Investing in History

After living in the midwest, a classic is returning home. An Alco engine (HH660, 4/1940) that was built in Schenectady, NY for the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railways (DL&W) as #409 was acquired by Genesee Valley Transportation. Although transported on a flat car for safety, the unit is mechanically in tact and The Delaware-Lackawanna (DL) is the modern day Class III Freight Railroad shortline operated by the GVT that operates over the former DL&W as part of its 88 mile territory. As its engines say it serves the "Pocono Mountain Route” with this operation based in Scranton, PA. As Director of Government Affairs & Planning Charlie Monte Verde said “We choose to buy Alcos, which represent our connection with New York State and the history of our routes”. He added that the DL now owns three of the five surviving DL&W diesel engines, with one currently being rebuilt for regular service.

The DL transports approximately 10,000 carloads a year of freight that interchange with Norfolk Southern and serves as a partner with Steamtown National Historic Park and other rail preservation groups to offer passenger trips over its route.