931 pull out for Port Jervis.
Outside Cochecton, Train 9 seems to roar past a traffic jam along the Delaware River. The rail passengers may now be glad they took the milk run. At least it’s moving!
Next, Borden’s milk tank car #539 is joined to the train. The scenery of rolling hills along the Delaware River is grand.
NARROWSBURG AND SUSQUEHANNA
The milk run passes through Narrowsburg and heads for the highest point on the Erie, the Starrucca Viaduct, which was built in 1846. Next is the Landsboro Bridge.
The depot at Susquehanna is one of the first railroad hotels ever built. These were common sights before Pullmans and diners made them obsolete.
The Susquehanna River crossing is another favorite spot for rail fans.
After passing through Great Bend, Train #9 ends its run at Binghamton, New York, which is at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers.