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(erielack) Cortland/Homer Happenings

Hello All:

   Don't know if there are any members on the list from the
Cortland/Homer, NY area, but I went home to Homer for Thanksgiving break
and thought I'd report on what I'd saw.
    NYSW has installed a defect detector at milepost S283, just North of
the Hooker Ave. crossing in Homer.  It reads train speed, temperature
and defects.  The level crossing with Hooker Ave. used to be a road
overpass, and the trolley line used to cross here.  The freight station
in Homer is being used for storage by a lumber company, which
incidentally receives a box car once and a while off the LV branch down
in Cortland, where the lumber company is located.
    Cortland station is much the same, although there was a brand new
signal stand and ladder right behind it...  There are a lot of ties
(80+) located right to the east of the right of way just above
Roundhouse Mill, for the Cincy project perhaps?  Kept an eye on the
bridge project on the old Cincy branch.  WOW!  So much has changed
there.  The right of way has been cleared of brush, but there is major
track work to do on the track left in place.  The road, right next to
the bridge has been elevated back to track level, and they put the
crossing back in the 23rd.  The bridge needs major work done to the
abutments, looks like they are jacking bits up at a time, removing the
chipped concrete supports, casting new abutments, and bringing the
bridge back down to where it was.  Track on the bridge and beyond will
be all newly laid, as it was all ripped up.  Couldn't really tell how
far beyond the bridge it will go, perhaps a mile or two.
    Although the railroad might never to return to McGraw and
Cincinattus, I thought I'd report on the two stations.  The McGraw
station is in very good condition, it was for sale, but I didn't see a
sign there this time.  The station is unmoved.  The Cincy station, after
being stored on two house trailers, is coming together nicely. It is
located near the original right of way, although probably not on its
original site.  (Its located to the South of the Agway facility)  A new
foundation and new windows are giving the building new life.  Not sure
what its going to be though.
    Well that's it!  Any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Joshua


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