A 1906 Ride on the Catskill Mountain Railway and Otis Elevating Railway Past Catskill Mountain House

From the original 35mm 1906 paper positive, this historic film takes us from Catskill to Palenville then connects with the Otis Elevating Railway. This was a funicular or cable railway that rose 1,600 feet in 10 mins to Otis Summit past the Catskill Mountain House.
Used primarily by vacationers from New York City, arriving by steamboat to get to the Catskill Hotels the railway ran from 1882 - 1918. The train also connected to the Catskill and Kaaterskill Railway which went to Tannersville.
In 1918, all three railroads were closed and scrapped with the exception of the Otis Elevator cars which went on to a second life at the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

[@lunaessencejewelryandhandb64]

Amazing

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

I was born in Catskill, grew up for my first several years in Greenville and my grandparents lived in Cairo and I only found out about this several years ago. I'm 55 now lol. Great video, love how you used the old non-talky music and text. Well done!

[@alb12345672]

There was also a very early train that ran up rt 145. I drove by a sign a few days ago and looked it up.

[@mikegross6107]

I slowed the video down one notch and it looked almost normal (even the music)! I didn't know they made film capacity for such long viewing in 1906, it was very enjoyable and interesting to watch! Thank you for sharing!

[@KenButz]

Thanks Mike, glad the music stayed intact.

[@tomf7478]

Amazing footage!

[@mpllc123]

WOW! Awesome!

[@charlesbaran1106]

Very good. I just learned about the Otis Elevating Railway last month when my son stayed at an AirB&B adjacent to the right-of-way. I couldn't imagine a train climbing the mountain, but now I know how. Similarly, I never knew about the narrow-gauge Catskill Mountain Railway, but part of the Catskill & Kaaterskill is now a rail trail near Kaaterskill Falls.

[@KenButz]

Its a great area to visit & hike - lots of history in the Catskills

[@harrisonbalduf3290]

Otis Elevating ran as a funicular; hauled by a cable powered by an engine at the top of the grade. Based off their elevator design (search "atwood's machine"), it used a car from the top to counterweigh a car at the bottom to use only 150 hp to move up to 25 tons in each direction.

[@train5974]

The bridge that crosses Catskill creek is now a pedestrian bridge.

[@posarandposer]

I lived in the old ticket house in catskill. 221 Water St

[@KenButz]

That's very cool

[@posarandposer]

So is this video! Thank you!

[@thomastrovas6408]

wow

[@chrisvacek4784]

How did they film this? Arent they on the caboose?

[@KenButz]

yes, I suspect they filmed from a utility car or coal bin pulled behind the caboose

[@randallsquier9734]

Chris Vacek flatcar connected behind passenger car.