Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad: Map, Rosters, Photos
Last revised: August 23, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad was a relatively small system. It directly served the Pittsburgh region with lines extending as far as Connellsville to the southeast and Youngstown, Ohio to the northwest.
Interestingly it never reached Lake Erie although it did become quite profitable moving raw materials for the steel industry that once proliferated the region.
The P&LE sprang up at around the time Cornelius Vanderbilt's New York Central & Hudson River was expanding across the Midwest.
During the midst of this growth an NYC&HR subsidiary eyed the property to gain entry into Pittsburgh, then the sole domain of rival Pennsylvania Railroad.
In the succeeding years the P&LE became an important Central subsidiary although the larger road never formally absorbed it.
Incredibly, it managed to even outlive the NYC and later Penn Central. As an independent it continued to operate a profitable business into the early 1990s when CSX Transportation gained control. Today, the company is still in existence although under a different name.
Pictures
Five Pittsburgh & Lake Erie GP38s lead westbound freight LT29 across the diamond at Blasdell, New York on August 20, 1988 as a Buffalo Southern freight waits in the distance. Doug Kroll photo.History
The Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad dates back to its organization on May 11, 1875 when a prominent Pittsburgh businessman, William McCreery, along with a group of associates, chartered the company.
His hope was to develop a successful local operation, which would offset the monopolistic nature and discriminatory rates imposed by the PRR.
According to the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Historical Society the P&LE was officially chartered in Pennsylvania on May 18th while a similar charter was acquired from Ohio on April 30, 1877 for the Youngstown & Pittsburgh Railroad.
The Y&P was formed to construct the P&LE's Youngstown extension. Unfortunately, McCreery had little success in obtaining the needed capital for his project and a new group took over in 1877.
They were able to see some construction in the Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania area (north of Pittsburgh) along the Beaver River but little else.
At A Glance
Youngstown, Ohio - Pittsburgh - McKeesport, Pennsylvania McKeesport - Brownsville, Pennsylvania McKeesport - Connellsville, Pennsylvania | |
It was at this time that Andrew Carnegie, Pittsburgh's celebrity steel tycoon, became involved by providing financial backing. In addition, John Newell, general manager of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, also took an interest.
The LS&MS was a very large Midwestern system of the latter 19th century. It held a history tracing as far back as the 1830s and grew through a combination of takeovers and mergers.
Logo
Expansion
At its peak it connected Buffalo with Chicago via Toledo, Cleveland, and Elkhart. It also reached Detroit, southern parts of Michigan, and Oil City, Pennsylvania. In 1877 Vanderbilt acquired stock control of the road.
With a large system taking notice and strong monetary support wide-scale construction of the P&LE commenced in 1878.
On February 10, 1879 the road opened from Pittsburgh to Haselton, Ohio (today, a borough of Youngstown). Within a few years the P&LE was again expanding when it leased the Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny on January 1, 1884.
Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (NYC) GP7 #5735 is ahead of commuter train 273 departing the Coraopolis, Pennsylvania station on September 1, 1965. Roger Puta photo.The PMcK&Y went on to acquire the McKeesport & Belle Vernon Railroad in 1890 which connected McKeesport with nearby Belle Vernon. In total, the P&LE operated a 123-mile main line (Connellsville - Youngstown) with a network totaling 274 miles.
The New York Central subsidiary may not have served Pittsburgh via a through route but the P&LE was nevertheless a successful venture. It was so profitable its main line was eventually expanded to four tracks and earned a nickname as "The Little Giant."
Pittsburgh & Lake Erie GP7s #1501 and #1500, power for the railroad's local commuter service, are seen here on October 19, 1980. These two Geeps remained on the railroad's roster as long as it operated commuter trains as they were equipped with steam generators. Doug Kroll photo.According to the book, "New York Central," Railroad by Brian Solomon and Mike Schafer; "...the railroad had such a large concentration of heavy shippers that it earned $100,000 a mile or more for many consecutive quarters...paying a 12% dividend."
Much of its tonnage was thanks to its strategic location within the country's bustling steel-production belt. With a direct route from Pittsburgh to the NYC's ore docks along Lake Erie, iron could be transported quickly to the mills.
In addition, coal arrived from nearby mines in central Pennsylvania as well as the Monongahela Railway from the south. Finally, coke (a refined version of coal carrying few impurities for the purpose of steel production) also moved in large volumes.
To handle all of these heavy products the P&LE operated a small fleet of Berkshires (2-8-4), Mikados (2-8-2), and Consolidations (2-8-0). Into the diesel era its roster was a sampling of products from Electro-Motive, American Locomotive, General Electric, and even Fairbanks-Morse.
System Map (1910)
These locomotive carried an interesting display of liveries; during the NYC era they usually featured either the Central's classic "Lightning Stripes," two-tone grey scheme or the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie's own green and black design with white lettering and trim.
After regaining independence the railroad utilized a simple black livery with yellow lettering, followed by a herald of the company adorning the front nose or flanking the hood.
Passenger Service
By operating such a confined network the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie did not handle a great deal of passenger trains. However, parent New York Central did supply it with a small fleet of Alco's streamlined PA diesels for its connections to the Steel City.
In addition, it operated regional services, such as the Steel Kings to Cleveland. This train, and all others, died in January of 1957 when the U.S. mail contracts were cancelled.
Finally, commuter service survived until 1985; the railroad had continued providing a single weekday operation between Pittsburgh and Beaver Falls (pictured above) through the 1970s.
It utilized former NYC, streamlined day coaches. As business declined the railroad tried to discontinue it in 1978 but ran into stiff, local opposition.
For a few years the state of Pennsylvania provided subsidies to continue the run but, due to little support, the train was finally canceled altogether on July 12, 1985.
Interestingly, famous painter Howard Fogg arguably documented the P&LE better than any photographer; several of his commissioned pieces featured beautiful scenes of the P&LE in its heyday.
While the P&LE was a subsidiary it was part of one notable co-ownership; along with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and later Baltimore & Ohio, it operated the coal-hauling Monongahela Railway in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.
The Monongahela dates back to 1900 when it was originally created by the PRR and P&LE as the Monongahela Railroad to build a line south of Brownsville Junction (just north of Brownsville where the P&LE and PRR met), following the east bank of the Monongahela River to reach Martin, Pennsylvania; here the railroad tapped several coal mines.
Interestingly, this line would be one of the only corridors built by the Monongahela as most of its system was a result of mergers or buyouts of small railroads.
Timetables (1969)
Independence
Except for a very brief period when the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie was first chartered it had never been independently operated. When the Penn Central Transportation Company was formed on February 1, 1968 the P&LE became a ward of the badly planned conglomerate.
Despite PC's declining status its Pittsburgh subsidiary remained a healthy and profitable system, pumping greatly needed revenue into its parent's coffers. Of course, this money was not enough to stave off PC's eventual bankruptcy (June 21, 1970).
However, as Lee Gregory points out in his article, "The Little Giant, Free Again," from the July, 1981 issue of Trains Magazine, the parent was not hesitant to use its subsidiary in offloading debt, $15 million in all including unpaid per-diem charges and joint-facility fees.
This issue continued to grow until it all boiled over with the two roads winding up in court; the P&LE wanted the debts written off while Penn Central tried to maintain P&LE's required payments (agreements dating back to the New York Central days).
It was a bizarre situation for what amounted to a company suing itself (Penn Central owned more than 90% of P&LE's stock at the time).
Diesel Roster
American Locomotive Company
| Model Type | Road Number | Date Built | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA-1 | 4204-4207 | 1949 | 4 |
| PA-2 | 4213-4214 | 1952 | 2 |
| RS3 | 8353-8357 | 1953 | 5 |
| S2 | 8537-8549 | 1948-1949 | 13 |
| S4 | 8633-8667 | 1953 | 35 |
Electro-Motive Division
| Model Type | Road Number | Date Built | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW1500 | 1534-1563, 9280-9289 | 1971-1973 | 40 |
| MP15DC | 1574-1598, 5030-5039 | 1974-1975 | 35 |
| GP38 | 2025-2041 (Ex-PC) | 1969 | 17 |
| GP38-2 | 2051-2056, 2057-2060 (Ex-CRI&P) | 1976-1977 | 10 |
| GP7 | 5676-5685, 5713-5737 | 1951-1953 | 35 |
| NW2 | 8705-8714, 8740-8749 | 1947-1949 | 20 |
| SW9 | 8931-8940, 8952-8961 | 1951-1952 | 20 |
Fairbanks-Morse
| Model Type | Road Number | Date Built | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| H10-44 | 9100-9103 | 1946-1948 | 4 |
General Electric
| Model Type | Road Number | Date Built | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| U28B | 2800-2821 | 1966 | 22 |
Steam Roster
| Class | Type | Wheel Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Switcher | 0-4-0 |
| A-2a | Berkshire | 2-8-4 |
| B-2 Through B-6 | Switcher | 0-6-0 |
| D (Various) | American | 4-4-0 |
| E-1 | Altantic | 4-4-2 |
| G-1 Through G-3 | Ten-Wheeler | 4-6-0 |
| H-1 Through H-3 | Consolidation | 2-8-0 |
| H-8, H-10A | Mikado | 2-8-2 |
| K-4A/B | Pacific | 4-6-2 |
Bringing up the rear of a freight at Buffalo, New York on July 23, 1988 is Pittsburgh & Lake Erie bay-window caboose #503. Doug Kroll photo.CSX Transportation
As the litigation continued the Consolidation Rail Corporation launched on April 1, 1976; a government-sponsored railroad which acquired the bankrupt assets of Penn Central and several other Northeastern carriers.
The P&LE argued it should not be included in the new operation since it was profitable. The railroad ultimately won its case and was spun-off by the then-Penn Central Company on February 27, 1979, selling its stock to the new Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Company.
This corporation was funded by local investment as well as the Beloit Company, a Wisconsin based manufacturer.
Interestingly, even by the early 1980s P&LE still relied heavily on Pittsburgh's historic steel industry and handled around 23 million tons annually related to the steel-making business. The once-bustling firms, however, were in their twilight.
By 1989 it wanted out of the Monongahela ownership in exchange for cash and four years later was purchased by CSX Transportation in 1993.
Under larger ownership once again, the P&LE was renamed as the system Three Rivers Transportation by CSX. There is no distinction between equipment although the former P&LE main line is still in service today.
Recent Articles
-
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
North Carolina -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:31 AM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
Michigan -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:28 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:26 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Illinois -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:19 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:05 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
East Broad Top Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 09, 26 12:09 AM
The East Broad Top Railroad at Rockhill Furnace / Orbisonia, Pennsylvania is not a mass-market “leaf special” brand so much as a living industrial-history railroad whose public calendar runs deep into… -
Strasburg Rail Road Whiskey on the Rails (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:28 PM
Whiskey on the Rails is the Strasburg Rail Road’s intimate adult spirits product: a roughly 45-minute to one-hour steam ride through Lancaster County Amish Country aboard historic First Class Dining C… -
Indiana Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:53 PM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Minnesota -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:04 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
New Mexico Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:52 PM
New Mexico’s high-desert rail scene has a clear spirits star: Sky Railway in Santa Fe, whose special-event calendar includes Whiskey on the Rails—a 21+ pop-up pairing Santa Fe Spirits with a round tri… -
Connecticut -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ &a… -
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:44 AM
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad—marketed as the Duluth River Train—offers a volunteer-run, roughly two-hour narrated round trip along the St. Louis River estuary from West Duluth. -
Coopersville & Marne Railway Fall / Pumpkin Trains (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:19 AM
The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway run West Michigan’s best-known autumn family train: the Pumpkin Train on October weekends, a roughly 90-minute Coopersville–Marne round trip with costum… -
Cape Cod Central Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:12 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad is southeastern Massachusetts’s main tourist-and-dining rail product: narrated scenic trains and multi-course dining trains from Hyannis, West Barnstable, and Buzzards Ba… -
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:39 AM
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, Iowa is the Midwest’s high-bridge foliage train: Fraser excursions cross the towering Bass Point Creek High Bridge through the Des Moines River valley as h… -
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:18 AM
The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Train Ride from its Unity, Maine venue: roughly a one-hour round trip through Waldo County woods and farmland when birch, maple… -
Pennsylvania -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:06 AM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
Alabama -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:04 AM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
South Dakota -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:02 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
West Virginia -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:00 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
New Mexico -- Murder Mystery -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:58 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:55 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Whitewater Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Flyer (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:27 AM
The Whitewater Valley Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Flyer each October: a five-hour weekday round trip from Connersville, Indiana to historic Metamora with a two-hour layover for shopping… -
North Shore Scenic Railroad Fall Colors Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:17 AM
The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minnesota—operated with the Lake Superior Railroad Museum from historic Duluth Union Depot—markets the Two Harbors Fall Colors Tour as its headline autumn pr… -
Leadville Railroad Fall Train Rides (2026)
Aug 07, 26 11:55 PM
The Leadville Railroad (formerly marketed as the Leadville, Colorado & Southern) runs from historic Leadville, Colorado—one of the highest incorporated cities in the U.S.—into the surrounding Rockies… -
FWRHS Acquires Nickel Plate Road Business Car No. 1
Aug 07, 26 11:48 PM
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) has acquired Nickel Plate Road business car No. 1, a 1929 Pullman built for the Van Sweringen brothers’ rail empire. -
Santa Fe Bicentennial SD45-2 No. 5704 To Attend America 250 Event
Aug 07, 26 11:44 PM
The Southern California Railway Museum’s restored Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 No. 5704 is eastbound for the America 250 Locomotive Celebration at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, set f… -
IRM Repaints Ingersoll-Rand 91 in 1976 Bicentennial Livery
Aug 07, 26 11:25 PM
Illinois Railway Museum Diesel Department volunteers have cosmetically restored the museum’s oldest diesel locomotive, Ingersoll-Rand No. 91, to the red, white, and blue scheme it wore for the 1976 Un… -
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 10:22 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville, Ohio is the Hocking Hills region’s dedicated autumn rail product. Each year the railroad markets October Fall Foliage trains—roughly two-hour round tr… -
Delaware & Ulster Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 07:12 PM
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) is back as a Catskills heritage operation from Arkville, New York, marketing scenic rides every Saturday through fall 2026. -
Durango & Silverton Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 03:19 PM
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is southwest Colorado’s bucket-list autumn steam (and diesel) ride: a climb from Durango through the Animas Canyon toward historic Silverton, with San Jua… -
Michigan -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:51 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Virginia Scenic Sip & Savor Express (2026): Wine & Cider Tasting Train
Aug 07, 26 12:42 PM
The Sip & Savor Express is the Virginia Scenic Railway’s flagship tasting product: a about three-hour guided wine or cider experience with artisan charcuterie, departing from either Louisa or Staunton… -
Virginia -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:39 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Utah -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:32 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Vermont -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:25 PM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
North Carolina -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:21 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Western Maryland Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:56 PM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) in Cumberland, Maryland runs one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best-known Murder Mystery Dinner Trains: a roughly three-hour, 21+ evening with dinner and interactiv… -
Warren County Winery Train Phillipsburg NJ (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:37 PM
The Warren County Winery Train, operated by Delaware River Railroad Excursions from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, is a high-frequency wine tasting product. -
River Fox Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:19 PM
The River Fox Train (Sacramento RiverTrain operations) in West Sacramento, California runs a Murder Mystery Dinner Train for ages 21+: dinner and dessert plus interactive theater as characters scheme… -
Monticello Railway Museum Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 01:33 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, Illinois hosts the state’s main Murder Mystery Dinner Train: an approximately two-hour evening with a three-course meal prepared by Michaels’ Catering of C… -
Cumbres & Toltec Fall Colors Train Ride (2026): Aspens, Pass & Tips
Aug 06, 26 12:45 PM
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad straddles the Colorado–New Mexico line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado—a steam-powered narrow-gauge climb over Cumbres Pass through aspen forests… -
LM&M Murder Mystery Train Lebanon OH (2026)
Aug 06, 26 12:04 PM
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio offers a Murder Mystery Train built for Cincinnati/Dayton day-trippers: about three hours total, 21+, with interactive theater from The Murder… -
Heber Valley Wine & Cheese Tasting Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:58 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets a Wine & Cheese Tasting Train as its signature adult tasting product: a roughly 90-minute evening ride with a guided five-course wine tasting and… -
Backcountry Wine Train, Campo CA (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:13 AM
The Backcountry Wine Train is the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s adults-oriented wine tasting excursion from the Campo Railroad Museum in San Diego County’s East County high desert. -
Rhode Island -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 10:19 AM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
Maryland -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 09:46 AM
You can enjoy whiskey tasting by train at just one location in Maryland, the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad based in Cumberland.
