South Buffalo Railway: An Industrial Short Line

Published: July 18, 2024

The South Buffalo Railway was established in 1899, with the primary purpose of serving the steel industry in the Buffalo region.

The railway was closely tied to the Lackawanna Steel Company, later known as Bethlehem Steel, one of the largest steel producers in the United States.

The creation of the SBRR was essential for the transportation of raw materials to the steel plant and the distribution of finished steel products to various markets.

South Buffalo Railway SW9s #34 and #39 have loads of coke at Woodlawn Beach on November 26, 1988. Doug Kroll photo.

Historical Background

Expansion and Growth

During the early 20th century, Buffalo emerged as an industrial powerhouse due to its strategic location near the Great Lakes and its proximity to major transportation routes.

The SBRR expanded its network to accommodate this industrial boom, constructing tracks that connected the steel plant to other major railroads and shipping hubs.

The railway's expansion included purchasing additional rail lines and building new infrastructure.

This growth facilitated efficient movement of materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, which were vital for steel production.

The SBRR played an instrumental role in supporting the steel industry's needs, contributing to the economic prosperity of the Buffalo area.

Mid-20th Century Challenges

Decline of the Steel Industry

The mid-20th century brought significant challenges to the South Buffalo Railway. The decline of the American steel industry hit Buffalo hard, leading to reduced production and eventual closures of key steel plants. The Bethlehem Steel plant, once a bustling center of activity, faced dwindling operations and financial difficulties.

This decline directly impacted the SBRR, which experienced a decrease in the volume of freight it carried. The railway had to adapt to changing economic conditions, seeking new ways to remain viable and continue serving its customers.

Diversification and Adaptation

To cope with the decline of the steel industry, the South Buffalo Railway diversified its operations. The railway began transporting a broader range of commodities, including chemicals, aggregates, and other industrial materials. This strategic move allowed the SBRR to tap into new markets and reduce its dependence on the steel industry.

Additionally, the railway invested in modernization efforts, upgrading its infrastructure and rolling stock to improve efficiency and service reliability. These changes positioned the SBRR to better compete in the evolving transportation landscape.

Modern-Day Operations

Ownership and Corporate Structure

In 2001, the South Buffalo Railway was acquired by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), a prominent railroad holding company known for its extensive portfolio of short line railroads. Under G&W's ownership, the SBRR benefitted from increased investment and access to a broader network of resources and expertise.

Service Offerings

Today, the South Buffalo Railway provides a range of services to meet the needs of its customers. These services include:

1. **Railcar Switching**: The SBRR offers efficient railcar switching services within industrial complexes and terminals. This service enables seamless movement of railcars between different tracks and facilities, ensuring timely deliveries.

2. **Freight Transportation**: The railway continues to transport a variety of commodities, including scrap metal, bulk materials, and chemical products. The diversification of its freight portfolio has helped the SBRR maintain steady business despite changes in the industrial landscape.

3. **Interchange Services**: The SBRR connects with several Class I railroads, including CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. These interchange services facilitate the transfer of goods to and from the national rail network, expanding the reach of the SBRR's operations.

4. **Transloading**: The railway offers transloading services, allowing customers to transfer goods between trucks and railcars. This service provides flexibility in transportation options and extends the SBRR's capability to handle diverse cargo types.

Infrastructure and Equipment

The South Buffalo Railway maintains a robust infrastructure to support its operations. Key components of the railway's infrastructure include:

1. **Rail Network**: The SBRR operates over 50 miles of track, primarily concentrated in the industrial areas of Buffalo and Lackawanna. This network includes mainline tracks, yards, and sidings that facilitate efficient routing and storage of railcars.

2. **Yards and Terminals**: The railway's primary yard, known as the Buffalo Creek Yard, is a central hub for sorting and organizing railcars. Additional terminals and facilities provide spaces for loading, unloading, and storage of goods.

3. **Rolling Stock**: The SBRR's fleet includes a mix of locomotives and railcars designed to handle various types of freight. The railway has invested in modern, fuel-efficient locomotives to enhance operational performance and reduce environmental impact.

Diesel Roster (All-Time)

Model Type	Builder	Road Number(s)	Serial Number	Completion Date	Original Owner/Number
SW1500	EMD	4	33286	10/1967	RF&P #4.
SW1500	EMD	5-6	4608-65, 4608-68	6/1972	Southern Pacific #2655, #2658.
SW1500	EMD	7	33289	10/1967	RF&P #7.
MP15	EMD	8	74641	6/1972	Reading #2771.
MP15	EMD	19-20	75627-1, 75627-2	8/1975	Cambria & Indiana Railroad #19-20.
SW1200	EMD	30-31	29642-29643	12/1964, 2/1965	Southern Pacific #1601-1602.
SW1200	EMD	32	30245	7/1965	Southern Pacific #1613.
SW1200	EMD	33	30242	5/1965	Southern Pacific #1610.
SW9	EMD	34-37	6555-6558	3/1952	Ex-Cambria & Indiana Railroad #34-37.
SW1200	EMD	38	20415	6/1955	Grand Trunk Western #1507.
SW9	EMD	39	11165	6/1952	Grand Trunk Western #7010.
65DE19a	Whitcomb	40-41	60337, 60348	10/1943	U.S. Army #7967 and #7978.
65DE19a	Whitcomb	42-43	60449, 60464	1944	U.S. Army #8443 and #8458.
65DE19a	Whitcomb	44	60474	1944	U.S. Army #8468
65DE19a	Whitcomb	45	60497	1945	U.S. Army #8491.
65DE19a	Whitcomb	46	60472	1944	U.S. Army #8466.
S6	Alco	40 (2nd) - 41 (2nd)	81420, 81719	11/1955, 4/1956	Acquired new.
S6	Alco	42 (2nd) - 45 (2nd)	82293-82296	11/1956-1/1957	Acquired new.
HH600	Alco	48-49	68805-68806	8/1937	Patapsco & Back Rivers #55-56.
HH600	Alco	50	68795	4/1937	Steelton & Highspire Railroad #31.
SC	EMD	51	617	11/1936	Acquired new.
SC	EMD	52	618	11/1936	Acquired new.
S1	Alco	51 (2nd)	69202	10/1940	Acquired new. Renumbered 62.
S1	Alco	52 (2nd)	69384	12/1940	Acquired new. Renumbered 63.
SW7	EMD	50 (2nd)	10392	4/1950	Built as PRR #9368.
SW7	EMD	51 (2nd)	13068	1/1951	Built as PRR #8866.
SW7	EMD	52 (2nd)	9952	1/1951	Built as NYC #8913.
SW7	EMD	53 (2nd)	9950	1/1951	Built as NYC #8911.
HH600	Alco	54-59	68799, 68797-68798, 68796, 68800, 69047	6/1937-10/1937	Acquired new.
S1	Alco	60-61	69390, 69410	1/1941	Acquired new.
S1	Alco	63 (2nd)	78709	12/1940	Built as Nickel Plate #58.
S2	Alco	64	76165	8/1948	Built as RF&P #65
S2	Alco	65	76164	8/1948	Built as RF&P #64.
S4	Alco	66	78725	5/1951	Bult as LV #166.
S2	Alco	68	74493	7/1946	Built as RF&P #58.
S2	Alco	69	76169	9/1948	Built as RF&P #69.
HH600	Alco	70	68703	3/1937	Built as Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England #207.
S2	Alco	71	69212	8/1940	Became slug #11.
S2	Alco	72	69535	7/1941	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	73-74	69554, 69556	9/1941, 12/1942	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	75	74973	4/1947	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	76	75235	5/1947	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	77	75236	5/1947	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	78	73375	6/1945	Built as Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England #261.
S2	Alco	79-80	74983-74985	5/1947	Built as Patapsco & Back Rivers #226-227.
S2	Alco	81	75919	8/1948	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	82-83	76509-76510	11/1948-12/1948	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	84	76511	12/1948	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	85-86	77060, 78009	3/1950, 6/1950	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	87-89	78010-78012	6/1950	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	90-91	78013-78014	6/1950	Acquired new.
S4	Alco	92-95	78824-78827	8/1951	Acquired new.
S4	Alco	96-97	79518-79519	1/1952	Acquired new.
S4	Alco	98-99	79787, 80063	7/1952	Acquired new.
S2	Alco	100-103	74329, 74335, 74345, 74346	9/1945-11/1945	Built as Delaware & Hudson #3004, #3007, #3009-3010
S2	Alco	104-107	70071, 76764, 69882, 69953	9/1944, 5/1949, 11/1943, 9/1942	Built as LV #164, #165, #159 and #151.
S4	Alco	108	80940	11/1953	Built as P&LE #8654.
S4	Alco	109	80935	11/1953	Built as P&LE #8649.
S4	Alco	110	80936	11/1953	Built as P&LE #8650.
S4	Alco	111	80950	11/1953	Built as P&LE #8664.

South Buffalo Railway SW1200s #30 and #31 are southbound and about to pass under the Tifft Street Bridge in Buffalo, New York on May 6, 1989. Doug Kroll photo.

Conclusion

The South Buffalo Railway's journey from its inception in 1899 to its present-day operations is a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

Through periods of industrial growth, decline, and diversification, the SBRR has remained a vital part of the Buffalo region's transportation infrastructure.

Today, under the ownership of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., the South Buffalo Railway continues to provide essential services, supporting local industries and contributing to the community's economic vitality.

With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, the SBRR is well-positioned to navigate future challenges and opportunities.