Western New York Reunion - Time Machine to the early LA&L

On May 17th, 2024, the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rush, NY was alive with the sound of two burbling ALCO 539 engines for the first time, both in matching Livonia, Avon, & Lakeville dress. LA&L S-2 #72 had been restored to operation and ran test runs in the early afternoon hours, turning its wheels for the first time on R&GV property since the locomotive was donated to the museum in November, 2023. In the late-afternoon hours, #72 joined sister RS-1 #20, which was donated by the LA&L in 2016, for a special photo charter event coordinated by Timeless Rail Expeditions featuring both units operating together and "side-by-side" for the first time since 2008, along with a photo freight consist and LA&L caboose #2603. #20 and #72 had been primary power in the 1970s and early 1980s on the LA&L before larger "century" series ALCOs took over the job of connecting Livonia and Lakeville to Avon, and eventually Rochester, NY.
Photographers were treated to several runbys and poses throughout the charter, beginning on the museum's incline linking the depot to the shop facility. A meet scene at "switch 6" at the top of the incline took place subsequently, followed by runbys at speed past a set of restored New York Central searchlight signals in the woods along the museum's line to Midway Station. As the rain began to set in, and the passengers consumed a pizza and salad dinner, the evening session began with LA&L #72 on a caboose hop, before LA&L #20 assumed control of the North end of the photo freight train in the fading light with runbys uphill on the incline, with plenty of ALCO smoke. The evening concluded with a special night photo shoot, with lighting provided by Steve Barry, Mike Burkhart, and John Reagan. Special thanks goes out to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum for working to get #72 operational for the event, as well as each person who attended and helped to support the R&GV Museum's mission to preserve railroad history in New York. We would also like to thank Steve, John, and Mike for providing lighting for the night shoot and working against the rain to give everyone great results.
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[@rustyrailspikeproductions]

I know rain sucks while trying to film and photograph, but I applaud you for staying out in it! The shots where it is really dark and coming down just (for me) really make it timeless. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@bobjohnston8316]

That’s just a unique ALCO sound. It brings back fond memories of the RS1 that we had on the New Hope & Ivyland back in the 1970’s.

[@fredstuckmann]

Great video, thanks to all who made that day possible. Having been there, I highly recommend that you visit this fine operating museum.

[@J.Tstudioproduction6375]

it's good to see LA&L 72 return into operation condition once again, probably the first time seeing the Alco S-2 in action ever since it was retired back in 2021, and then being part of the RGVM.
oh and nice job on the video. 🙂👍

[@buffaloarearailfan9928]

Great Video!

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

Thanks!

[@gretchenchadwick8343]

My special needs son loves trains 🚆🚂🚃🚄🚅🚇🚈🚉🚊🚝🚞🚋🛤 especially Alco's like those 2!

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

I’m so glad he enjoys these videos! I should hopefully have more content posted here in the coming weeks.

[@gretchenchadwick8343]

@@BessemerLakeErie902 Well thank you for your reply we appreciate it God bless you 🙏🚂🚃🚄🚅🚇🚈🚉🚊🚝🚞🚋🛤 John 3:16

[@rcsrailfaningproductions1225]

Great video as always. Wish I could be there

[@OfficialSEIC2K6]

LA&L #72 returns. She runs on her own power once more since she was donated in November 2023. WB to operation LA&L #72. She's a nice diesel electric locomotive.

[@chuckgilly]

Gotta love'em. It's not easy being an ALCOholic.

[@workinghardusa]

Great video well done!