By Harrison Smith/photos by the author
It’s April 3, 2023, an important day for upstate New York passenger rail. I’m driving to Westport, N.Y., to board the first northbound Adirondack in over three years. Since mid-March 2020, the lack of a passenger train is something I’ve grown used to on the Canadian Pacific (former D&H), but I’m more than ready for the return of passenger service to northern New York. Adirondack trains 68 and 69 are the last service line to be reinstated following Covid; Amtrak’s route map is finally back to pre-pandemic status. Let’s board the Adirondack and assess some of the train’s positives and shortcomings along the way.
Westport
Inaugural Train 69 ran north from New York Penn Station behind engine 712 as far as Albany, where the dual-power locomotive was changed to the 50th Anniversary P42DC 108, which continued to Montreal. The train was met at each station by passengers, local residents, and the news media with officials and politicians in tow.
ABOVE: Despite the first Adirondack trip running with Phase-VI livery unit 108, battle-scarred Phase-V P42DC units have taken over this scenic run. While common now, these aging diesels could be all but extinct in a few short years, replaced by Siemens Chargers or Aero equipment. Here we see a late Train 69 in Plattsburgh on April 8, 2023.
I arrived in Westport around 2:20 p.m., giving me plenty of time to explore the station before Adirondack Train 69’s estimated 2:50 p.m. departure. Track maintenance on the Hudson Line delayed the train for about twenty minutes, and numerous speed restrictions on the CP Canadian Subdivision caused train 69 to lose more time.
At the Westport depot, I was greeted by unsightly construction work surrounding the platform — or rather, where the platform once was. Westport’s former Delaware & Hudson depot has been under-going major renovation work, and a temporary wooden deck allows travelers to access the restored Adirondack service. Despite the present exterior appearance, the interior of the station waiting room is a blend of functional and historic.
Town officials were on hand for the 2:59 p.m. arrival of Train 69. Amtrak 50th anniversary unit 108 was leading the four-car train. My party of three was the only boarding at this small Lake Champlain town, which thrives on seasonal business and visitors. We were greeted warmly by the Amtrak crew and found seats in the first Amfleet coach. Although now a full half hour late, we would make a nonstop run to Plattsburgh, allowing us to make up most of the lost time…