The CGRR Is Back Running Again!

We're back in operation out here in Cherry Grove. We drove the final spike on the new main line with 96" diameter curves on memorial Day. Here's the line in operation:



Jim

CGRR Coming Down The Home Stretch

What we have here is the final stretch of track bed under construction. Once I get this section done, all that remains is to cut and fit the last sections of the main line and drive the final spike.

The track rests on wooden planks, that in turn are nailed to underlying supports buried in the sand.

Hopefully, later today we'll have trains running for the first time this season.

Jim

CGRR Trackwork Continues

Happy Memorial Day holiday to all!

Since this weekend marks the official beginning of the summer season, here is an update on track work in progress here at the seashore on Fire Island. By the way, the name of the railroad is the Cherry Grove Rail Road (CGRR) & Fire Island Traction Company. In past years the right of way was shared by the CGRR and the FITC, with freight and trolley service operating on the same single track main line with 42" diameter curves. This limited the size of freight consists to short trains that could be pulled by road switchers. The new CGRR mainline will have 96" diameter curves and will be exclusively freight and long trip passenger service. The FITC will have its own single track end to end (not a loop) reversing service, with an anticipated start up date later this summer. The CGRR will be back in operation as soon as track and electrical work is completed, probably within a week. The addition of a powerful locomotive, probably an SD90MAC is in the works.

Read about the history of the CGRR & FITC here.

Jim