Preserving Rochester's rich railroading heritage since 1937. We're open to the public June through October, visit www.rochestertrainrides.com for details.
The Operations Department of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum was quite busy this month operating trains for three special events: A Volunteer Open House for National Train Day on Saturday, May 9, Opening Weekend on Sunday, May 17, and Varnish Day (an unpublicized event where one of our Empire State Express coaches replaced our traditional caboose accommodations) on Sunday, May 24. Thanks to all operating crews for your participation this month! June’s operations will include the Rochester Chapter NRHS Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 18, Hands-on Training on Saturday, June 20 and 27, and Despatch Shops Remembered (featuring Penn Central caboose #18526) on Sunday, June 21.
This is a busy operating season for us, and we are always in need train crews, so if you’re interested in operating on any of these days (especially if you’re a new trainee), please contact the Operations Department at (716) 474-2833 and we'll do everything we can to get you started!
Lehigh Valley 211 and ESE Coach #3 await the first passengers of the day next to our preserved Rochester, Lockport & Buffalo waiting room at Midway on "Varnish Day."
Museum volunteer Chris Hauf addresses his daughter’s birthday party group after arriving at Industry on Opening Weekend.
Conductor Jeremy Tuke poses in front of his train at Industry on Opening Weekend.
The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum has been working to refurbish their set of ex-New York Central stainless steel coaches, getting them ready to carry passengers once more. These cars were part of a 1941 order with Budd to re-equip the "Empire State Express" (ESE), which debuted that fateful December 7. Since the museum acquired the cars more than 20 years ago, the coaches enjoyed a second career in seasonal excursion service. The cars were then moved our museum restoration facility in 2007, where we have been working on them ever since. Over the past several weeks, the work on the interior restoration of ESE Car #1 (NYC #2567) has continued in earnest. Progress has included:
East lower wall was removed including window sills and arm rest.
Removal of steam heat on east side of car.
Removal of 95% of the arm rest angle iron on both sides. There is only a 4' section left at the northeast corner left to remove.
Grinding smooth of all of the welds on the west side.
The channel where the heat goes on both sides has been scrubbed and cleaned removing 68 years of accumulated dirt. The job is 90% complete with just some touch up required on both sides of the car at the north end and in the restroom.
To illustrate what has been done and as a tool to show progress in the future, we have started a picture album on the museum's Flickr site and have uploaded some pics of the progress over the past several months. The pictures are ordered from newest to oldest, and can be viewed here. As we make more progress, we will upload new pictures. We always welcome new hands to help, please contact us if you'd like to learn more!
With the recent extension of the museum trolley line, visitors now can enjoy a unique ride experience with a 2-mile round trip interurban trolley excursion that connects to a diesel train on this special day. The combined ride links the New York Museum of Transportation with the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum's country depot and railroad equipment collection. The trolley portion of the ride is the only such operation in New York State, and the diesel train ride adds a special thrill for railfans young and old. The diesel connection will operate on special event days this summer. On other Sundays, authentic track cars that once served "gandy dancers" connect with the trolley. No reservations needed. Come out and visit the only two railroad museums in America linked by their own private railroad! Trips run rain or shine, hope to see you soon!
The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is operated solely by dedicated volunteers and works in partnership with the New York Museum of Transportation to bring the visitor a unique dual museum experience interpreting the railroad and transportation history of Rochester and Western New York. Established in 1971, our roots go back to 1937 as the Rochester Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, the third oldest chapter in the organization.
Lehigh Valley 211 and ESE Coach #3 await the first passengers of the day next to our preserved Rochester, Lockport & Buffalo waiting room at Midway on "Varnish Day."
Museum volunteer Chris Hauf addresses his daughter’s birthday party group after arriving at Industry on Opening Weekend.
Conductor Jeremy Tuke poses in front of his train at Industry on Opening Weekend.
