First Train over Elevated Tracks, Schenectady, New York

New York Central 999

William Buchanan designed this high-wheeled 4-4-0 type, No. 999, for exhibition at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893; the New York Central built her at its West Albany shops. After some preliminary runs, she was tested May 10, 1893, pulling the westbound Empire State Express on a nearly straight stretch of level track between Batavia and Buffalo, New York. Engineer Charles H. Hogan took the bridle off, covering one of the 36 miles of the run in 31.2 seconds —at the rate of 112.5 miles per hour. Never before had mankind traveled so fast. Since then the Pennsylvania Railroad claims to have made 127.1 miles per hour with a 4-4-2 type steam engine, No. 7002, in Ohio on June 11, 1905 —a claim which some experts dispute. The French National Railroads actually attained 207 miles per hour with an electric locomotive March 29, 1955, for an unequalled world's record. But no diesel locomotive has ever approached 999's top speed.

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At the New York World Fair in 1940.

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Fast Portal of the Hoosac Tunnel

Fast Portal of the Hoosac Tunnel. To the left will be seen the abandoned work of one of the early efforts to tunnel the mountain.

Delaware & Hudson Railroad #97 "R.A. Henry" at Voorheesville, New York

Text of letter to Joseph A. Smith from William F. Ferguson

New Rochelle, N.Y.

March 11 1969

Dear Friend;

I recently got this picture (which is a copy, the picture of the old engine in front of hotel at Voorhesville from the granddaughter of Geo. W. Ellis.

Its name "R.A. Henry"

Crew Ellis Conductor 2nd from left(?)

Engineer Hank Austin

Fireman Bill Warner

Trainmen Julius Mull, Harry Kittridge

Geo. W. Ellis began working as laborer on a work train at East Worcester in 1866 at age 16. East Worcester was then the southern terminal of the A.&S. mainline from Albany. Three months later George was made a trainman and on first trip he lost an index finger, coupling. In 1871 became conductor at $65 per mo. 1877 was made yardmaster at Albany train yards. 1879 another accident took three fingers on the other hand and in 1885 recd injuries which prevented further train service and from then until retiring ib 1921, flagman & watchman for police and maintainance of way depts.

Hope you are fine. I'm just fair & still plugging-correspondence & history

SincerelyWm. F. Fergusin

Two.

I was interested in your remarks about the photo of D&H No. 97 "R.A. Henry", in front of the Severson House. I got a print of this photo from D&H and at about the same time I was working in the vicinity of Voorheesville. I am certain that the Severson House is (or was) directly across the D&H tracks from the combination D&H-West Shore station. I studied the old building and was certain at that time that it was the same building in the photo. Since your East Worcester friend says Voorheesville, too, I may be right. The old hotel that was still there possibly eight or ten years ago still retained much of the original outlines and wasn't hard to picture as it was when the photo was taken. If you should get a chance to drive out that way see if it is still there.

Well, Joe, I guess I have run out of things to write about so Iwill close for now. I hope this finds you in good health and enjoying som nice Spring weather.

A Happy Easter to you. 1969
Sincerely,

Ed

Archive # 331.

Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad "Commodore Vanderbilt"

PIONEER IN TROY - The "Commodore Vanderbilt," the first coal-burning locomotive to run on a Troy railway line, posed for a formal picture outside the Union Depot back in 1872. This photograph, owned by 81-year-old Charles Brewer of Troy, was taken on the section of track at Fulton street and Sixth avenue, looking down Fulton toward the Hudson River. The engine carried a picture of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, organizer of the New York Central Railroad, on its front headlight. (From an undated newspaper clipping.)

Built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1871.

Renumbered to 416 by the Delaware & Hudson Railroad in 1899. Retired on August 20, 1905.

Archive # 302.

The Times Record, Troy, N.Y., Tuesday Evening, January 19, 1954

The Times Record, Troy, N.Y., Tuesday Evening, January 19, 1954

IRON HORSE WAITS - Troy police got a traffic clearing job this morning as parked cars along Adams street between 3rd and 4th streets forced the locomotive to wait. Police succeeded in having tha cars moved so that the locomotive could move on the tracks along the street.

Archive # 248.