CMRR 407 at Mt. Tremper Station, May 8, 2010. Photo by John Prestopino

Welcome the newest addition to our fleet
of vintage diesel-electric locomotives!

Arriving on May 6, 2010, Catskill Mountain Railroad 407 is a locomotive with a long history of serving railroads in New York State. Built by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York for the Long Island Rail Road in 1946. Designated a model S-1 by Alco, the locomotive is capable of generating 660 hp, and weighs 199,000 lbs. In 1966, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority purchased and assumed control of the Long Island Rail Road, and the 407 continued to serve its new owners faithfully.

LIRR 407 in the mid 1970s. Photo courtesy Steven Lynch Archive

On April 6, 1977, locomotive 407 was transferred to another MTA property, the Staten Island Railway. Clifton Shops in St. George became 407's new home, relegated to work train and rescue duty. By the turn of the century, the MTA was looking to replace its older diesels with more current technology. New locomotives arrived in 2009 to replace 407 (and its sister unit 821). The Alcos were considered surplus and sold to an established equipment broker.

Locomotive 407 working on the Staten Island Railway. Photo by Tom Healy

Around the same time, the Catskill Mountain Railroad was shopping around for a new locomotive to handle the heavier trains on the Phoenicia end of the line. With more and more people visiting the railroad each year, CMRR's two existing smaller locomotives were struggling to keep up with the demand. When one of the two former Staten Island locomotives became available, the CMRR board jumped at the chance to acquire one. After months of careful negotiation and fundraising, an agreement was in place for the acquisition of locomotive 407.

Loaded up and ready to leave Staten Island on April 30. Photo by Tom Healy

CMRR 407 at the trailer terminal on the New York State Thruway in Newburgh, NY.
Photo by John Patane

Because both CMRR and SIR are currently isolated from the national rail network, 407 would have to be partially disassembled and trucked north. This proceess was expertly attended to by a crew led by American Railway Technologies and also CMRR volunteers led by Earl Pardini. The dismantling took place on April 28 and 29. Handrails, air reservoirs, steps and a coupler were removed from the locomotive. Traction motor cables, sand pipes and air brakes were disconnected from the trucks. On April 30, the locomotive was loaded by Staten Island Towing and prepared for shipment. The wheel assemblies would go in one load, and the rest of the locomotive would follow after.

After a few minor delays, 407 finally arrived in Mount Tremper on May 6, 2010. The locomotive was reassembled the next day with the help of Costanzi Crane & Rigging Co. and many CMRR volunteers. The locomotive was started up, and 407 made its maiden voyage over the CMRR on May 7, 2010! And none too soon, either. With the regular operating season beginning May 29, 407 is planned to be the primary power or our expanded Esopus Scenic Train. We hope to see you aboard!

Crossing the CMRR at Washington Avenue in Kingston. Photo by Tom Healy

Rolling west on Route 28 towards its new home. Photo by Tom Healy

Lifting the 407 off the trailer and back onto its trucks. Photo by Tom Healy

CMRR 407 and caboose 643 get used to their new home! Photo by Paul Hintz