Finger Lakes Railway: Operating The Ex-NYC, PRR, and LV

Published: August 12, 2024

The Finger Lakes Railway (FGLK) is a vital short line operating in the heartland of New York State. Established in 1995, the railway spans approximately 167 miles, running through the picturesque Finger Lakes region, a territory known for its striking landscapes and vibrant local economy. Headquartered in Geneva, New York, FGLK plays a crucial role in supporting regional commerce and industry.

The railway operates on lines acquired from Conrail, providing freight services that cater to a diverse array of local industries. FGLK's primary commodities include agricultural products, plastics, cement, scrap metal, and industrial chemicals.

The railroad enjoys a number of interchange connections with both Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation. It also interchanges with regional New York, Susquehanna & Western. Like most short lines FGLK is renowned for its customer-centric approach, offering customized logistics solutions to meet the varied needs of its clientele.

Finger Lakes Railway GP9 #1751 is headed east with train GS-2 in downtown Seneca Falls, New York on October 10, 2008. Doug Kroll photo.

Principal Route

The Finger Lakes Railway began operations on July 23, 1995. Its primary route stretches 76 miles from Syracuse to Canandaigua, New York. Steeped in history, this line was once part of the New York Central and known as the Auburn Road, originally built by the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad.

Beginning in Syracuse, the FGLK interchanges with both CSX Transportation and the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway.

Heading westward, the route navigates through several key towns and junctions, including Solvay, Camillus, and Skaneateles Junction (also known locally as Hartlot or Skaneateles Falls). The line continues through Sennett, Auburn, Aurelius (Relius), Cayuga, Seneca Falls, and Waterloo.

In Geneva, FGLK intersects with Norfolk Southern's Corning Secondary, enhancing its strategic significance as a regional transportation hub. As the line presses further west, it traverses Phelps Junction and Clifton Springs.

The railroad then reaches Shortsville, where it meets the terminus of subsidiary Ontario Central Railroad, before finally arriving at its western terminus in Canandaigua.

Finger Lakes Railway GP9 #1703 and GP9 #1801, still in the colors of previous owner Mountain Laurel Rrailroad, layover at Geneva, New York on May 23, 1998. Doug Kroll photo.

Ex-Lehigh Valley Main Line

The railroad manages a segment of the former Lehigh Valley's mainline - what little remains - spanning from Geneva to Kendaia on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Historically, this line was part of the LV's primary route running from Waverly to Buffalo, New York - much of which is abandoned today.

During World War II and the Cold War, this line was particularly significant, facilitating numerous military movements in and out of the Seneca Army Depot. Although the depot ceased operations in the summer of 1998, it boasts a substantial rail yard that Finger Lakes Railway now utilizes for rail car storage.

Currently, the local industrial development agency is actively working to attract new industries to the site of the former depot, capitalizing on the existing rail infrastructure. This effort aims to leverage the strategic advantages offered by the rail connections to foster economic development and growth in the region.

Ex-PRR

The Penn Yan, New York branch of the FGLK traces its origins to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today, only a modest segment of this historic line remains, stretching from Watkins Glen to Bellona.

The short line accesses this disconnected branch via trackage rights over Norfolk Southern's Corning Secondary, running from Geneva to Himrod Junction. This junction serves as a midpoint for the branch that extends from Penn Yan in the north to Watkins Glen in the south.

All-Time Diesel Roster

Road Number	Builder	Model Type	Serial Number	Completion Date	Notes
1701	EMD	GP9	25018	2/1959	ex-Farmrail #3871; ex-St. Louis Southwestern #3871/#3649; built as St. Luis Southwestern #828.
1943	GE	B23-7	42056	7/1978	Built as Conrail #1943.
2001	EMD	GP38-2	787192-15	6/1979	ex-GMTX (General American Marks Company) #2197; built as Conrail #8270.
2002	GMD	GP40	A2168	5/1966	ex-GMTX (General American Marks Company) #2102; built as CN #4005.
2003	EMD	GP38-2	32471	1/1967	ex-GMTX (General American Marks Company) #2104; ex-UP #885/#2385; ex-EMD Leading #198; ex-Soo Line #2027; ex-Milwaukee Road #2027; built as Milwaukee Road GP40 #154.
2004	EMD	GP38-2	7354-53	7/1972	ex-GMTX (General American Marks Company) #2227; ex-EMD Leasing #792; ex-Conrail #7992; built as Penn Central #7992.
2005	EMD	GP38-2	35356	7/1979	ex-GMTX (General American Marks Company) GP38-2 #2648; ex-Conrail GP38 #7727; built as Penn Central #7727.
2201	GE	U23B	39527	4/1974	Renumbered from 2211. ex-Providence & Worcester #2211; ex-CSX #3300; ex-Seaboard System #3300; built as L&N #2772.
2301	GE	B23-7	42317	4/1979	Renumbered from 1979; built as Conrail #1979.
2302	GE	B23-7	42327	5/1979	Built as Conrail #1989.
2303	GE	B23-7	42551	8/1979	Renumbered from 2004; built as Conrail #2004.
2304	GE	B23-7	43374	4/1981	ex-RBM&N #2301; ex-Great Smoky Mountains Railroad #2301; ex-NS #4016; built as Southern #4016.
2305	GE	B23-7	41989	1/1979	ex-RBM&N #2300; ex-NS #3980; built as Southern #3980.
2306	GE	B23-7	41727	2/1978	ex-Providence & Worcester #2212; ex-CSX #3117; ex-Seboard System #5117; built as L&N #5117.
2308	GE	B23-7	43121	3/1981	ex-LRCX (Livingston Rebuild Center, Inc.) #4001; ex-NS #4001; built as Southern #4001.
2309	GE	B23-7	42422	6/1979	ex-Ohio Central #4233; ex-BNSF #4233; built as Santa Fe #6376.
2310	GE	B23-7	42430	6/1979	ex-Ohio Central #4241; ex-BNSF #4241; built as Santa Fe #6384.
1702	EMD	GP9	25281	3/1959	Off Roster. Built as Milwaukee Road #286.
1703	EMD	GP9	25326	7/1959	Off Roster. Built as Milwaukee Road #331.
1751	EMD	GP9	22036	8/1956	Sold. Built as C&O #6128.
1801	EMD	GP10	22211	8/1956	Sold. Built as B&O GP9 #6467.
2300	GE	B23-7	41736	2/1978	Scrapped. Built as L&N #5126.
2307	GE	B23-7	41735	2/1978	Scrapped. Built as L&N #5125.
2820	GE	U23Bu	40130	3/1975	Scrapped. Built as L&N #2820.

Finger Lakes Railway B23-7 #2301 and caboose #203 are leaving the west end of the Geneva Yard with local job GY-1 on February 20, 2012. Doug Kroll photo.

Ontario Central Railroad

In October 2007, Finger Lakes acquired the Ontario Central Railroad. Previously owned by the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad, this 13.3-mile line consists of former LV trackage, which was part of the Sayre-Buffalo mainline and also constitutes the Kendaia branch. The two railroads connect near Shortsville, New York.

Today

In addition to freight services, Finger Lakes also operates seasonal passenger excursions, providing scenic tours that attract tourists and rail enthusiasts alike. These excursions not only contribute to the local tourism industry but also help to preserve the rich railway heritage of the region.

The FGLK is a cornerstone of central New York's transportation infrastructure, fostering economic growth and connectivity in the region. With its emphasis on reliable service, customer satisfaction, and sustainability, railroad continues to be an indispensable asset to the Finger Lakes community.