Scranton to Binghamton Steam Excursions Cancelled

I for one can't wait for this sale to be completed.  CP shame on you for not allowing this trip to happen.  Maybe next year

To be clear, I don't think that the CP would "not allow the trip to happen", but the sponsoring chapter was dealing with Norfolk Southern, and NOT CP. Thus, when the "sale didn't go through" at the last minute, there was simply not sufficient time to start negotiations with CP. Discretion is the better part of valor.

There's no reason to start pointing fingers of blame at anyone.

It makes no sense for CP to assume the risk of operating these trips in their last days of ownership and operation on this line. That's just good business. They also don't have passenger insurance in place for these kinds of operations as NS does. However, the NS passenger insurance coverage only applies on railroads that they own. And they don't own this line...yet.

Running these steam excursions is complicated business. Proper insurance coverage is critical to protect all the parties involved. There are a raft of "T's" to cross and "I's" to be dotted every year to comply with the NS passenger insurance requirements. To expect CP, or any railroad for that matter, to put an expensive, complicated insurance plan like this in place on very short notice is not realistic.

This is sad news, as the society was sponsoring these excursions to raise funds for the B&M 3713 restoration project at Steamtown. Canadian Pacific has allowed excursions over this route in the past, but as Rich has stated, it's too late in the game to make other arrangements. 

While I can't comment on what NS is getting in PA, I can comment on what they are getting in NY.  A direct connection with their joint venture with Pam Am RR(trackage rights right now) in Mechanicsville, NY on the Fitchburg line to Ayer MA.  Direct competition with CSX and their B&A sub.

Rumor has it once NS takes over the CP lines in the east, NS will be  purchasing what's left of Pan Am(Boston and Maine) but if ever will be years down the road.  We can only hope happens.

As for the canceled excursion, yes it's sad and the society rebuilding B&M really need the funds to get the rebuild going.  It's been stuck in slow motion for twenty years now.  The infusion of money would of really helped.

is NS getting all or just part of the old D&H?

As stated in an earlier post, this is awfully disappointing.  I would have opted for a different trip if the risk would have been shared earlier.  For me, the attraction was the route and less the locomotive.  Hopefully there will be another chance in the future.

      
Gary, as I understand it, and in general terms, NS will be acquiring the D&H from the Pan Am connection in NY state (that you referenced above) southward all the way to the "end of the line" in Sunbury, PA.  The northern-most part of the D&H (from the Pan Am connection northward) will remain under CP ownership.  Corrections are welcomed!

It should be noted that the map posted is of the Pre-1981 D&H and does not show the trackage that the excursion was to run on; from Scranton to Binghamton (x-DL&W). The original D&H FROM Carbondale TO Nineveh,NY, was abandoned in 1981 and all through trains diverted to the x-DL&W route across Nicholson Viaduct.

It also does not show the trackage from Scranton down to Sunbury,PA.

 I think snfu happens sometimes I gonna go with rich on this one.It can still be done it just means it will happen another day.I know their are a lot of people feel let down.But it means its gonna happen later on.They can get their money back and save it for the trip later on.

Fort Wayne pays well into 6-figures for the annual insurance premium for these operations.

Rich, has there been any talk of adding another excursion before 765 leaves Scranton?  I hope your stay at Steamtown has been a good one.  

Maps of Scranton,PA., and area toward Binghamton.
Credit to Todd Sestero; Railfan guides of the U.S.

Running a steam excursion takes MONTHS of planning. There is absolutely no way it could be done in two weeks.

We will deadhead west on September 8 as soon as the Steamtown gig is over.

Yeah, wishful thinking on my part.  

Scranton - Buffalo - Bellevue - Akron. 3 days.

That's a real shame that happened. 
Well at least there are still other trips which folks can enjoy, not to mention seeing 765 and 759 together at the roundhouse (personally that would be a great thing for me). 
Hope you guys can try again next year or another time in the future. 

Tickets are still available for both days of the Steamtown/Lackawanna mainline trips.  That is Saturday and Monday.  Rugged mountain railroading!

SATURDAY to Delaware Water Gap

MONDAY to East Stroudsburg

Rich, Facebook forum for Steamtown shows a pipe that had to be replaced on 765.  Does this affect the Steamtown to Water Gap or East Stroudsburg?