Ben Gottfried (left) enjoys a break with railway passengers. (Photo by Dan Sullivan)

Railway Drawing Riders

By DAN SULLIVAN
RICHFIELD SPRINGS

Just two miles north of the Village of Richfield Springs, a project unique in the United States progresses: railroad construction.

“Everywhere else in the U.S., railway activity involves tearing out track. Here, we’re building it,” said Ben Gottfried, owner and operator of the Richfield Springs Scenic Railway.

In fact, the newest grade crossing in New York State—the first in many years—is at Dropp Road along the line. One and a quarter mile of narrow-gauge track is in use, with another half-mile due to be built this year. And the venue attracts riders from far and wide.

Gottfried, with his three employees, operates weekend excursions throughout the year. Riders gather at the depot at 168 McKoons Road, where tickets may be purchased (online purchase is also available). Here they can tour the small but growing museum housed in an old creamery across from the train platform while they wait to board. The ride itself follows a route through the countryside that once served local dairy farmers and passengers alike. The branch route originally extended from Richfield Springs to Bridgewater, a distance of 18.5 miles. At either end, connections were made to other rail lines. At the Richfield end, the Lackawanna, of Phoebe Snow fame, was the connection.

A recent “Afternoon Ramble” had 16 passengers aboard, hailing from as far away as East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The conductor/historian, Erin Dugan, provided commentary on both the landscape and the history of the rail line, which was first opened in 1868—a year before the driving of the “Golden Spike” that completed the Transcontinental Railroad. At the end of the current length of track, the train stops, allowing the riders to hike and explore further along the roadbed.

As the train headed back to the depot, Ben Gottfried read aloud a poem he composed for the occasion—something that frequently happens on these weekend rides. Once the train arrived at the McKoons Road terminal, the riders stayed on, savoring the experience. A good time was truly had by all.