News stories tagged with "railroad"

(06/17/11) Our series, the Adirondack Attic, with Andy Flynn continues. You may know Andy from his series of "Adirondack Attic" books on local history. He uses the objects people make, use and leave behind to tell stories about the life and times of the region. Today, Andy and Saranac Lake railroad historian Chris Brescia compare two old caboose oil lamps.

(01/26/11) A new study released last night in Tupper Lake is raising questions about the future of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

The non-profit tourist train already carries thousands of passengers every year between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.

The company hopes to expand that service soon to include the route to Tupper Lake.

But backers of the new report say state and local officials should also consider tearing up the tracks and building a multi-use trail for bicycles and snowmobiles.

Brian Mann has our story. more

(11/12/10) A Lake Placid snowmobile activist blasted state officials this week for spending millions on the tourism train connecting lake Placid and Saranac Lake, while road and bridge repairs go begging.

At a budget hearing in Albany, Jim McCulley challenged state Budget Director Robert Megna about the Department of Transportation's priorities. Martha Foley has more. more

(10/07/10) There's a certain allure to being fluent in languages or codes. John Larsen is a retired health administrator with fond memories of working as a telegrapher with Canadian Pacific Railway.These days he spends a lot of time demonstrating that increasingly rare skill with the Cumberland Telegraph Operator's Club. Most of the 58 members from Canada and the U.S. have some connection with real - or model - railroads. Morse code is still used by uncounted enthusiasts, such as HAM radio operators. But requirements for proficiency in Morse code are falling by the wayside. Larsen spoke with Lucy Martin about the significance Morse code once held - before the advent of telephones, radio or the Internet. more

(09/03/09) Music, stories, art and food are all part of "Hobofest 2009" in Saranac Lake on Sunday afternoon. The event will be held outside of 7444 Gallery on Depot Street. Artist Peter Seward tells Todd Moe that the event "embraces the railroad as a dormant resource" in the Adirondacks.

(07/28/08) Local leaders in Tupper Lake are trading ideas for expanded train service with a top state transportation official from Albany. Martha Foley has more.

(07/28/08) More people are riding the nation's passenger train system, Amtrak. It's to the point that mtrak doesn't have enough train car in some areas, and the trains are sold out. As Lester Graham reports, Amtrak has some other issues to sort out too.

(04/29/08) State officials have left out $5 million in funding that had been earmarked to expand the scenic railroad from Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake. New York's Transportation commissioner, Astrid Glynn, announced a twenty million dollar rail funding package yesterday. The spending plan does include subsidies for Amtrak service between Saratoga Springs and Rouses Point. As Jacob Resneck reports, state officials say the funding for Tupper Lake may be restored in future years.

(07/24/07) Flatbed rail cars loaded with equipment bound for Iraq crashed into another rail car yesterday, causing an explosion and evacuation near Watertown. No serious injuries were reported. Martha Foley has details.

(10/25/06) The Village of Tupper Lake has won a $600,000 federal grant to convert a section of abandoned railroad track into a multi-use trail. The 4.6 mile route will be open to snowmobile riders, hikers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists. Tupper Lake also hopes to serve as a new stop on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. The tourist railroad now operates two routes, one near Old Forge and the other between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. A coalition of economic development groups is hoping to win roughly $20 million in state funding to extend the line. With this year's train season winding to a close, Brian Mann checked in with Doug Masters, marketing director for the railroad. Masters says ridership increased this summer.