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Current Events on the Coldwater Central

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1/21/08

North Coast Railroad Expanding!

Nick Crego, CEO of the North Coast Railroad, was interviewed by the Times owner, Walt Whitman. He confirmed the story and added that the railroad wants to re-activate all the old sidings which served the power plant and the various, now idle industries found there. Mr. Crego declined to comment on what cargo the railroad intends to haul. "Let's not count our chickens before they hatch", he said. "We prefer to wait and see how thetalks go before revealing our business plan."

None of the Counties involved had anyone available to comment due to the Holiday.

This new business is projected to add several jobs to each county's economy. Mr Watts stated that the railroad hopes to enter into additional contracts with adjoining Counties. "If It's recyclable, we want to be a part of its re-use" he stated.

While readers of the CC news may know Mr. Connors as the irascible Gandydancer, he does have quite a literary side. This author was spellbound by his chronicle of the town of Pultneyville and its inhabitants. His ability to base all his tales on actual historical events is remarkable. I highly recommend this as required reading to anyone who seeks an authentic flavor of Upstate.

Mr. Connors will be available to discuss and sign his book this Saturday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Furnaceville Bookstore. The public is cordially invited. He will also be signing next Sunday at the Pultneyville Library from 1:00 PM until closing.

Ben Watts, grandson of the Engineer and great-grandson of the Gandydancer and Nick Crego, Grandson of the conductor, have been named President and CEO respectively, of the new railroad. The new management issued the following statement: “We intend to run this railroad to the same high standards of our parent companies. This will be the most efficiently run railroad in the country. At this time we would like to announce that we have just signed an exclusive contract with the Furnaceville Mining Company to haul a minimum of two thousand loads of ore per year. With the increased demand for steel in the world today, we expect this business to grow rapidly. We are also pursuing related business.”

The New railroad will own the trackage out of Relax to the Furnaceville mine as well as the trackage from Pultneyville to the mine. They intend to compete for other business with all other railroads, including their parent companies. The management of this new railroad has negotiated trackage rights over the Coldwater central to its CSX connection at Catspaw. They are in the process of negotiating trackage rights with the P&C to its connection with the Ontario Midland railroad at the wye in Warrington and with OMID to its CSX connection at Newark. They have also approached the P&C for trackage rights to its docks in Sodus Point but are not hopeful of finalizing this deal anytime soon. CEO Crego was quoted as saying. “Mr. Watts plans on having a one on one conversation with the P&C management in the near future. We expect that to result in the melting of the cold reception so far afforded us.”

The Management announced that the name of the new railroad is North Coast Railroad. The motive power will be Alco SW2 switchers painted in an attractive blue and white color scheme. Freight cars will be outfitted in a green design. The new offices for the railroad will be located in the Victorian railroad station in Furnaceville. The new railroad will employ eight people to start, two conductors, two engineers an office manager and an accountant and two brakemen. Track work will be contracted with the Gandydancer and maintenance and repairs will be done in the shops at Coldwater.

(Coldwater) The board of Directors of the railroads called a brief news conference today to publicly communicate their answer to the buyout offers of the Genesee & Western and the Canadian Pacific. The Gandydancer, flanked by the other board members issued the following statement: “While we were very flattered by the interest shown by the recent offers, after months of discussion and debate over the future of our railroads, we have crafted a business plan that does not include the sale of all or any part of our railroads. This board feels that this is a community business and would best serve our financial interests and the interests of our community by remaining a local business.” Gandy placed his papers on the podium in front of him, stared directly at the crowd and said: “These assholes (pointing at the board members behind him) actually thought they could get rid of me with this deal but they found out they couldn’t exist without me.”

He abruptly left the podium and strode out of the building. The rest of the board was left to deal with the onrush of questions about the plans for the railroad. The Engineer stepped to the podium and told he crowd that the plans would be finalized in a few months and the community would be fully informed then.

This offer was quickly trumped by the Canadian Pacific witch placed an offer of 1.9 million for The Furnaceville branch and 4 million to purchase the P&C and the CC.

None of the Board members of the Railroads were available for comment. It is not known at this time if the Board will consider either of these offers. At the prices offered, this paper does feel that the Board will have to seriously consider them.

A summary accompanying the statement indicated that the increase was accounted for by a continuing increase in mine output. Additional freight traffic into the Town of Furnaceville from Catspaw also contributed. Trash trains heading out through Pultneyville added significantly to the growth.

The management of both railroads presented optimistic outlooks for the future growth of the division. They refused to comment, however, on the growing rumors of offers to sell one or both railroads because of the phenomenal growth of this division.Their silence lead to increased rumors that the managements of both railroads were considering offers by Genesee and Western to purchase the railroads.

Gandy moved to the front of the crowd, elbowed the conductor out of the way and eloquently delivered a half-hour monolog on the great achievement he had accomplished and the difficulties he overcame to accomplish it. He returned to a cheering crowd, moved up to the ribbon stretched across the track in front of a waiting trolley, took an oversized scissors and promptly cut the ribbon.

The crowd boarded the trolley and rode over the new trackage to Relax and then back past Furnaceville to Pultneyville. There they descended to a picnic on the grass by the Lake.

The content of his first edition was a description of the methods employed in meeting the housing demand in this burgeoning town. As employees are hired they are given a house built by the railroads. They get a choice of twelve different architectural styles, ranging from a two bedroom Craftsman style cottage to a stately five bedroom Tudor or a massive Queen Anne. The neighborhoods are laid out around a town square. The square contains all the town offices on one side with the other three sides containing shops and service businesses like the paper and doctor’s and lawyer’s offices. Main Street runs into the square from the east and leaves it heading west. It runs from the eastern edge of town to the western edge. It begins and ends with a park complete with sidewalks and fountains and lots of trees. The eastern park, called Doubleday Park, contains a Base Ball diamond. The western park, named WaterForde Park has a lake with fishing access and boat rentals. The town was laid out and the styles were blended and the parks were designed by the Real Estate and Decorating firm of Dyanne Callahan, a prestigious firm from New York. Transportation to and through the town is provided by the Coldwater Traction Company. The trolley company is building a new line through the center of town. Branches take passengers to the mine complex and will eventually run on separate grades to Pultneyville and Relax.

Coldwater Traction will also build another line in Relax to handle the increased trolley traffic. This passing siding will run the length of the town on the opposite side of the depot from the current Coldwater Central main line, which the Coldwater Traction Company has trackage rights over. Because the depot sits on the edge of a steep ravine, a trestle will need to be constructed to carry the new track past the depot.

The Gandydancer has announced that a survey crew will arrive at the sight in a week or two. They will lay out the plans for this passing siding and a new connection from the P&C trackage near Pultneyville to the Coldwater Central spur at Furnaceville, turning this into a branch line to be known as the Furnaceville Connection.

The Traction Company included in its announcement a statement from the Conductor, which read in part, “The Coldwater traction Company has entered into a formal agreement with the Pultneyville and Canesteo railroad and the Coldwater Central Railroad to operate trolleys over the new Furnaceville Connection. Additional agreements have been signed with both railroads leasing space in their respective depots and contracting for future Traction Company owned track in each town. This agreement includes a new passenger depot at Furnaceville with an attached freight warehouse.

The logistics are mind numbing. First the tracks need to be cleared, necessitating continuous plow train runs. Then the prefab modular sections of the new housing need to be loaded and shipped to the mine. This makes plow runs difficult as it is snowing so hard that pausing in the run to allow supply trains through means that the tracks fill up again. To accommodate this system, the railroads run two plow trains each. One precedes the supply train and the second one follows.

In addition, the Coldwater Traction Company has to get the stranded people out of both towns and up to their new housing at the mine. The trolleys have to fit in behind the second plow train and time their runs so as to load and unload and still avoid the next run of the first plow train. This makes for some very tired dispatchers, train crews and motormen. They all fight on; their pride and pride in their railroads is at stake.

The town fenced off a section of undeveloped parkland to form a parking lot large enough to handle the volume of traffic trying to enter the road-less town. The town has also contracted with Eastern Enterprises, a southern traffic control company, to handle the parking crush they are now experiencing.

The Catspaw Gazette interviewed the President of Eastern Enterprises, Ronnie Burdette, as he set up his staff to direct traffic. He said that this was the worst crowd his company (which handles the traffic for the North Carolina State Fair and a number of NASCAR races) has ever experienced.

The influx of people started late yesterday just after the Furnaceville Mining Company announced it was hiring. Since Catspaw is the most accessible town in the area, it is the first to experience this rush of job seekers heading to Relax.

Their announcement revealed the information that a new deposit of iron ore had been discovered in the area almost a year ago. Since that time the railroads had cooperated in a survey of the area, mapping out the extent of the deposit. The survey revealed a large ore deposit sitting close to the surface. Core samples indicated that the ore vein was extensive and deep. The railroads entered into an agreement to jointly develop this ore field. Today’s press release officially announced this joint agreement.

The release explained that a joint holding company had been formed. The new company would be known as The New Furnaceville Mine Company. The name was selected because the ore deposit was located in the same area as the original Furnaceville mine, which operated and closed over one hundred years ago. The formation of this new company would amount to a partial merger of the two railroads. Under the agreement each railroad would have equal access to the mine facility. The Coldwater Central would rebuild the portion of the old P&N spur, which leads from Relax to the mine. They would also deed the right of way from the mine to Sodus Point to the P&C, allowing them access to the mine.

When reached for comment on the agreement, John Connors (Gandy) stated that he was pleased overall with the final agreement. He was amused, however, at the wording of the announcement, which, he indicated, was kind to the CC.

“ They forgot to mention that the P&C had already one-upped them by laying track into the area. We were set to take over traffic from the mountains to the Sodus docks. The only thing that saved face for them was my discovery of the ore and my generous offer to share the discovery with those assholes!”

Upon hearing these comments, Engineer Callahan issued the following retort, “ That old fart seems to have a need to rewrite the history of his imbecilic bumbling to make himself look good! The truth is that he built a spur from his dilapidated railroad to nowhere. He kidnapped the Conductor and me to show us where it stopped at our property line and to beg for access! When we wouldn’t immediately agree he threw a temper tantrum. He “discovered” the ore while kicking everything in sight in a fit of rage! It was only our recognizing what he had uncovered during his tantrum that has saved from looking in public like the fool he is!”

Gandy was last seen stomping off toward his waiting engine mumbling something about “lawyers”.

Water dripped from the eves of the engine house and backshop of the newly rebuilt P&C yard. Rain fell on the hot boilers of the engines as they stood on the yard tracks. It turned instantly to steam and added to the veil of smoke and steam that enveloped the slowly percolating engines.

From out of the mist one lone mournful whistle sounded. The whistles of all the engines in the yard joined it, one by one.

As the steam pressure dropped the whistles faded until all was silent.

The rain continued to gently fall.

They were right about the train being unusual. Six individual puffs of steam and smoke could be seen shooting skyward from over the area the train traversed. A wave of excitement drifted through the gathering crowd. Never before had Relax seen six engines pulling one train!

Word spread rapidly and soon the whole town was trackside. This was just too much to process. For the last year they had watched trainloads of construction equipment pass through their town. Trains loaded with track and ties, lumber and steel, had been flowing in a constant stream up the tracks. But one, or at the most two, engines had pulled all these trains. Six engines were beyond the scope of anything they had ever witnessed.

They watched as the engines hove into view around the bend and came rumbling toward them one after the other. What a surprise to see both P&C and CC engines in the same consist! They craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the train’s cargo. A ripple of excitement again passed through them when they saw the huge machinery that was loaded aboard the flat cars strung behind the engines. The loads hung over the edges of the flatcars, dwarfing them. They were so high that it was a wonder that they cleared the tunnels on the line. The crowd stood in awe as the train crept through the town and headed up the new track.

The debate started as the caboose glided by. The crowd waived at the Conductor, who was standing on the rear platform, and shouted questions to him about the cargo. He just smiled and waived back at them. Opinions ran hot and heavy about what the cargo was to be used for. Everyone had a guess as to what the railroads were going to do with all that huge stuff.

Then an old man, holding a bottle of beer in his hand, came strolling out of a bar. He looked at the passing train and said to those around him. “ That’s an old mine shaft liner and that other stuff is the equipment needed to sink it. I haven't seen one of those since we stopped mining ore in these parts. You don't suppose those dudes found a new ore deposit, do you?”

The proper citizens edged away from him. One of them snickered. “ Ore! They mined all they out a hundred years ago! Dumb drunk.”

“ Well, if they did find a new deposit” shouted the old man “ Hold on to your hats because we will be in for a ride like you've never seen before. Last ore deposit around these parts was worth as much as silver!”

They reflected on the chaos and intense activity that had been the hallmark of the last six months. Relax had been overwhelmed by the constant trainloads of ballast, track, lumber and equipment rumbling through town. Seven days a week, all summer long, CC trains and P&C trains had followed closely on each other’s tails, racing up the former Labatt’s siding, now the revived P&N line. The townsfolk had ventured up the line to see what was going on but were deterred from exploring by tall fences and guards. This had caused the town residents to become upset.

The Town Council had filed suit against the two railroads but the courts had thrown it out when it was discovered that the railroads had purchased all the land north of the town and it was now private property.

Sensing that it would be good to keep the town friendly, the railroads had leaked news about an exciting new enterprise they would announce in the fall, an enterprise that would bring many jobs to the area. The complaints ceased overnight. And now, here they sat at a crucial juncture and, as usual they were just waiting on that irascible old fart.

They decided to wait no longer. The Engineer withdrew a sheaf of papers from his briefcase. They bent their heads earnestly over them.

They were just beginning to discuss the main parts of the document when, from beside them, a gravelly voice murmured “Assholes!” The Gandydancer had arrived.

After the usual round of insults, the three men put their heads together and spent the next hour in grave conversation. Their deliberations were accompanied by a constant flow of full glasses replacing empty ones.

It wasn’t long before the unusually non-violent presence of these three attracted the attention and inquiry of all the establishments’ patrons. It was immediately clear to all present that something big was in the works. They knew these three had promised jobs, so conversation soon turned to speculation about the earnestness and compatibility of the three at the corner table.

The Board of Directors ignored the increasingly obvious attention and continued in their intense deliberations. Sometimes things did not look like they were progressing well as the Gandydancer would pound the table or fling back his chair, stand up and waive his fists over the others. He would sit down again, however, and the conversation would resume.

After several hours Gandy rose from the table, grabbed a pen and signed the papers, saying loudly. “There, it’s done!” He watched as the others signed. They shook hands all around and Gandy turned and strode purposely away. The Engineer and Conductor also stood, slapped each other on the back, paid the bill and followed the Gandydancer out of the station.

What a time it had been! The avalanche that buried Relax had been the worst in the long history of that mining town. It had taken weeks for the Railroad to break through the packed snow to reach the town. The Coldwater central had thrown all available resources into clearing the track. The work would be still going on even now in late March had not the Gandydancer brought in all the crews and equipment from the Pultneyville & Canisteo Railroad to help.

“ Even though he had that string of gons stranded there, it was still a nice thing to do.” Admitted the Engineer.

“Sure was.” Agreed the Conductor. “I think he will also benefit from getting his trains through, but he could have sat it out and waited ‘til the snow melted. His being so anxious to help clear the track makes me wonder what else the old coot has up his sleeve.”

“ I thought it was strange when we agreed to give him temporary trackage rights to access his defunct trackage that he agreed so peacefully.” Stated the Engineer. “But when he insisted that we keep silent about the deal, I started to worry. He is not so proud as to be embarrassed and he’s clever enough to spin a story to his advantage. Something is up and I’m afraid we might find out what the hard way. Reach into the fridge and get me another, will you?”

The Conductor leaned over and opened the refrigerator door sitting at his elbow. “ Oh oh.” He said. “ Looks like the power is out – or the bulb burned out.” He leaned over to check the plug which he found still firmly planted in the socket of the extension cord which connected the refrigerator to the power inside the trackside shanty a few yards from the caboose. “ Maybe it came unplugged out there. I’ll go check.”

“ Don’t bother.” Replied the Engineer with a “not again!” expression on his face. I think we are about to be enlightened. Look!” He pointed out the window in the door of the caboose, through which could be seen the rear of a P&C tender gliding toward them. “ Hold on!” he yelled.

The pair was tossed to the floor when the couplers collided. They jumped to their feet and ran to the door in time to see the elfin face of the Gandydancer appear in the window, fiendishly grinning as he dropped a crowbar across the door, effectively locking them in. Then he slowly reached up and tipped his hat. Turning away, he hooked up the air hoses and made his way to the cab of his engine.

“Who in flippin Hell does he think he is, John Wayne?!” roared the Engineer.

The Conductor grinned at him for a few seconds and replied. “ Right now He’s the engineer.” They popped two cold ones and sat back down. The train eased forwarded out of the Catspaw yard and took the main to Coldwater. “He’s taking us for a ride on our own railroad! Exclaimed the Conductor. “ This should be interesting!”

“I can see the headlines now.” Bemoaned the Engineer. “ CC Board of directors taken for a ride by the P&C. I guess our offer of on-going discussions didn’t meet his needs.”

“ Well, if we keep the fridge door closed as much as possible, the refreshment should stay cold for as long as it takes to get to wherever he is taking us” observed the Conductor.

The two men sat in quiet conversation as they watched their own railroad pass by outside their window. They merely shook their heads in resignation as they passed Coldwater at speed and took the switch onto the Fantasy branch, heading towards Relax. They threw more wood in the stove as the temperature dropped on their climb into the mountains.They both rose to their feet as the train approached Relax but showed no signs of slowing.

“ Well, this is interesting” Said the Engineer. “ There are about two hundred feet of siding at the end of this town and that ends inside the Labatts Storage and Consumption Company. At the speed we are now going we won’t stop until we’re swimming in beer!”

They both grabbed the handrails in the middle of the caboose and braced for the inevitable collision. But, to the amazement of both they found themselves entering the old P&N track which they had abandoned over a year previously.

“ Why that little S.O.B.!” Yelled the Engineer. “ He has used the trackage rights to hide the fact that he put the P&N switch back in.! He refused our offer to sell him the tracks. He cajoled us into letting him have rights to the Labatt siding so he could access his overgrown trackage and rebuild it. Instead of doing that, he relays the P&N switch and uses the track without even asking!”

The train slowed and came to a stop about a mile past the Labatt siding. Gandy dropped nimbly from the cab and lifted the crowbar from the door of the caboose. Jumping down to the roadbed he called back. “ Before you two get your shorts in a knot come and look at this.”

In front of the train was yet another new switch. This one led off to some brand new track, which headed east of the P&N track. “It connects to the old P&C track which my crews have rehabbed almost all the way to Pultneyville.” Gandy stated. “ I wanted to get you’re sorry asses out here so you could see the veracity of my argument that by allowing me permanent trackage rights over your little siding I would allow you to keep this connection to the P&C. This could be advantageous to the both of us when I get the rest of the old line all rehabbed.”

“How, you old fart!” Yelled the Engineer. “ Your little railroad only runs from the Lake to Canisteo! What possible use could that be for us?”

“ Why you little Asshole! “ Roared the Gandydancer. He stalked off to the right of the railroad, turned and, in a tantrum, began kicking dirt and rocks at the other two.

“Wait!” shouted the Conductor bending over and picking up one of the just kicked rocks. Holding it up for the Engineer to see, he turned to the Gandydancer and said. “ You just may have made yourself a deal, old man!”

Gandy rejoined the group. The three of them huddled over the rock, deep in conversation.

The wrecker slowed as it glided into Relax and eased up to the destroyed gon. The snow removal crews, about a hundred persons strong at this point, stopped in their work as the wrecker crew scrambled from their machine and started to position the large boom of the crane over the remains of the ruined gon.

The snow removal crews had done a remarkable job in the twenty-four hours they had been on the job. They had shoveled out the entire P&C train in that short time. They were able to achieve so much because the residents of Relax who had been shoveling out their town since emerging from the mine tunnels aided them.

And now they watched in fascination as the wrecker’s boom lowered until it hung just above the gondola. It paused as the crew wrapped metal cables under the gon and attached them to the big hook. One of the crew uncoupled the gon from the rest of the consist. Then slowly, with a great sound of tearing metal, but very gently, the big crane lifted the gon straight up in the air about thirty feet, swung it around in a one hundred eighty degree arc and, extending its long boom over and past the engine, placed it precisely on a flat car coupled to the tender.

The crew detached the cables and the boom swung back into its rests. The crew re-boarded the wrecker and the P&C consist slowly reversed and headed back to Coldwater.

As the train passed the #2 plow train, still sitting quietly in the siding, Gandy leaned out the window of his engine and yelled to the plow crew. "It’s a ******* good thing that the train did not have one of my cabooses on the rear or I would have had to hand a certain Engineer his ass in a sling. The ****** Coldwater Central needs to ge some real engineers on board; Callahan needs to get a desk job and get out of the way of the P&C".

The shop crews of the two railroads soon found that they had a common philosophy of railroading and a common enthusiasm for their jobs. They all felt that a machine should be well maintained and tuned to the maximum limits of efficient performance. They held similar pride in the gleaming, like new appearance of their machinery.

A euphoric camaraderie pervaded the shops in spite of the long hours and the difficult tasks before them. Part of this feeling came from the infusion of funds into both railroad’s shops in recent months. There was no explanation from management, but suddenly, both shops had all the equipment and supplies they needed to maintain the railroad’s equipment as it should be maintained.

And now that equipment was being called on relentlessly to master the task of re-opening the Relax subdivision. To the crews it seemed like management knew something was up and provided the money in the nick of time. But both crews knew better than to believe that even for a second. They new that they're railroads only invested large sums of money when there were large sums to be made.

And so, the conversation between the crews as they worked side by side, was speculation as to what big event was being postponed until the snow was cleared.

This conversation came to a sudden halt with the hurried announcement that Rotary Snow plow #1 had had an accident and was being dragged back to the shops in the hope that it could be repaired quickly. Snow plow #2 , which had been following #1 widening the right of way, had backed into the siding at milepost 10 to allow #1 to back past it. It was now proceeding cautiously to see if it could determine what #1 had hit.

The shop crew gathers at the door to watch Engineer Callahan back the engine and plow onto the turntable. In spite of being thrown into the backhead with the force of the collision, Engineer Callahan had managed to recover and stop the consist before it derailed. Then, ignoring pain from burns and contusions, he had thrown the engine into reverse and cleared the plow from the scene. He had even been able to alert #2 engine crew to avoid yet another mishap. He had then proceeded to back down the entire distance to Coldwater and place the consist on the turntable. The crews, amid cheers for a job well done, helped him from the engine. The plow crew had ridden out the mishap safely belted into their control seats high above the rotary. They were shaken up, but unhurt. They gathered around Engineer Callahan, thanking him for his gallant actions, which had kept them from harm.

The crews peer through the worsening snowstorm as the turntable pivots and the front of the plow begins to face them. As the hostler pushes it off the table and slowly eases it into a repair stall it is evident that the front fan blade has sheared off something which is now jammed in the fan housing.

The foreman sends two crewmembers for the cutting torches and marches to the damaged area. After glancing at the debris for less than a minute, he grabs his radio and calls the crew of plow # 2 to order them to stay clear of the accident scene.

“Snowplow # 1 hit the back end of a P&C gondola!” he shouts over the radio. You guys have reached Relax!”

The Foreman had remembered that the P&C gons had been on the main line when the avalanche had hit. In the snow it had been impossible for the plow train to identify just exactly where they were since snow buried the mile markers and all the landscape features. The plow had driven right into relax without being able to tell it had arrived.

Since no one had been seriously injured and the only damage had been sustained by the snowplow and the gon, this was essentially good news.

This news was immediately taken to the Engineer who quipped “ I can hear Gandy now! All those wise cracks about a helpless Engineer who cant see a gondola staring him in the face!”

“We are truly blessed to have this wonderful gift bestowed upon our fine village” Exclaimed the mayor. “ In one fell swoop, we have a refurbished village that will also have character and personality!”

Even as the Mayor spoke the train carrying the first building arrived in town. Decorated in banners and flags, it’s steam whistle blowing, it pulled up to the old depot with the new depot on flat cars between the engine and caboose.

The appearance of this train brought the town to the station and gave the residents their first look at Ms. Callahan’s benevolence.

Word spread rapidly and soon the whole town was in a party mood. In short order, the streets of the town were filled with revelers.

Nick Crego, the intrepid reporter for the Catspaw Gazette, waded through the revelers and approached the platform where the Mayor and Ms. Callahan stood.

“ Ms. Callahan!” Nick shouted to be heard over the crown noise. “ This is a very generous offer. I am amazed at your fortitude in being able to carry on with so great a caring for others in the light of your ongoing family situation. Has there been any word on the rescue efforts to recover your father and the Relax residents?”

Ms. Callahan looked puzzled. After a moment, a look of comprehension and a slow smile spread over her lovely features.

“ I’m sorry, but I can’t help but be amused at how soon people forget their history” She replied. “ My dad is just fine! He is at home right now, still celebrating the holidays. All the commotion about the avalanche has really puzzled both us, and the residents of Relax.”

“Why are you puzzled over our concern?” asked Nick. “ They have all been buried for over a month now! Surely there can be little hope of their survival! How did your dad get home? He was caught by the avalanche!”

“ A good journalist always does his research, Mr. Crego. If you had done yours, you would have learned what everyone used to know. Relax is a mining town. The whole mountain it sits on is filled with mine tunnels. Each building in town has access to those tunnels. When they were buried by the avalanche they simply walked out through the tunnels and started digging out the town. Dad came home on the new rail line. It never occurred to us that anyone wouldn’t know this.”

Tunnels? A new rail line? What was she talking about? Nick raced to the library to start some much needed research.

Still miles away, the Coldwater Central rotary chews away at the increasingly deep snow covering the tracks as it works its way up the mountain grade from Coldwater

In Catspaw, the town is crowded with media. They have come from every news source in the world to cover this disaster. The trains from Catspaw to Coldwater are packed with camera crews and reporters. Talking heads stand in front of the Coldwater depot with up to the minute reports of the rescue efforts. The railroad is besieged by requests to film the rotary in action.

The reporters arrive in Catspaw expecting to do human interest stories about grieving and distraught families. Some, seeing the crowds of competitors in town, go directly to the station and head to Coldwater, hoping for better stories closer to the action.

The news people also gather in both Pultneyville and Canesteo. They come prepared to get stories from the Gandydancer's employees and family. They know that both towns are devastated by having lost a whole crew to the avalanche.

So, you can imagine the surprise and confusion when film crews and reporters reach their destination and find all the local population happily going about putting up Christmas decorations! Reporters start to wonder if they have been transported to the twilight zone. Their questions about the tragedy are met with laughter.

The town people, being of a quiet and non - glory seeking disposition, shed no light on why they are not grieving the loss of their fellow citizens. They merely laugh and walk away.

In the restaurants and bars, the reporters are welcomed with open arms and merry hearts because the extra business they bring in is much appreciated. But their inquiries into the lack of tragic response are met with slight smiles and a change of subject. The most aggressive ones are politely told not to be rude.

Could it be that no one morns the tragedy that befell this small community? Does no one care about the Gandydancer and his crew? Does no one morn the lost citizens of Relax? (M.F.)

A lone P&C steam engine slowly makes its way into the depot and stops on the main. It's crew uncouples it from its small train of gons and then switches it to the engine service track for water and coal. The tired crew leaves their charge in the hands of the hostler and trudge to the diner for lunch.

The train's consist blocks the main, but no one seems concerned. In fact, it is obvious that there is no other choice. All the sidings are full of gons, trapped in the snow. The only tracks available are the main and the service track now occupied by the engine.

In the diner, the Gandydancer, who drove the P&C train into Relax, turns to his crew and tells them that lunch is on him. He winks at them and tells them that he expects that they will wish to have several cups of coffee with lunch.

As the waiter serves their orders, a slight tremble shakes the coffee in their cups. As they start to eat, another tremor, harder this time, shakes the building. As they look around, wondering what is happening, the ground rumbles and the building shakes violently. A roar, as of a fast freight, surrounds them.

The crew gets up and rushes to the door, remembering that their train sits on the main and wondering if another train is somehow coming through town. At the door their progress is halted by a wall of white that now occupies the narrow shoveled path that was the entrance. They are trapped by an avalanche!

The owner of the diner rushes upstairs to look out the attic window. He returns to report that it too is covered.

As the diners deal with the realization of their predicament, the rest of the town finds itself in equally bad shape. From the hills surrounding it, you can no longer tell that a town exists. A smooth, white, silent, deep blanket covers everything.

The Gandydancer strolls slowly from the door to the counter. He looks the frightened owner straight in the eye and says " Take this coffee back and pour me an ale!" (reported by M.F.)

Sitting closest to the stove was the Conductor. He was the only one in the room who looked like he was enjoying himself. He sipped his coffee and stared out the window. Soon his train would pull up to the door (the tracks run right through the street in front of the store), and he would be off again on yet another plow run to keep the line to Coldwater and Relax open for another day.

The snow in the mountain passes between Catspaw and Coldwater was deeper than any old timer could remember. The cold was also mind numbing. The temperature had not climbed above 0 degrees in weeks. The wind had not stopped blowing in all that time, bringing wind chills of 40 to 50 degrees below zero. It was a constant, every day effort to run the plow over the tracks to keep the line open.

The Conductor loved it. Sitting and watching snow fall and decorate the landscape was his favorite hobby. He could think of no better job than to ride the plow train up the mountain tracks.

When the Conductor got home to Coldwater, he would activate his own antique plow and run it up to Sodus Point. He wouldn't be able to make that run without permission for very much longer, he mused.

At the sound of the Hudson chugging up to the front of the store, the Conductor stirred himself, washed his cup and hung it back on its peg. He bade farewell to the checkers players, pushed through the door and hopped lightly into the cab of the Hudson to greet his friend Engineer Callahan. (MF; cc)

In the Coldwater Central yard, a Hudson sat on the turntable preparing to drag a rotary plow out of its siding. The railroad had been caught unaware by the early snow.

This caused a problem because the CC had been actively assisting the P&C in what was evidently a huge track construction project. The CC had been storing P&C gons loaded with ballast in its Coldwater yard. CC's own flat cars were also crammed into this yard and the tiny yard at Relax. These flats were loaded with rail. To top off all this mysterious activity, the yard at Catspaw was playing host to a CSX rail welding unit train, which was parked on it's lead track!

Apparently, the storm stopped an imminent welded rail track project, which is evidently being coordinated by both railroads. The general public, however, is still stymied. Railfans can find no trace of track bed preparations anywhere on the Coldwater Central. The P&C is undergoing a large track upgrading along it's whole line, but the Gandydancer seems to have that well in hand. He does not appear to need any help or resources from other railroads.

The questions remain. What is all the rail and ballast for? What could either railroad use a rail welding unit for?

The snow, it seems, will prolong the wait and increase the anticipation until the questions can be answered. (MF)

Not since The Gandydancer had rescued the CC train form the snowdrift at the brewery siding several years ago, had anyone ever seen a P&C train at Relax. And no one could remember ever having seen a P&C through freight go through town.

Calls to the depot at Relax were met with no information. The Coldwater Central would only say that the train was a special move. The people of Coldwater realized that something big was in the works. They waited for the next event. (MF)

This operation was different. Not one but two 0-8-0 switchers had their steam up and were busily working the storage tracks. They were pulling out the old P&C gons and assembling them into trains. They were adding cabooses to the rear of these trains. Maintenance-of-way crews were clearing brush and working on several tracks in the small yard. An there, commandingly directing the whole operation, was the Gandydancer, Jack Connors. One look at the broad smile on his face told residents, more than any other fact, that something big was happening to the sleepy little railroad that had its southern terminal in their town.

Several interested citizens ventured into the yard to speak to the Gandydancer and find out what was going on. They were met with a clap on the back and an even bigger grin and a polite request to leave the railroad property for their own safety.

As they watched, the residents saw the long-shuttered business office being reopened, cleaned and repaired. And, lo and behold, a "Help Wanted" sign appeared at the entrance to the property!

Rumors abounded! "The old boy has gone over the edge!" "CSX is buying the P&C!" "NS and CSX are in a hot battle for southern tier business and are fighting for control of the P&C!"

"You boys are all nuts! What's really happening is that the Coldwater Central has bought the P&C!" "Didn't you hear what that new reporter down at the Catspaw Gazette has been saying he overheard?" "You will see the CC engines pulling in here any day now!"

Gandy, on hearing these rumors, laughed heartily. He strolled over to his personal Mogul, climbed into the cab, coupled it to the head end of a string of gons, and with whistle blowing was last seen heading out of town. (MF)

(Catspaw) A local woman has taken on the arduous task of making our area a beautiful place to live.

Dyanne Callahan was on vacation in September 2002 when she came across a quaint depot, which was for sale. The depot needed to be moved, but because of this encumbrance the price was very reasonable. As she stood admiring the Victorian architecture of the depot, Ms. Callahan recalled a recent trip she had taken to the town of Coldwater. She had been saddened by the decrepit, chewed-up look of the town. She knew from listening to the concerns of her husband, that the town lacked a decent depot. The one owned by the Coldwater Central, a building which had served as the railroad's headquarters, had fallen on hard times and was no longer usable. Now, gazing on this well maintained, beautiful building, Ms. Callahan decided to do something to beautify Coldwater.

She purchased the depot and arranged to have it shipped (by railroad, of course) to Coldwater. She contacted the management of the Coldwater Central to see if they would be willing to accept the depot as a gift to them and to the beautification of the town.

The Coldwater Central gratefully agreed. Soon the old depot was removed and replaced with the beautiful new structure. The Victorian architecture of the depot fit in so well with the mountainous vistas of the town that everyone was thunderstruck when they first encountered it.

Ms. Callahan has remained quietly active in her resolve to improve the appearance of Coldwater. This past week, three new buildings arrived in town and were placed on prepared sites. These additions have transformed the town! This area will be forever indebted to the generosity and artistic eye of this fine lady. (MF)

That was the way his editor,"Big" Ed McNulty, wanted it. "Big" Ed viewed this cub as a pain in the ass that had to be tolerated. So he sent him out into the town with a laptop and advice to keep his eyes open for a story. Nick had spent his day walking the streets of what he considered a flea bitten town. He had checked all the political offices, the businesses, the clubs and the alleys. He had come up empty. So now, as evening rolled in and dark took over the town, he strolled into Flaherty's, no longer looking for a story, just a drink.

As he moved through the door his vision was clouded by the haze of cigar and cigarette smoke and his ears were deafened by loud Irish music and loud Irish brogues. He squirmed his way on to a just vacated bar stool, set his laptop on the bar, heaved a sigh of relief and motioned the barkeep for a Guinness. As his eyes slowly cased the room looking for good looking women, he spotted them.

They would have been hard to miss, even for a new-to-the-town person such as himself. Not only were they the most powerful business owners in the region, but their quarrelling and disharmony was legendary. They single-handedly kept the local economy on pins and needles with their bickering. They were managers of the biggest railroad and also competitors, as one of them also owned his own line.

But there, in a corner of the bar farthest away from the door, obscured by the smoke, (a lot of which was generated by their own cigars) sat the Engineer, the Gandydancer and the Conductor of the Coldwater Central! The much rumored, historic meeting was taking place in the roughest bar in town and Nick was the only one who seemed to notice!

Nick was desperate to hear what was being said. he quickly formed a plan to get closer. Leaving his laptop to mark his spot, he picked up his Guinness and causally strolled over to the area where the three were sitting. He caught the eye of a guy sitting around the corner of the bar from the trio. and flashed a twenty. Having caught his interest,(and taking a big chance of getting the crap beat out of him),he moved up, pointed to his laptop and offered the guy the money to trade places. The guy's face relaxed. He quietly palmed the twenty, got up and strolled away. Nick took his seat.

"Over my dead body!" was the first thing he heard the Gandydancer saying. Nick's heart stopped! would they come to blows? He relaxed when he glanced up to see all three men laughing at what was obviously the punch line to one of Gandy's innumerable jokes. The Conductor signaled to the bartender and three more brews appeared before the trio. Their heads leaned close together as they appeared to engage in an intense but amiable discussion. By the time the beers were finished, they seemed to have mutually agreed on something. They shook hands all around and all looked pleased.

As the Gandydancer rose from his seat and put on his coat, Nick heard him say, "Truth be told, if you wanted the P&C, it could be had pretty cheap!" With that parting remark, he turned and walked out the door.

The two remaining managers smiled, shook hands and ordered a pitcher. Nick left his stool, raced around the bar to grab his laptop, ran out the door and up the street to the Gazette. He rushed to his desk and spent the next several hours writing and re-writing his career making story. "Gandy to Sell P&C to the Coldwater Central!", the three inch headline would read. "Big" Ed read the story, moved his cigar from one side of his mouth to the other, swerved around in his chair and fed the story to the shredder. "You got nut'in kid! Gandy goes around saying that to everyone!"

Nick slowly walked back to his desk. He new he had witnessed something big. If not the sale of the P&C to the Coldwater Central, then something! Those guys had looked to much like they had agreed on a plan. But what could it be?

The Shop is also completing a new tank car for the Labatt Storage and Consumption Company in Catspaw. The first of its kind, the car is actually two separate tankers on one car frame, allowing the customer to allocate specific amounts of product to separate destinations. The railroad intends to build several of these cars if this one proves to be as successful as it is hoped it will be.

The Shop is also repainting PCC 1501 into CC's black, white and red color scheme. The SW 1500 switcher is next up for a rebuild and painting in the new corporate colors.

He was fully awake by the time the hand passed his hips. He turned onto his back and the hand detoured across his stomach and chest and, tickling his neck, came to rest on the left side of his head. It softly caressed his brow, lulling him back into a dreamy relaxation. He had entered a state of contentment so deep that it was only after the sound of her breathing registered a distinct pattern on his saturated brain that he realized that she was talking to him.

He listened carefully as she said it again. “ It snowed!”
“A lot?” he asked.
”Looks like it from here.” She replied.

“I don’t care.” He stated, cuddling against her and kissing her neck.

“ You will in a few minutes when you realize that there is enough snow so that you can play with your new toy.” She teased. “ So get up and go play!”

As she spoke, the alarm clock clicked on but only static leaped from the speaker. They both turned and stared, listening to the sound of dead air.

“I told you there was a lot of snow.” She said. “ The railroad is going to need you and your new toy. You had better hurry or your friend Chris will have that steamer of his pushing the rotary up from Coldwater before you get your shower.”

He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. As he passed the window, he looked out toward the Relax depot. He did a double take and stared out the window.

“The snow is up to the depot’s porch roof!” he yelled.

He ran to the bathroom and raced through his shower. He threw on his clothes and was running down the stairs when the smell of coffee hit him. As he entered the kitchen he spied her at the stove flipping eggs over easy in the pan. She handed him a hot cup of coffee and slid the eggs from the pan onto two slices of toast. Placing them on the table she said,

“As long as you’re going to be playing all day you need to eat a good breakfast first.”

He wolfed it down, grabbed his coat, stomped into his boots and, sucking on his coffee, headed to the door. Halfway there he stopped, turned around, walked back to her, bent her slightly backward and kissed her long and lovingly. He straightened her up, turned, and ran out the door.

The barn in which his new toy was stored was connected to the house by an unheated passageway, like a snowshed in both appearance and purpose.

“Without this I would never get out of the house today!” he thought as he walked through it and opened a side door leading into the barn.

His “toy” sat on the tracks that ran into the barn through the barn door, which slid sideways on the inside of the building, allowing him to open it no matter how much snow there was outside.

And snow there was. When he slid the door back, he faced a five-foot wall of snow. It did not appear to be a drift.

He turned and looked at his toy. Sitting on the tracks before him was an antique Ruggles snowplow.

It was a very simple plow. Built on a twenty – four foot Carter Brother’s flat car, it most resembled a short boxcar with two fans attached to the front. The first fan looked like a two – bladed wooden airplane propeller. It was mounted on a shaft just in front of the second fan. This blade was designed to slice through the snow and send it back to the second fan. The second fan was a six bladed assembly with square paddles mounted on the ends of the blades. It was encased in a circular wooden housing, with an opening at the top, which served as a chute through which the paddles could fling the snow. The mounting shaft ran through the front of the boxcar and was connected to a large electric motor by means of a clutch. An operator could engage or disengage the clutch by means of a lever.

The snowplow had originally received power for its electric motor from an overhead trolley wire through a trolley pole mounted on its roof. The Conductor had re – routed the power to a trailing flat car with a gas-powered generator mounted on it. He had built a small boxcar like cover over the generator. He had mounted traction motors on the axles of both cars. These also received power from the generator.

The conductor had spent the summer rebuilding this plow. And now he would have his first chance to run it. He would, that is, if he got a move on, before Engineer Callahan pushed through from Coldwater with his big rotary. He wasn’t too worried however since engineer Callahan had the main lines from Catspaw to Coldwater to clear first. The Conductor thought that it would take a while before Engineer Callahan pushed through the mountain to the Fantasy Branch. He finished admiring his little plow, walked to the power car and opened the door. He held his breath as he turned the starter handle and listened to the engine crank. He relaxed as the motor caught and settled into a smooth, powerful rumble. He shut the door and moved quickly to the snowplow. He opened the door on the left side of the plow and climbed aboard.

It was dark inside. He opened the shutters that covered the window in the door. This was his only view outside the car. He could only see to the front if he opened the door and peered out. He moved to the controller he had installed and threw the switch, which engaged the motor. As the motor began to spin, he grabbed his ear protectors and put them on. He waited until the motor reached its maximum revolutions and then reached over, grabbed the clutch lever and slowly engaged the clutch. He listened to the sound of the fans rotating. The sound indicated that they were spinning smoothly. He opened the door and leaned out to observe the barn door. He advanced the controller and the plow began to move.

He felt the same rush of excitement a kid feels when a long expected and hoped for event finally happens. As the first fan attacked the snow blocking the barn door, it cut through it like a hot knife through butter. The snowplow glided out of the barn and down the siding to the main line.

He leaned out the door and glanced toward his house. She was standing on the porch, smiling and waving at him. She blew him a kiss before turning and hurrying back in from the cold.

The thought of the cold made him realize that he was freezing! He reached over and flipped a switch. Electric heaters, mounted along the base of the walls, started to glow and send out waves of warmth.

“This” he thought, “ is close to paradise!”

The snowplow reached the switch at the main line. Anticipating a storm, he always aligned the switch for his siding before retiring. So now the plow rocked over it and out onto the main line.

He stopped the plow just past the main switch. Grabbing shovel and broom, he lowered himself onto the ground in the narrow space the extra width of the fans had carved from the snow bank. He walked back to the switch and shoveled out the throw and switch stand. He shoveled and swept the points and then re-aligned the switch for the main.

Returning to the snowplow, he advanced the controller and moved off towards the depot. He could guess how fast to run the plow by the sound of the laboring plow motor. The plow rumbled past the depot and out of town towards the Labatt’s storage siding and the Sodus Point Branch.

As he passed the Labatt’s siding he stopped the plow and shut down the electric motor. He jumped down, walked back down the track and cleared out the Labatt’s switch. As he stood there, he could hear the faint sounds of the 0-8-0 switcher and the big rotary bouncing off the tunnel at Coldwater. Engineer Callahan had entered the Fantasy branch and was headed toward Relax.

The Conductor threw the switch for the siding, knowing that Engineer Callahan would, upon finding Relax plowed, come up and plow out this siding before heading back down and waiting for him at the Relax depot.

The Conductor hopped back into his plow and started up the Sodus Point branch. He reached Sodus Point without incident. He turned on the loop they had just constructed there, shoveled out the loop switch, and headed back down toward Relax. He stopped at the Labatt’s switch. The siding had been plowed and the switch was re-aligned for the main.

He sounded his horn to let Engineer Callahan know he was back on the Fantasy Branch. He heard answering blasts from the 0-8-0 sitting on the depot siding. He proceeded into Relax and parked on the main next to the steaming switcher. He hopped out and walked into the depot just in time to reach out and accept the cold one Engineer Callahan had just pulled from the fridge. The Engineer greeted the Conductor with a huge grin.

“Great day to be running trains!” he exclaimed.

“ Always!” replied the Conductor.

He was glad they had decided to run this test trip early on Sunday morning. He was also glad for the snowstorm. At least this way, if anything happened there would only be the two of them around to witness it. He knew that the hordes of railfans would descend on the new division when they learned it was open. He didn’t feel ready to face them today. Although both he and the Engineer were diehard railroad enthusiasts themselves, some railfans were so obnoxious that the CC crew avoided that moniker like the plague. For that reason, and the fact that a certain rival railroad would make the most of any mishap that might occur, they had scheduled this run early and kept it a secret.

Engineer Callahan was keeping a Very light hand on the throttle. The conductor could feel the tension that the Engineer was experiencing through the feel of the train as it slowly negotiated the new track. The first bridge was rapidly approaching. That would be the crisis point of the whole trip. Even though he knew the bridge was built beyond maximum requirements, crossing it easily would be a reassurance that all would be well. He opened the front door of the caboose, headed across the platform, jumped the coupler and climbed to the top of the boxcar. As he made his way across the roof of the car he had to pause and admire again the beautiful countryside this train traveled through. Upstate New York might have its troubles but, for his money, it was the most beautiful part of the United States.

Reaching the front of the car he quickly descended the ladder, jumped the coupler and entered the fireman’s side of the engine.

“ I thought we might as well cross the bridge together.”

“Okay. Hang on ‘cause here we go!”

The train glided smoothly across the bridge. Both men seemed to relax. The trackwork was done perfectly.

“Gandy seems to have done it again.” Mumbled the conductor. “Damn, I hate to admit it, but he's the best track man in the country.”

Engineer Callahan blew the crossing at Rt.104 and the train crossed the wye and headed north to Sodus point. The trip was smooth and effortless.

“Revenue run tomorrow. Let's tie up at the point and have some coffee before we head back.”, said the Engineer.

The mood brightened considerably when the CC unveiled its new business train. Certainly good things were happening if the railroad invested in such a grand train. And so, today, people from Coldwater, Catspaw and Relax converged on the Coldwater Central’s corporate offices in eager anticipation of some good news.

And good news they got! The Coldwater Central announced that it had acquired the long abandoned – in – place trackage of the Pennsylvania RR Sodus Bay Line which it would use, along with the old coal storage building and dock area to reestablish a link with our Northern Neighbor for the import of various commodities. The sheltered harbor of Sodus Bay would facilitate the transfer of cargo between railcar and ship. The CC would also be able to develop a transfer facility, which they were not able to do in the limited area in Pultneyville.

The railroad also announced the abandonment of the recently rebuilt trackage of the Pultneyville & Northern. CC crews were currently at work removing the track.

The new connection would follow the old P&N right of way from Relax, southwest to the crossing of the old Royal Blue Line Interurban route, which the CC had just purchased and was already re-grading and re-ballasting. From there the new line would connect to the PRR line in Wallington, N.Y.

The CC also announced a trackage rights agreement with the Ontario Midland RR which would allow them to run south to Newark, N.Y. and West to Webster, N.Y.

The property of the P&N is now up for sale.

Coldwater Central management announced that the new transfer facility has already generated a large import contract with Labatts and a large export contract with Genesee Brewing Company who is negotiating establishing a brewery in the Sodus Point transfer facility.

Coldwater Central management indicated that these events took place only after many months of long and complex negotiations and thanked the local citizens for their patience awaiting the successful outcome.

But even more exciting was the set of A-B-A PA units to which the Rose was coupled! Also completely restored and painted in NYC lightning stripes, they were a sight to behold. The Coldwater Central logo was prominently displayed on the noses of the A units and on the sides of the B unit. It was a consist to melt the heart of any railfan.

The CC management would not comment about an itinerary for this new business train.

Good things like the warm wood stove glowing just below him. The thin curl of smoke issuing from the stove’s chimney behind his head was replicated and magnified by the smoke from the engine stack up ahead. Between the two smoke plumes stretched his whole train. To his eye it was truly a thing of beauty. It also produced the income that allowed him to continue to own and work this great railroad.

Up ahead around the bend and behind the mountain was his home, Relax, where every night he could go tend his garden, visit his friends and neighbors and listen to the trains run on his railroad.

In the engine cab was his best friend. A finer engineer had never moved a train over this railroad. They inherited this line from their ancestors several years ago and since that time had turned it into a thing of beauty. He watched the stack in sheer admiration for the wonderful balance the engine was always kept in no matter what the terrain . The Engineer was truly an artist.

Then there was their partner Gandy. Over the years the Gandydancer had improved the right of way so much that the trains ran fast and smoothly. The man sure knew his job.

He smiled as he thought of all the ribbing and all the smart remarks he had subjected Gandy to over the years. He really liked the Gandydancer and he knew down deep that the engineer and he both viewed Gandy as a father figure. He had to shake his head in regret over the happenings in Pultneyville during the past year. Boy did he ever stir up a hornet’s nest when he and the Engineer tried to move into Gandy’s railroad’s territory. A bad move that he now regretted.

That would be a part of the past very soon now. This train was the first one over the new alignment between Coldwater and Relax. This alignment was made necessary because of the bold moves that the Coldwater Central had made in their operating plan this past year. These moves would better situate the railroad for a more prosperous future. And just as importantly, they would make it okay with Gandy. Well, maybe they would make it okay; you could never tell with Gandy. At least they would have tried. Next week is the big announcement! When the public sees the new business train and the press hears the news, this place will have its lid blown off! It would be just great!. And the best thing about it was that there would be many more days for him to sit up here and gaze down at the whole world in quiet piece.

For months now the fans had tried to track down where the CC was taking all the rail and ties coming off the great lakes ships in Putneyville. They had been unable to locate or get near any part of the railroad where new construction was taking place. Something big has been happening all Summer, but they were still at a loss as to what that was.

To all their questions "Gandy" did not have one reply. He gently but firmly brushed them aside as he waded through the pack and entered the Coldwater Central offices and strode into the board room to meet the other owners.

" Well, the new tracking realignment on the relax division is complete!" he announced. "Now you can begin the new project and tell all those foamers outside what's going on! And you can get the Hell out of my town and leave my railroad alone!"

"Okay Gandy!, Calm down! We have every intention of keeping our end of the agreement." Replied Engineer Callahan. " As soon as we can start trains over the new Relax realignment we will make the announcement"

" It can't be too soon to suit me!" Gandy announced.

" So have you considered our offer of a joint working agreement?" asked the Conductor. " You will have a big announcement of your own to make after we make ours. Why not also announce a joint agreement that will keep a working relationship going but leave the railroads separate?"

The fans outside looked over the work train and took pictures of the used rail which was loaded on the flat cars.

When one of them trapped the Conductor he had pointedly referred them to the Gandydancer, saying that he alone new the answers. The Coldwater Central office periodically issued statements referring all inquiries to the Gandydancer. This was very frustrating in the light of the Gandydancer's statement.

Then there was the matter of the increase in traffic on the Coldwater Central. For the last week or two traffic had increased so much that it seemed that there was always a train running on the tracks. The train consists only added to the consternation. It seemed that half the trains were freights from the class one railroads; unit coal trains, boxcar/tanker mixed freights with privately owned cars and even some auto racks! These consists would never originate on the Coldwater Central so they had to come from an interchange. But where? No one seemed to know.

The other half of the traffic was trains of ballast and ties and rails. These were obviously intended to supply construction of new track or the rebuilding of existing roadbed. But no one could find any evidence of either type of construction. The MOW crews on the railroad were no more that the normal crews the Gandydancer used to maintain the CC's track. So where was all this material going? No one had a clue.

So they gathered in the Lunch Bucket. They argued back and forth about all the observations they had made and they tried to brainstorm new approaches to take to find out what was going on.

Their first observation was that no one had been able to talk to Engineer Callahan. It turned out that several had thought about it but had been unable to effect any kind of conversation with him. The Engineer was usually seen hurtling by at the throttle of an locomotive. If you tried to catch him at the end of his run, he seemed to have a magical way of disappearing. If you shouted to him as he ran a switcher, he would grin at you, raise his coffee cup in salute, and give you his famous stare. But he would promptly disappear when the switcher stopped.

They next discovered that no one, in spite of avidly hanging rail side these last several weeks, new where the MOW loads had gone. Everyone had seen them. The Train number fanatics had tried to trace them by their train numbers. (In this they had been disappointed because the CC does not use a train number system.) But no one had been able to track a single train to its destination. They decided that the problem was the mountainous terrain. The roadbed went through inaccessible places so that no one could follow a train. So each fan only new the short section of track he or she observed.

And so a plan evolved. Not much of a plan, mind you, but better than nothing. First, they would appoint a team to track down and question the Engineer. He drove the train. He knows it's destination. Figuring that he will only refer them to the Gandydancer, they plan to first contact the Labatt's storage and Consumption Co. and purchase a barrel of their finest to use as a bribe. Second, they will form teams with radios to man the tracks and follow the trains to their destinations. Lastly, They will picket the Gandydancer's home until they bug his long enduring wife to the point where she tells him to give them the information in order to give her a minutes peace. They fully expect that Gandy will try to sue them. No one suggests and liquid refreshment bribe for the Gandydancer. The memory of him at the Open Door Mission is to fresh in their minds.

In the corner of the bar farthest from the door two men sat sipping on large tankards of beer. They appeared to be deeply engaged in conversation. Every now in then they would break out in peals of laughter which would subside to chuckles, then smiles with " I can’t believe it" expressions on their shaking heads.

"I hear they found him at the Open Door Mission! Can you believe that! Says he was drugged by the other two owners. I wonder how they did that seein’ as how they was in the cab an’ all."

"Well I guess he had to say something! Still I don’t believe he is such a fool as to pass up such a deal as that merger thing!"

" Say! How about that! If they aren’t rebuildin’ that old goat’s railroad, then where’s all these trains of ties an’ rails and such goin?"

Good question.

Later during the day reliable sources indicated that the exec spun a wild tale about having met with representatives from another railroad enterprise for a friendly drink and an idea for cooperative relations between the rival railroads. He rebuffed plans to immediately respond to an offer of a merger of the two roads and angry words ensued.

In an interview with a local reporter he is alleged to have stated, "After a couple of drinks things got real hazy. I don't know whether I was drugged or not, but I seem to remember being in a real swanky railroad coach, being coerced into drinking beyond my usual conservative fashion and being alternately barraged by threats and persuasion to sell my controlling interest in P & C. At one point I seem to recall being led into an adjoining railroad coach where porn movies were being shown and where several shady ladies induced me to drink liberally from some of the finest single malt scotch I have ever had. This was followed by more threats and coercion after which I can remember nothing until the police picked me up by the Open Door."

The exec concluded with a statement that, "While I am in favor of cooperating with the other railroad in taking advantage of late changes in railroad operations in the southern tier, I will not be bullied into a hasty decision on a matter that involves faithful personnel and loyal stockholders."

It only took the railroad a few hours to open all the lines. Shortly after that revenue trains again moved over the railroad. The number of ballast trains heading south increased noticeably. The railroad keeps getting busier every day. Rumors are also growing about the merger with the P&C. CC management refers all questions to the Gandydancer.

Hoards of reporters are looking for Gandy. Will he ever make a statement??

It had been a good choice to stop in that little town. Although it was early, the diner had been fairly crowded. Everyone was talking about the railroad. No one seemed to know what was going on. Since early yesterday the rails from Pultneyville to Catspaw had be constantly polished by trains. Even the old timers could not remember seeing so much rail traffic on this line in the winter. It seemed that as soon as one train departed another took its place. The trains were longer than any that had run by this town in years. People were saying that the railroad was unloading rails and ties from ships pulling in at the newly finished pier in Pultneyville. There were also ballast trains coming from the gravel pits between Relax and Pultneyville. Speculation ran high as to what the railroad was doing, building new right of way or rebuilding the existing roadbed.

The most surprising trains were the ones from Catspaw to Pultneyville. These were loaded ore and grain trains, which had originated somewhere in the South by the look of the NS logos on the cars. And CSX was also shipping boxcars from Pennsylvania and New York City! This got everyone puzzled. Where were they coming from? When did the railroad get a connection with the class one roads? The only way that anyone knew that the Coldwater Central could connect with any class one would be if they had merged with the Pultneyville and Canesteo! But the railroads had not said anything. There was a rumor several months ago that they were talking, but neither railroad had made any public statements.

The loads of ties and rails would make sense if the merger were happening. The P&C’s right of way was hardly discernable in places. It would need a lot of work to bring it up to standards. They would also have to find somewhere to make that connection to the class ones. And that is what made this speculation so plausible. The Lakeville, Avon and Livonia Railroad just started operating a section of the old Erie line that connects to their Pennsylvania shortlines and also connects to the Norfolk Southern’s Southern Tier line. That line is only a few miles from the end of track for the P&C in Canesteo! The rail and ties flowing past relax could very well be for the connection of the P&C with the LA&L subsidiary and for the P&C rehab. Knowing the reputations of the owners of those railroads, no one in the diner doubted for a minute that they had built a temporary connection. That would explain all the NS and CSX traffic. It would also mean that that traffic might continue running.

And so he had left the diner and fumbled his way in the dark, through the roadless wilderness, to reach this spot in the hope of watching and photographing a day full of heavy traffic on this mountain railroad. Now, as he sat there watching the light gradually increase to the point where he could just barely make out the nearby rocks, he wondered if he wasn’t being a fool. Yesterday could have been a fluke. He might sit there and freeze all day and not see a train, for they were normally very rare on this stretch of track in the winter. Well, he was here now, so he set up his camera and waited.

Just as the Sun turned the eastern sky a light pink, a headlight appeared in the North, followed shortly by the unmistakable rumble of Alco diesels. As he focused his telescopic lens, a black and white Alco jumped into view. Smoke was pouring from the lead engine as it struggled up the grade. Three other Alcos were lashed to the leader straining to pull a long ballast train up the grade. His camera snapped several pictures as they crested the hill and ran past him. If that was the only train today he felt that the trip had been worth it.

That thought had hardly entered his mind when another headlight bobbed into view from the north. Two ex NYC Hudsons pulling a train of gons loaded with ties and rail! Two Hudsons! Unbelievable! The CC must have run them from the Catspaw division, through the wheel changing facility in Coldwater, and on up the Relax division. Something very big must be happening for the railroad to go to those lengths! He kept his shutter clicking until the caboose was past him. He heard the engine whistle for the Relax siding. That could only mean one thing. The southbound freight was taking the siding to let a northbound have the right of way! What a day!

Sure enough the sound of barking exhaust reached his ears and a headlight flashed from the south. The engine would not be visible until it was almost upon him, as the rocky ledge obscured his view. So he focused his camera on the spot where it would appear. The track in his lens blossomed with the Coldwater Central’s business train! The little Porter, CC#3, pulled the Diner/Lounge, Patrick, and the Coldwater central theater car, Maureen. The little train was moving fast, but Engineer Callahan could clearly be seen at the throttle, while Conductor Finn stoked the little wood burner. As the train passed, Gandydancer Connors could be seen sitting in the theatre car, engaged in lively conversation with a group of very well dressed businesspersons. Through the Telescopic lens the man could clearly see that the Gandydancer was showing off this section of the line. He was evidently so proud of his railroad that he looked like he would bust his buttons! He sure looked like he was far away from the position he took when he authorized the P&C law firm to seek an injunction to stop the CC from rehabbing this old P&L line!

The man sat on the rocky ledge recording the passage of a continuous string of trains until the Sun was well down in the west and the light was no longer very good for photographs. He then packed up his gear and, half frozen, made his way back to the Lunch Bucket Cafe. It seemed like years ago that he had breakfast there. When he walked in, however, he found the same diners, sitting in the same seats, talking about the same subject. He debated whether he should tell them about the Business train he had observed that morning. He wondered if they had noticed it. They must have, he figured. How could they not have? The tracks run right past the Lunch Bucket and the train is very distinct. He listened to their conversation as he waited for his order. They were abuzz about all the freight traffic. They talked about nothing else. They only paused to watch as yet another freight flew by. But he heard nothing about the Business train. This amazed him, as that was the most important train that passed by him all day! The presence of that train, and especially the sight of the Gandydancer in a leading role in the theatre car, went further to confirm the truth of all the merger rumors than all the other traffic in the past two days!

He was just about to lean over and ask the guy sitting next to him if he had seen the Business train, when the unmistakable sound of the little Porter’s whistle could be heard in the distance. Everyone in the diner turned to the window to watch it pass. As it reached the diner, Engineer Callahan slowed the train and brought it to a stop with the Maureen lined up with the diner’s door. Soon the occupants of the theatre car, led by the verbose Gandydancer, lighted from the train and entered the diner. They were followed closely by Engineer Callahan and Conductor Finn, who jumped from the engine, entered the diner and began dragging tables together so the whole party could sit. The “residents” of the diner grew quiet and you could almost hear the straining of their ears as they tried to hear the conversation at the tables.

Their efforts were in vain, however. The conversation at the tables was light. The Gandydancer had changed his demeanor from one of earnestness to one of lighthearted banter. He began telling stories of his early days as a Gandydancer on the old Erie. To hear him talk, you would believe that it was an everyday occurrence to stop a train on the main line outside this diner and drop in for a bite! The Gandydancer’s attitude was enough to drive all the regulars crazy with curiosity!

The man had all he could stand. He just had to know what was happening with his favorite railroad. He saw his opening when Conductor Finn walked up to the bar and ordered twelve Labatts and one Genesee Twelve Horse. The man walked over and introduced himself. He explained where he had been all day and what he had been doing and what he had seen. Before he got a chance to ask his question, the Conductor interrupted.

“ You’ve been doing what? You mean to tell me that you spent the whole day sitting on a rock in thirty-degree temperatures, taking pictures of trains? Man, you need to get a life!”

The man explained that he was a railfan, one of many. What he did was not unusual he asserted.

“You don’t say?” said the Conductor. “ I guess it takes all kinds.”

The man unleashed a torrent of questions, gradually attracting the attention of most of the other patrons. Hopes rose that now their curiosity would be satiated.

“ I really can’t tell you anything” replied the Conductor. “ The man who has all the information you want is sitting over there.” Pointing at the Gandydancer and then picking up his beers he challenged. “ Why don’t you go on over and ask him. He can tell you all about it. Hell, I’m just a glorified brakeman.”

Well, Gandy, how about it?

When asked about the purpose of all this unusual activity Engineer Callahan merely shrugged and said “ No snow, warm weather. It’s a great day to run trains.” When pushed about the amazing increase in the number of trains, he merely laughed and climbed back into his cab. He would not comment about the transformer sitting in the Relax yard. He referred all further questions to the “Gandydancer”. “ He may know something I don’t,” he said.

To cap off this unprecedented day a rumor started circulating around town that the Coldwater Central had again sent feelers to the Pultneyville and Canesteo about a merger. With the recent announcement that the Lakeville, Avon and Livonia had just expanded and contracted to run the old Erie line in the Southern tier, rumor mongers are speculating that the CC would want to merge with the P&C in order to establish a connection with the new railroad. It is also being whispered that the CC went so far as to hint that the ownership of the L&N might be part of the deal.

In December of last year, John “Gandydancer” Connors was observed surveying the project sight on both sides of Catspaw. Shortly after that, long freights started running between Coldwater and Catspaw. And last week the Great Lakes Cargo Ship 'Dyanne' brought a new electrical transformer to Pultneyville. It was loaded on a flatcar and sits in the newly built L&N yard. Our anonymous source tells us that it will shortly be shipped to Coldwater to be installed in the shops at the Coldwater yard.

This increase in power can only mean that the Coldwater central is preparing a to upgrade its entire system. We will continue to explore these exciting events and pass on what we learn.

An astute observer of a chance meeting between executives of the Coldwater Central and Pultneyville and Canisteo RR's hinted at a possible merger of the two systems. The execs met in Catspaw and shared a brew although it was noted that Labatts, the choice of Coldwater Central brass was turned down by P& C personnel in favor of Genesee 12 Horse. Nothing definite at this point, but there is enough evidence for speculation. A merger of the two RR's would give the new system a stranglehold on lakeshore shipping with an enviable entry to the southern tier counties.

The CC's locomotives, trolleys and railcars are powered by a number of different fuels, from wood , coal and peat to diesel and gas. The railroad uses each for the most efficient movements possible. There are no current plans to electrify the railroad. There has been some conversations among two of the owners about using the massive amounts of hot air and methane gas found along the right of way in Pultneyville to power some of that traffic.

The Coldwater Central is a railfan friendly organization. We welcome visits from all railfans and will be happy to issue passes to our property and shops. Please contact the management. For our devoted railfans we are planning tohave hats and Coldwater Central t shirts available at low railfan prices. News will be posted when items become available.

Special excursions left town and journeyed the whole length of the railroad, pausing only for a quick wheel change in Coldwater. On the return trip the special stopped at many on line businesses for tours and sampling of company products. The railroad used Porter # 3 from Pultneyville to Coldwater. The engine was changed to the Dreyfus Hudson for the trip to Catspaw.

Back in Pultneyville the crowds were treated to all kinds of music, good food and demonstrations of the railroads plans for expansion. It was truly a great day!

I thought for a long time before replying to the report of your drunken shenanigans in the bar the other week. Normally I would not notice the inept ramblings of a bunch of louts like you but, in the light of recent legal matters brought by a jealous competitor, I figured I should reply.

The Coldwater Central is a privately held Corporation. It does not sell stock. Its stock is held by the owners. Each owner, according to the laws of the Corporation, has the right of first refusal to by the stock of any other owner at a fair market value. So, you see, you blithering idiots, you couldn't own any stock in the Coldwater Central. So shut up and get to work! The CC has worked hard to grow to its present size and it doesn't need you ignorant Bastards blowin’ smoke at it!

As to my web page: No entries have been made since 8/1/00. You are correct. I must say I am flattered that someone is actually looking at it! Since you no-accounts view it, I must assume that some worthwhile people also read it. Therefore I will go back to reporting on the Conductor's subjects. Thank you for the reminder.

The Conductor

The CC announced that it has not asked that the P&C be restricted from doing business in any way. (Probably because the P&C does not have any physical plant nor does it run any trains –Ed.)

The Federal Court issued an immediate order that the P&C not file any new suits while the Federal court hears these charges.

The manner in which the P & N trackage was acquired is also a concern of the DOT. Papers will be filed and Mr. Callahan and Mr. Finn will be advised of their culability in this matter.

A good time was had by all as evidenced by the large crowds from both towns participating in the event. Those attending disembarked in Pultneyville for a picnic at Lake Ontario and a view of the new docking facilities being built by the railroad to accommodate a new business reported to be being negotiated with a large, well known brewery.

The Railway took this occasion to unveil its newly refurbished round end observation car, christened the "John Connors" in honor of the legendary "Gandydancer". The car was toured extensively by the crowds and its well stocked lounge was the hit of the day.

To Whom It May Concern:

As card carrying members of your organization, the individuals comprising the Board of the Coldwater Central Railway object to your unwarranted and libelous accusations against our Railway.

At no time has anyone in the employ of this Railway made any derogatory statements in regards to the CEO of the P&C Railroad.

Careful research on your part would reveal that the Coldwater Central was neither the issuer of any inappropriate statements, nor the pipeline through which such statements were issued.

This Railway holds all senior citizens in high respect. To denigrate one senior citizen would be the same as insulting ourselves, since we also are approaching that esteemed status.

This Railway is not responsible for statements made by the private citizens of the towns that the Railway passes through. Further, the highly respected name of the Coldwater Central should not be associated with opinions issued by those not in its employ.

We expect that your organization will issue an apology in the same public manner in which you injured this Company.

In regards to your opinion as to our ability to run our Railway, we fail to see how your organization is in a position to have a say on the successful outcomes of any other business, considering that you are prone to jumping to conclusions based on rumor, conjecture and hearsay. We have contacted our attorneys regarding possible legal action related to the damage inflicted on our company due to your false statements.

Judge Fartblower, having received no statements from the P&C, which was a direct violation of his order, informed the Coldwater Central that he concurred that the stay order be lifted.

The CC, using The CSX Maintenance of Way crews, which they hired under a short term contract, immediately moved back onto the P&N and uncovered, retied and re-ballasted the entire railroad in one twenty four hour period. They then cut the new roadbed and laid temporary track sections to extend and connect the Labatt's Storage and Consumption siding to the P&N, thus joining the railroads. The Labatt's siding was renamed the Pultneyville Division.

Engine #5, pulling caboose #4 and a ballast gondola, was moved up the new division. It slowed as it ran parallel to Mill Street in Pultneyville so Engineer Callahan and Conductor Finn could waive at the residents as the train made its way to the lake.

In a welcoming statement, Engineer Callahan spoke of the CC's recent issues with the P&C. He held out an olive branch to that enterprise, pointing out the advantages to both railroads of working together.

At this point he rapped his gavel for order to halt the snickering of CC attorneys. Admonishing both groups of the sanctity of his courtroom he issued a sweeping order halting all work on the P&N for one week while P&C was directed to appear with a detailed bill of charges for the work allegedly performed during the winter crisis. CC lawyers were directed to remove track crews from Pultneyville and to cease and desist from any work on P&N property. The legitimate ownership of P&N is a matter to be dealt with at a later date.

Track crews arrived in the sleepy little town of Pultneyville today to begin the massive job of bringing the track of the little used P&N Railway up to class II standards.

The first order of business is to inspect all available facilities owned by the railway. These include a small yard and engine house. Some of the railway property appears to be occupied by an old coot who claims it as "my railroad". The existing 135#rail is in fine shape, although most of it is buried under accumulated grass, weeds, and debris.

From: The Transportation Board

To: Makem, Squirm, and Holler

Subject: Injunction request against The Coldwater Central

In light of recent information supplied to this board that your client, the Pultneyville and Canisteo Railroad has, in fact, no physical property with which to serve anyone desiring rail service in Pultneyville, your request for an injunction to stop the acquisition of the Pultneyville & Northern by the Coldwater Central is Denied.

To: The Transportation Board

Subject: Refiling Of Amended Request For A Cease And Desist Order Against The Pultneyville and Canisteo Railroad

Attached is our amended request for a cease and desist order and our request to the Board to dismiss the injunction applied for by said railroad. As you will see, the facts in our request remain the same. The only change being that we have changed the name of the offending railroad. We have also added yet another reason for you to throw out the P&C's request for an injunction against our client: that the argument made by the P&C is a restraint of trade argument.
Since neither the Pultneyville and Cohocton nor the Pultneyville & Canisteo have, to this date, laid a single foot of track, although provided with both track and equipment by our clients many years ago. Therefore, Since the P&C cannot move freight they have no cause of action.

Judge Fartblower declared an immediate recess and retired to his chambers disgruntled and confused by this information stating that it was impossible to think in such a stuffy courtroom and inquiring as to why the air-conditioning had failed to clear the room of nauseous odors. Makem, Squirm and Holler attorneys were hard put to control their pleasure at this point while Gotcher and Butt were seen arguing with Inna, Sling and Howe.

Per your request for a cease and desist order re:
Pultneyville and Cohocton

The Pultneyville and Cohocton is not a separate entity but is incorporated into the Pultneyville and Canisteo.
Therefore: Request denied.

The Railroad cited months of negotiations with the P&C to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract which would allow the expanding Coldwater Central to gain needed access to Lake Ontario and to meet the needs of the shippers in Pultneyville. Those shippers have been unable to ship their products by rail due to the erratic nature and unavailability of the P&C.

The CC further argued that the P&C had deliberately refused to negotiate with the CC at the expense of shippers just because the P&C is Picayune & Chaotic.

Honorable Judge Fartblower:

This Answer is filed to the scurrilous charges levied against our Clients, The Coldwater Central System Railway Company.

Whereas the complainant Party of the First Part(the Pultneyville and Cohocton Railroad) states that our client, the Party of the Second Part, (The Coldwater Central System Railway)owes several thousand dollars for services performed during this past winter for which payment has not been received, we allege that: a. The Party of the First Part has of this day failed to remit a statement detailing such services and the costs thereof. b. While the Party of the Second Part recognizes the services rendered by the Party of the First Part, The Party of the Second Part alleges that the Party of the First Part DID NOT fulfill the contract as originally agreed to in as much as the Party of the First Part was diverted in his endeavors to pursue the fulfillment of the contract by various events in which he willingly engaged, thereby failing to fulfill the contract in a timely manner. c. The Party of the Second Part states that the Party of the First Part, after finishing the contracted work, FAILED to remove his equipment from the property of the Party of the Second Part thereby preventing the Party of the Second Part from doing business. This firm intends to follow up this answer with a full and complete brief. We request a two week adjournment to document the facts and lay to rest the unsubstantiated charges of a sore loser.

She picked up the paper, expecting the usual Mother’s Day headline. As she opened it, a look of astonishment slowly spread across her face. She turned quickly and ran into the house shouting her husband’s name as she raced up the stairs.

" Look at this! They did it! That old Coot could not stop our boys! They went right around him!"

Her husband grabbed the paper and read the three inch headline:

The article which followed explained that the management of the Coldwater Central: "unable to come to an agreement with the Pultneyville and Cohocton, had bought the right of way and all the assets of the Pultneyville and Northern, a scenic lake view railroad which has been dormant for many years. The CC intends to re-build the railroad and construct a link between it and the CC. This will reduce the need to deal with or acquire the P&C in order to reach the lake".

The article ended with a paragraph about the CC hiring track layers to re-build the roadbed.

"I’ll apply tomorrow morning!" said the joyous husband.

"What wonderful news!" exclaimed Ms. Hammel. " I’m sure they will hire you! What a nice Mother’s Day! Now, Mike, come and be nice to momma for the rest of the day."

On the platform of the depot, under the broad overhang of the roof, tipping the backs of their chairs against the wall of the building, sat two men. In each of their hands was a large mug, which one or the other would periodically gather up and take into the baggage area of the depot, returning shortly and walking carefully, as though trying not to spill the mug’s contents.

As they watched the sky continue to darken and the rain start to fall harder, the older of the two spoke:

" Here comes the 5:02 from Coldwater, right on time" he said. "Maybe we’ll hear some news about the goings on up in Relax."

"I can’t for the life of me, understand why that old coot has parked his engine on the siding in Relax for three Months!" replied the younger man. "You’d think the P’Ville would need the engine, if not their other equipment." Sumpin strange happenin up there, if you ask me!"

" They say that the CC is negotiating with the P&C to acquire that railroad so the CC can reach the lake." The older man commented. " But I don’t believe that feisty old Gandydancer will ever part with that railroad. I hear the CC management has kept him well lubricated at the storage company up there, since he plowed them out. Won’t help though. He’s just plain stubborn when it comes to that railroad."

" Railroad?" chuckled the younger man, taking a long draw from his mug. "Why, I hear that you can go up to Pultneyville and search around all day and you won’t be ever able to find no railroad!"

"They say that railroad is mostly in the mind of that old coot." Agreed the older man. He tipped his chair forward, got up, took the younger man’s mug and wandered into the freight room, narrowly missing the handler, who was wheeling out a freight wagon for the approaching trolley.

The older man re-emerged just as the two Budd cars slid to a stop at the platform and a group of people emerged. Spying someone he knew, the older man called out " Hey Angus! Hear anything new on the P’Ville steamer sitting at the Labatt’s siding in Relax?"

"I hear that the old Gandydancer is firing it up and getting set to go home!" replied Angus " I heard him muttering that hell would freeze over before he sold his railroad to those back-stabbers!"

"Back-stabbers?" said the older man. "I wonder what that could mean?"

Slowly the gray-walled horizon started to undulate, generating a huge grayish-white cloud which erupted from the ground and spread out and skyward with an ever increasing roar. As the cloud rapidly approached, the plow of the Coldwater Central snowplow could be seen jutting from its face. The two figures leaped, first in joyful excitement and then for their lives as they dove to safety at the side of the track.

"Gandy Made It!! He's here! We're saved!" shouted Callahan and Finn in unison, for they, indeed, were the two figures ,who a moment before had little hope of rescue.

As The P'Ville steamer slowed to a halt at the Labatt's siding, Engineer Callahan jumped into the cab, encased the Gandydancer in a hugh bear hug and tossed him like a toy down into the waiting arms of Conductor Finn, who filled Gandy's hands with cold brews and hoisted him onto his shoulders. The two men proceeded to carry Gandy into the Labatt's Storage and Consumption Company where they were met by the cheering, exuberant,overjoyed population of Relax. Gandy was placed on the Company president's plush leather couch. His brews were replenished by Relax wenches and the party began.

Now, we quietly depart and leave the grateful inhabitants of Relax to their celebration. The Guest of Honor, it is reported, was shown the grateful appreciation of the inhabitants, especially the young, females. Now that is respect!(by M.F.)

The messenger arrived in a state of near exhaustion. It took lots of TLC and several Labatts to revive her. When she was able to think straight she relayed the tale of the woe which had befallen the philanthropic Gandydancer and his consist. The railroad immediately radioed the Rochester police department and explained the predicament. They also conveyed the permit number given to the P"ville engine allowing it to operate.

The messenger, meanwhile, was informed about the desperate plight of the three towns which are only accessible by rail. Sensing the danger in the situation, she quietly slipped on her skis and set out to return to aid Gandy in freeing his engine and resuming his desperate rescue mission.

The Coldwater populace put aside their concern over their own plight when they learned she had left. Prayers and worry follows her on her dangerous journey.

" Who was that messenger?" one of the residents asked. "She risks her life for us"
Another replies. "Well don't you know? that's the Lone Skier!"

Oh! Oh! My head! Sorry to say that when we went for spaghetti there was a reception for an Italian wedding going on and we stopped to toast the bride and groom. Well, one thing led to another and the party got a little drunk and disorderly. To get to the bottom line, we missed our clearance on Conrail and they are raising hell with us for upsetting their schedule. I'm negotiating with top brass, but my head is not too clear. Those Italian weddings are hell. Still sidetracked at Despatch. Gandy

My passage was blocked at numerous places by snow and only careful by operation manipulation was I able to finally reach Newark. I was denied entrance to the old Conrail main line because of heavy traffic and was stalled there for two days. Finally they granted me limited access and I headed for Coldwater but with the knowledge that I would be side-tracked at various times to allow east and west traffic to pass me. My communications with Coldwater were down at this point and I could not let them know of my progress as I headed for Rochester and Southern to pick up a derrick.

As I write this, I am making slow headway because of the heavy traffic, and I have been side tracked between Newark and Rochester for many dull and uneventful hours except for the passage of numerous through freights and the passenger runs. I am running out of liquid refreshments and long for a glimpse of the Labatts bottling company. Gandy

Apparently the Gandydancer has worked up a full head of steam on his way to Coldwater, this according to a phone call received at the Coldwater office just a few minutes ago. It seems that the Gandydancer, heading toward Coldwater over leased rails, halted his train opposite Grandolfsky's Restaurant on Rt. 104 and stopped for breakfast. "If I have to rescue those damned wet-behind-the-ears-think-they-know-it-all-about-railroading-youngsters, I better damned well get my cup of java and a plateful of biscuits and sausage gravy. Can't work on an empty stomach," he was heard to grumble. "They must have got that excuse about a wind gust blowing their plow off the track from the ex CEO of Kodak or Xerox. Truth is these youngsters don't know a damned thing about how treacherous the first winter storm is. Think it's a game and all you have to do is charge a drift full speed ahead. Nonsense. They are using the old CYA tactic and it doesn't cut ice with this old Gandy. Probably stopped at the LaBatts plant too long before going hell bent after those drifts." He then charged out of the restaurant and was heard to shout, "I'd better go by way of Rochester & Southern to pick up a derrick--that is if those damned fools haven't run another train off the track. Youngsters! I can't believe it."

12/15/00

Gandy Dancer Responds To Emergency

Word of the terrible state of affairs at Coldwater was relayed to the Gandy Dancer early today. He was rather grumpy to be rousted from a warm bed and to have to deal with the toxic fumes of scotch still circulating under his bald pate. However, tossing aside his antipathy to such a sudden call to spring into bodily activity he quickly shifted into emergency mode and fired up the P'ville and Cohocton plow and engine. Even as you read this he is steaming down the track under full throttle and leaving a brilliant plume of flying snow in his wake.(by J.C.)

The railroad was forced to shut down because the only plow that the railroad owns is still at the bottom of the Coldwater River gorge. Attempts to rescue it have had to be halted due to the storm.

The Railroad has placed an emergency call to the Pultneyville & Cohocton to loan their plow to the Coldwater Central in order to reopen the line.

Engineer Callahan tried to reverse the engine and back out of the snow bank, but the snow had packed under the frame and held it tight.

Gandydancer Connors fired up the 0-4-0 Porter and pushed the crane out of the Coldwater yard, through the tunnel to the wreck site. He hooked on to the caboose and dragged the train out of the snow bank. All three men then attempted to lift the plow out of the gorge, but were unsuccessful. Plans are currently being made to drag the plow down the gorge to the Cold Water plant and rerail it there.

"It was the strangest thing I ever saw" said Engineer Callahan. "One minute we were plowing along and the next there is no plow in sight and We're lost in a white walled world."(by M.F.)

Engineer Callahan could be heard laughing as he and “Gandydancer" Connors hooked the plow to the front of CC#5. The Conductor, meanwhile,had a roaring fire going in the stove in the Caboose and was busy cooking soup and making coffee. He guided the engine and plow back to the Caboose, dropped the pin and waived Engineer Callahan forward as he hopped back into his warm Caboose.

They made the run to Catspaw first. They worked hard coming out of Coldwater with snow blowing off the roof of the plow creating its own snowstorm. As they headed towards Catspaw the snow thinned, making for an easier run. The slight drifts at the curves near the Labatts Bottle Cap Washing Factory did not challenge them. They ran through Catspaw and switched onto the trolley track to plow it back to Coldwater.

As they passed through Coldwater and hit the switch for the tunnel at the beginning of the Fantasy branch the snow started to pile up. Engineer Callahan had to back the train to get a running start at the drift at the tunnel entrance. The plow smashed through the wall of snow and glided into the tunnel. The gauge changing facility inside the tunnel was also drifted and the plow had to make several passes to clear the snow from the facility so the wheels could be changed.

With that job accomplished the plow train entered the snow-covered wonderland of the Fantasy Branch. Here the snow was deep and wet,forcing the plow train to make a series of running attacks on the hard packed drifts. Just outside of relax the train slowed and stopped. For a while it looked as if it would be stuck at the Labatts switch again,in spite of the new larger plow! But in a few minutes, Engineer Callahan could be seen climbing back into the engine. The train then reversed and made yet another run, which plowed through the drift and carried it into Relax.

The run back home to the Coldwater shops was uneventful, except for the hundreds of railfans lining the right-of-way to get a picture of the plow train.(by M.F.)

After partying at Relax, excursionists could reboard the next train and ride back to Coldwater, where they were met with the annual Welcome Winter carnival. In all everyone had a good time.

Special thanks go out to Partymaster "Gandydancer "O'" Connors, who has been the inspiration and the drink-errr...driving force behind all three events for the last decade.(by M.F.)

Engineer Callahan then highballed his freight engine back to Coldwater shops and made his way with alacrity(he could be heard shouting: "Get out of my way!", to everything that crossed his path)back to the new Budd Cars. He fired them up and, calling to his Conductor("Hurry your ass up, Finn, I want to drive these Babies!"), he sped off down the new line.

The cars were a fine sight as they cruised the new line. The only shadow was the failure of the engineer to stop at any stations to allow passengers to board. He could be seen merrily singing as the Budd Cars sped through the night.(by M.F.)

" Its unfortunate that the Gandydancer was called out of town on business and couldn't be here." Engineer Callahan stated. " We need him to complete the connection."

Gandydancer Connors, who rushed to the scene, blamed the torrential rains experienced this Spring and Summer. The crane was brought out of the nearby Coldwater Shops and, under the direction of Connors, picked up the cars one by one and placed them back on the rails. It then towed them back to Coldwater yard and went back to the derailed locomotive. CC#4 pushed the crane up to the back of the loco. It then lifted the front end and re-railed it. All three vehicles then returned to Coldwater. "There's not many a crane can do that job!", Connors was heard to comment.

After being checked and found mechanically sound, the locomotive and train was reassembled and proceeded to Relax. When reporters reached Engineer Callahan to ask how he felt about the mishap, he looked at his train and commented. "The Conductor doesn't look the worse for wear, at least no worse than he usually does, and we didn't spill any beer. Not bad for a bad day."(by M.F./C.C.)

The Coldwater Central took delivery of a former Pennsylvania Railroad GE 44 ton locomotive today. The engine is reportedly in very good condition; it needs only minor railing and coupler work. It was acquired from Millside, an engine and freight car dealer, where it has been in storage. M Finn reportedly negotiated an excellent deal for the railroad regarding this purchase.

The railroad acquired this engine at a time when it was desperately short of motive power on the Fantasy branch. The Alco 0-4-0 Porter "Helena" is in the shop with major flue problems and there is currently no word on how long repairs will take. The 0-4-0 Mamod has not proven to be suitable for the branch and is now for sale. The new 44 ton loco is necessary to handle increasing carloads moving on the Fantasy branch.

This is the largest engine the railroad has ever used on this branch. The 44 ton locomotive typically ranges between 300 and 350 horsepower. PRR 0055 is a 350 hp unit. This purchase has started an enormous amount of speculation as to why the railroad would by such a high horsepower engine. The most persistent rumor is that the railroad has finalized negotiations with Doctor Wu's Emporium. It is believed that the railroad has been talking to this eccentric merchandiser ever since the deal between Doctor Wu's Emporium and the Labatt's Storage and Consumption Co. for Labatt's Relax property failed last year. An unidentified source holds that Doctor Wu's Emporium will locate on current Coldwater Central property in the town of Relax. Doctor Wu's Emporium handles thousands of different commodities and does a large volume of retail and mail order business, which would substantially increase the carloadings the railroad handles on this branch; this appears to be behind the reasoning for current speculation relating to the engine purchase.

Further speculation is that Doctor Wu's Emporium's imminent arrival is behind the track rehab project between Coldwater and Relax while the construction on the Coldwater to Catspaw trolley line languishes.

The railroad would not comment. Represenatives of Doctor Wu's emporium could not be located.(by M.F.)

This was the first run for the plow since it was rescued from being buried near the Labatt's Storage and Consumption Company's siding last winter. The Railroad hopes that the rebuilt plow will be able to handle the snows on the Fantasy division next winter.(by M.F.)

Meanwhile construction proceeds on the Fantasy branch, but is at a standstill on the Catspaw project. The P&C rebuild project is also still in the planning stages.(by M.F.)

Following the procedure established with the reconstruction of the house in Coldwater, which the Railroad rebuilt after a large storm last winter destroyed it, the station was picked up by the CC wrecker crane and placed on a flatcar. it was then pulled to it's new location and gently deposited there. The whole operation took less than one day.(by M.F.)

The CC invited the P&C to Catspaw for a meeting to discuss a cooperative venture on the storm damage repair and future joint ventures. The proposed meeting will be held in the board room of the Labatt's Bottlecap Washing Plant.(by M.F.)

Once the rain stops, the railroad will put all available crews to work repairing the damage. The forecast calls for three more days of rain, however, so no completion date is predicted.(by M.F.)

Track upgrading has begun on the Fantasy branch. This will upgrade the connection to the Coldwater Yard from the Fantasy Branch and make a smoother transition for the Coldwater traction equipment. Coldwater Traction revealed that it has placed an order for a set of Budd cars. When these arrive, schedules will increase to half hour station stops.(by M.F.)

The statement reads:
"While the Coldwater Central had made no statements about any business dealings with the P&C, as is the Company's policy, the P&C has overreacted to statements made by citizens of Catspaw and has responded with a tirade of unearned and unsubstantiated accusations and innuendoes. We do not agree that our objectives are limited. Nor do we look down on the customers of the P&C. As to our executives heeding only the interests enhanced by their intimate relationships, we have no knowledge of what the P&C is referring. However we feel that our executive in charge of right-of -way may have some objection to the aspersion cast upon him by this missive. He did not react well to certain comments made about his close intimate relations during the recent period of time when he was incommunicado. We also state that it is the policy of the Coldwater Central to treat all customers equally. We form close associations with them all. We stand ready to talk to the P&C about any business they wish to discuss. We hope that in the future they will be able to confine their official communicationsto business matters."

" Why you would have to practically build the whole railroad from scratch!", one old timer was heard to comment.

"Yeah" replied his crony, "You can't even see a rail over there if you laid down on it! I can't remember ever seeing a train run on that road. Why you can't even find the roadbed in most places! Why on earth would anyone merge with the Old Push and Chug?"(by M.F.)

The first company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the railroad, was formed late last week by the Board of Directors. The new business is to be called The Cold Water Bottling Company and will bottle and sell the famous cold water that the area is known for. The company plans to tap the aquifer under the town of Relax. Environmental studies released by the Railroad demonstrate that this will in no way negatively effect the environment of the area. The new company plans to hire fifty to seventy five people to start. It sees a growing future as Coldwater's water is far superior to any currently on the market. So the company has expansion plans which call for increases in employment as product demand increases. The new company will have a motto on their label. It will read aqua vitae.

The Railroad proudly announced that the second business would be none other than the first retail establishment of the famous Doctor Wu's Emporium! The Mysterious Doctor Wu has for many years run an online establishment which features an eclectic assortment of both articles and information. A spokesperson for the good Doctor says this retail outlet will add another dimension to the business and allow them to carry still more diverse products. Doctorr Wu's Emporium plans to employ between two hundred and three hundred people. That is many more people than currently inhabit Relax, so employees will be drawn from Coldwater, Catspaw and, possibly, Pultneyville. The issue was raised reagrding the snowfall that has closed the Fantasy branch periodically. Doctor Wu's spokesperson smiled shyly and softly replied "That will not be a problem".(byM.F.)

A spokesperson for the employees said they were upset that the company they worked for like a family would dump them like garbage just because of a snowstorm. They were not even told the company was thinking about moving. They vowed to maintain the picket lines as long as it took to get the company to talk to them. The Storage and Consumption company would not comment

The Coldwater central issued a statement this morning: " While we value our relationship with the Labatt's Storage and Consumption Company The Railroad does not feel that it can go against the people it ultimately serves. Therefore the Railroad will not attempt to cross any picket lines".(by M. F.)

The railroad from Coldwater to Relax is still closed due to heavy snowfall and lack of equipment big enough to break through the snow.

The Finance Committee of the CC met this past Saturday to discuss the completion of the rebuilding of Catspaw. They decided to authorize the expenditure necessary to upgrade the rail to class 1 standards. They will arrange a new construction date with the whole board. Now that the Gandydancer is back, there is hope that he will arrend a board meeting and advise the railroad on the construction and landscaping. The author of this narrative takes no small satisfaction in the part this narrative played in the finding of the Gandydancer. Sue away, Old Thunder, at least you're back!(by M.F.)

Attempts to reach the Gandydancer have been unsuccessful. He has not returned any messages. It is strongly rumored that the Coldwater Central Board is planning a last ditch effort to lure him back to the construction site at Catspaw.(by M.F.)

Several rumors are being bandied about in Catspaw and Coldwater. They all started when the railroad moved into Catspaw to start the new Trolley construction project. The rumors concern the obvious absence of the "Gandydancer" John Connors. John is a well known, colorful character around these parts so his not being present for a large project that is clearly in his bailiwick caused the citizens to wonder what happened to him. Some say he is still up at the Labatt's brewery where he was last seen in the front of the rescue party that dug out Engineer Callahan. No one has seen him sense so that might be a logical conclusion. However the brewery is again in operation so someone would know it if he was there. A search of the brewery did not reveal his presence.

Some are speculating that Mr. Connors has taken permanent employment with the Pultneyville and Canesteo Railroad. John has reportedly been in secret negotiations with this company about a merger with the Coldwater Central. The CC board hotly denies any negotiations are taking place. The Railroad also denies this rumor. There is an additional rumor circulating that is hard to deny given the Gandydancer's reputation. Some are saying that he is holed up in Pultneyville with a woman and is to busy with her to report to work! The CC is suspiciously silent about Gandydancer's whereabouts. They refused to comment, but inside sources say they are anxiously looking for him.

Meanwhile, some controversy has sprung up around the construction project. Some Catspaw citizens have been seen prowling around the job site looking decidedly unhappy. One Asian fellow was heard to mutter, " Next thing you know they'll be fastening folks to the tracks!" So it seems that an improvement in public relations is in order for the CC.(by M. F.)

Not much hope existed that the group would find Engineer Callahan inside and well as they dug the drift away from the door. Amazement and joy erupted as the door swung open to reveal a smiling healthy looking engineer!

" I new Callahan had made it to the brewery!" Gandydancer Connors, The first rescuer through the door, was heard to shout. All other comments were drowned by a chorus of shouts and rejoicing. The news quickly traveled back to the towns and started the largest celebration seen there in quite a while. Engineer Callahan arrived in Coldwater to a hero's welcome.

The Railroad expressed its thanks to all who helped in the rescue effort. It will shortly announce plans for freeing the plow train and reopening the line.(by M.F.)

Meanwhile, The rescue crew again failed to reach Engineer Callahan today. They reached the stalled plow but were unable to dig past it because it was wedged into the cut the track runs through at that point. They decided to camp in the engine where they could have a fire and steam heat and try again in the morning. As they were drifting off to sleep some of them claimed to hear singing. They listened but could not confirm the sound. They hope to be able to reach the brewery tomorrow.(by M.F.)

Meanwhile, in spite of the life endangering drama being enacted on the route between Coldwater and Relax, the Town of Catspaw continued to prepare for the annual Groundhog Day celebration. This years event is receiving a lot of attention due to the severe weather this winter has brought to the area.(by M.F.)

The forecast is for more snow and icing conditions so it is unknown at this time when the plow train will be freed and Engineer Callahan rescued.(by M. F.)

The Sadder Butwiser Brewing Company
The El Paso Breakwind Bean Company
Ubetcheras Casino
Singerbutt Pepper Sauce
Gotchernuts Hardware Supply
Hot-to-Trot Race Track
Flatter-Than-A Pancake House
Trimyerbutt Gym

Most of these business would like to utilize the Coldwater Central although they dubbed it as The Old Couldn't and Can't. The Pultnevyille and Canisteo was called the Push and Crawl. I am currently contacting the Cheatem and Laugh Law Office to draw up contracts.

Gandy Dancer on Leave to Business Office(by J.C.)

These cars appear in the Coldwater Central's new livery, gloss black with white trim and lettering, reminiscent of the NYC freight color scheme.(by M. F.)

An expectant hush fell on the crowd ad the Board members were seen preparing to open the engine house door and tow the steam engine into the yard to service it and light the inaugural fire. As the engine appeared a loud cheer arose from all present! It was a glorious moment!

Unfortunately it was short lived. The fire was lit; a lot of smoke and water spewed forth, but the engine did not move under its own power. After many tries, and a last ditch effort by the Gandydancer, the engine was pushed back into it's stall and the disappointed crowd went home.(by M.F.)

The Rotary snowplow was built in The Railroad’s Coldwater shops over the winter of ’98 - ’99 by the shop crews. It is modeled after one of the earlier designs of Mr James Ruggles, who invented the rotary snowplow in Rochester, New York a city just a few miles from the Coldwater Central. The Rotary is self propelled by a coal fired steam engine. It has a double action rotary system. The first blade cuts into the snow and breaks it up, sending it back to the paddles, which scoop it up and throw out the discharge chute. The plow has its work cut out for it. The Drifts on the line are frozen and deep. The station house at Relax is buried so deep that it’s flagpole can’t be seen. And it has been nearly a week since the storm.(by M.F.)

Mike Finn tried to appeal for a reasonable discussion, but was shouted down. John Connors was in hiding. Chris Callahan offered to personally oversee the resolution at Labatt's siding, but was jeered. The meeting was quickly adjourned before stockholders could sufficiently organize to vote on a resolution to dismiss the officers.

The current officers later agreed that something must be done to regain the confidence of the stockholders and promised that a plan to do so would be forthcoming.

We interviewed the Conductor of the train about the line being closed for so long. It seems the railroad was trying to prepare for events of this magnitude by constructing a rotary snowplow in its shops at Coldwater. The plow is still under construction, however, and won't be available this year.

"Until then we will have to make do with the plows, which were also built in the Coldwater shops, and our faithful shovels.", the Conductor said. " The crews were instrumental in reopening this line. They did an excellent job, at least as far as the Labatt's siding. Once we got there, the going was very slow. We finally made it to Relax and we are proud of it".(by M.F.)

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