by Andrew Grahl, Steve and Zachary Carlson/photos as noted
There are many fan trips, night photo sessions and other special events available to railfans. But on Saturday, October 2, a unique opportunity gave railfans and friends a chance to help preserve an important piece of history. Sponsored by Raven Rail, the Batten Kill Railroad and Northeastern New York Railroad Preservation, a day-long work party was held to clean, remove trash, paint and beautify the grounds around the classic circa 1891 Eagle Bridge, New York, station.
More than 30 volunteers spent the better part of the day working towards this goal, led by the efforts of local railfan and historian Hal Raven. Hal’s classic 1943 Alco S2 3021 in Delaware & Hudson livery and former Conrail caboose lettered for Greenwich & Johnsonville were both available for photos during the Saturday work session. Refreshments, lunch and a truly amazing railfan camaraderie kept the group working all afternoon until the goal was achieved and the station received an amazing face lift.
In addition to the Eagle Bridge work party, two special night photo sessions featuring the lighting expertise of local photographer William Gill were scheduled featuring Raven Rail Alco S2 3021 and a Greenwich & Johnsonville caboose 311728. On Friday, October 1, the first night session was held in Cambridge, featuring the circa 1909 passenger station, now home to the Argyle Brewing Company. This was also billed as a “Rails & Ales” event, and many of the approximately 20 participants enjoyed the local brews from Argyle.
D&H liveried Alco S2 3021, now owned by Raven Rail, is photographed with the former Boston & Maine station at Eagle Bridge, N.Y., Saturday, October 2, 2021. Following an eight-hour work party to begin the process of restoring the 1891 station, photograhpers gathered for af a night photo session to document the progress made beautifying the building and station grounds during the day. Night lighting by William Gill, photo by Andrew Grahl
A few hours after the conclusion of the Eagle Bridge work party on Saturday, a second night photo session was held at the Eagle Bridge station. Views with the spruced-up station highlighted the photo shoot at Eagle Bridge…