Needed track repairs shut down excursion railroad

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July 21, 2012

Needed track repairs shut down excursion railroad

Anonymous Staff Report The Daily Star Sat Jul 21, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is shut down until further notice while repairs are completed on the track between Milford and Cooperstown, the president of the nonprofit organization told The Daily Star on Friday.

C&CVR President Bruce Hodges said that a recent inspection of the railroad track by the Federal Railroad Administration officials identified some defects that "concerned" them.

The local organization, which offers scenic and themed rail rides and hosts the Cooperstown Blues Express train ride, decided July 13 to shut down all trains until repairs could be made.

Hodges said he expected the repairs could be completed in about a month using volunteer labor, but that the pace would depend on the support of the community.

"The problem is that it's a typical not-for-profit organization -- you never have enough money or enough volunteers," Hodges said. "(The repair schedule) is predicated by how many of my members I can get out to volunteer."

Hodges estimated the repairs, which include replacing railroad ties and joint bars, and securing loose bolts, would cost about $50,000.

Donations can be sent to the organization at P.O. Box 681, Oneonta, NY 13820, or made in person at the railroad's office at 136 E. Main St. in Milford.

Hodges said the organization will post updates to its website at lrhs.com. Information is also available on the group's Facebook page.