[Index][Message from the Board][News][Membership Info][For Sale][Projects][Links]
News Items

from the SRC's newsletter, the

Sussex Railroad Express

Spring 2002

Larry Lowenthal Researching Morris County Traction

We have been informed that Larry Lowenthal, Co-author of the very popular Lackawanna Railroad in Northwest New Jersey, is now working on a book about the Morris County Tractioin Company. The Sussex Railroad Company has been asked by Mr. Lowenthal to request that anyone with photos/images or newspaper clippings of the MCTC to please contact us so that we may forward them to Mr. Lowenthal.

Spring 2001

Newton Trainyard Fence Rescued

On the evening of May 2, 2001, an ad hoc committee of the SRC came together and rescued about 150 feet of the wrought iron fence which formerly bordered Sparta Avenue along the Newton Trainyard.

The SRC was first alerted of the fence's imminent scrapping by Ralphie Bonard. Who noticed a worker cutting up the fencing. He inquired and was informed it was up for grabs.

After several emails and some phone calls it was determined that the contractor who was removing the fence needed it to be removed that night or it would go to scrap (in little pieces.)

Six members and three trucks participated in the removal of the fencing to the SRC's Springdale headquarters where it will eventually be installed as the front to our Sussex Branch Garden scale layout. The fencing was in sections varying from 6-8 feet long and weighing in at about 200-400 pounds each.

Participants included: Warren LeMay (Junior and Senior,) George and Don Mason, Ralphie Bonard and Dave Rutan.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Ralphie for alerting us to the situation and also for his assistance in its rescue.

Winter 2001

The SRC Goes to Springfest

The Sussex Railroad Company will be present at "Springfest," the annual show sponsored by the landscape and garden businesses of Sussex County. It will be held in the new greenhouse and surrounding area at the Sussex County Fairgrounds during March 22-25 inclusive.

The SRC will be providing a Garden scale railroad in four display areas and there will also also be a booth with information on Sussex County Railroads and the Sussex Railroad Company, Inc.

Franklin Presentation

On Saturday, February 3, 2001 Dave Rutan gave a presentation for the Franklin Historical Society on the Sussex Railroad and the railroads that served the Franklin Mines. About 130 people attended, making a successful kickoff to the Franklin Historical's season of events.

Fall 2000

Augusta to Branchville Tour

On Saturday, November 4th, Dave Rutan gave his second tour of a section of the Sussex Branch. The area covered was Augusta Junction to Branchville Borough. Twelve people joined him at the Augusta station site at 10:00 AM. After introductions were made he described a brief history of the Sussex Railroad and the Lehigh & New England Railroad. The group then crossed the street and were shown the foundations of the Augusta creamery and Powdered Milk Plant.

Following that, the group set off towards Branchville. Along the way Dave pointed out the location of a 'milk platform' at a farmer's crossing, a huge washout in the Right of Way which needs attention, the remains of the Branchville wye/run-around siding, and the Rt. 206 overpass.

In Branchville proper the industries of the town that were served by the railroad were described: Hoos and Fletcher's Coal and Lumber, Borden's Creamery, and the Roy Co. Dave also told of the station's twice relocation and showed where the turntable pit was. Also indicated was a survivor on the Roy Co. property, the water closet for the station.

The group then broke for lunch, most going to Jim's lunch counter in the center of town. They hiked back to their cars, having conversation amongst themselves and went on home. Everyone had a good time and Dave says he intends to give another hike/tour next year.

Where, you ask? Andover in April.

Maps for Sale

The Sussex Railroad Company, Inc. is now offering maps for sale:

These are clear copies of Government ICC Valuation Maps, very readable, but currently in the process of restoration. All maps are copied on 18 lb high quality non-erasable vellum and shipped rolled, not folded flat.

Please see our 'For Sale' page for the full listing.

Summer 2000

First SRC Meeting an Accomplished Fact

On Friday, August 11, 2000 the Sussex Railroad Company held its organizational meeting at the headquarters in Andover Township.

Officers were elected and a plan was discussed for the commencement of the garden scale layout of the Sussex Branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. The ground breaking for the Layout is slated for Spring 2001.

The layout, which will encompass the entire Sussex Branch to Franklin as well as Branchville will be built on 3 acres and will use about 5,000 feet of garden scale track, and about 82,500 ties.

Elected SRC Officers & Committees:
Maps

Warren LeMay has completed restoration of the val map for the stretch from Branchville Junction through Lafayette to just above Mudcut Road. The work has progressed nicely thanks to some additional map input from Wayne McCabe. Work on the Newton Yard section and Branchville are in progress. We should see all from Branchville Junction to Branchville done by fall.

Over the summer, the track gang did a good bit of picture taking and got out into the swamp - I'm sorry - the Meadows, and measured the still-in-place pilings of the trestle that use to be there so it can be sized and modeled.

 

Modeling

Warren LeMay Sr. has just about completed a later version of the Newton Creamery. George Mason has kicked in his Pacific which is in the backshop for painting and Warren LeMay, Jr. is lettering a reefer he provided to act as a demo car for Dad LeMay's creamery. This should make a nice tabletop (some table, the building is around 7 feet long!) display for our upcoming groundbreaking.

First Trail Tour and Talk a Success

On Saturday, May 13th Dave Rutan gave his first tour of the Sussex Branch Trail. The sections covered were Branchville Junction, the Lafayette creamery and station sites, the Newton Meadows and Cranberry Lake.

Six others, including Chairman pro tem Warren LeMay and his daughter, went along on the hiking tour.

Mr. Rutan has been researching the history of the Sussex Branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad for over a year in an effort to document its construction and development in Sussex County.

On June 8, Mr. Rutan gave a talk at the Branchville Borough Historical Society meeting about the History of the Sussex Railroad and it's impact on Sussex County and the Town of Branchville. About 40-50 people attended the talk at the meeting which took place at the Branchville Fire House.

Spring 2000

Steamtown Outing

On February 20, 2000 the SRC Board of Directors and their family members enjoyed an outing to the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pa. Aside from reveling in the presence of great steam locomotives at the museum, the purpose of the outing was to allow the board members to view a display of operating 'G' or Garden Scale trains at an exhibit. A backshop tour was included as well.

George Mason headed a group which met and had lunch at "Tracks" in the Lackawanna Station.

Those not attending the exhibit were able to go shopping at the mall adjacent to the Steamtown museum.

The day was completed with a visit to the newly opened trolley museum at the other end of the parking lot from Steamtown.

This first SRC outing was finished with a dinner at Texas Steakhouse near East Stroudsburg. A good time was enjoyed by all.

[Index][Message from the Board][News][Membership Info][For Sale][Projects][Links]