ERIE-LACKAWANNA

This page will cover the former Lackawanna mainline from Scranton to Binghamton.

Leaving Scranton trains faced a climb out of the Wyoming Valley in both directions.  Heading west, the railroad passed
through the town of Clarks Summit, a few miles northwest of Scranton.  Although the railroad direction is west, the tracks head due north
from Scranton to Binghamton. 

  Clarks Summit is at the top of the steepest grade out of Scranton and the Lackawanna built one of their classic concrete towers
here for the cross-overs and helper engine pocket tracks.

  In these three photos taken in May 1982, the station, freight house and tower are rather abandoned.  The D & H operates
the track and has yet to upgrade the line.

  Prior to the opening of the massive Tunkhannock Viaduct, the railroad took a longer and steeper route passing through small towns
such as Factoryville, PA.  Today portions of State Highway 11 occupy the original railroad right-of-way.

  The old wooden freight house at Nicholson, PA.  May 1982.  Note the sign.

    The sheer size of the Tunkhannock Viaduct is something to be seen.  Here, a EL freight is heading west on May 5, 1974.

       Not being familiar with the roads or best locations along this line, I elected
to pace the train from Route 11.  Average speed was about 40 to 45 mph.  The train was SE-99 and had 151 cars.

    One of the towns along the way is Alford, PA.  A branch to Montrose joined the main here and another
concrete tower was built to control the junction.  May 1982.

  Another former Lackawanna station at Hallstead, PA.  Also, May 1982.

  A few miles south of Binghamton, an eastbound passes through the farmland common to the area.  5-5-1974.

  The former Lackawanna passenger station in Binghamton.  This is an angle not possible today due to the Chenango Street
overpass.  The concrete columns have been poured for the new bridge and the steel will go up shortly.  May 5, 1974.

  The train I was following from Scranton made a stop here to check for some dragging wheels. 

  Once moving again, the train is facing an approach signal for BD interlocking ahead.

  A very short time later another westbound makes a stop by the station.  In this unrepeatable view, there is much to see.  From right
to left there is the former Lackawanna depot, the Erie freight house, Erie signals and the D & H passenger and freight station.  You can also notice
I am standing on what is the concrete footing for the new Chenango Street bridge with the steel beams jutting out on the left.  I'm certain this angle
lasted only a few days more.  May 5, 1974.  BTW, that red Chevy belonged to the late J.J. Young, Jr.

  On the move, 3614 passes the former Erie passenger depot, the west end of the Lackawanna platforms and several old industries that
lined many of America's rail lines.  The painted signs on the side of the building were once very commonplace in this country.

  Alco C425 2454 and SD45-2 3678 sit along the former Erie main opposite the site of the former Erie station. 9-18-1974.

  SD45 3662 is eastbound on the former Erie arriving in town.

  After making a stop for a signal, the train continues.  I am standing on the site of the recently demolished former Erie passenger
station.  It was torn down some time between the May 1974 image above and this September 18, 1974 image date.

  Right behind the 3662 eastbound train was this one with one of the three SD45's originally bought by the D & H.  Since the D & H was
largely Alco and GE powered, these did not fit in well.  They traded (leased) these to the E-L for three GE U33C units.  Just prior to the start up of Conrail
the units were returned back to their original owners.  9-18-74.  You can see the Erie depot is now gone.

  Under typical cloudy Binghamton skies, GP-35 2561 and a C425 set out a high and wide load on D & H tracks.  The D& H freight depot
is on the left, the Erie signal and milepost marker to the right.  214 miles to Jersey City.  February 18, 1976.

    The units pull back out on to the Erie main after their set out.

  C425 2458 and 2460 lead a train crossing over on the Erie main and headed for the Utica branch.  March 7, 1976.

    They have pulled the train up to the signal at the very end of the yard limits and have cut off from the train.
The clock is ticking on the E-L and Conrail will arrive in only three weeks.  

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