Well things are going downhill fast on the northern portions of the former Conrail Buffalo Line. About a decade ago, declining traffic on the line prompted NS to turn over much of the middle portion of the former PRR main line over to two regional short lines via a long term lease arrangement. Between Driftwood, PA and the outskirts of Buffalo, NY, the rare first generation PRR CTC instillation was switched off, but generally left in place as a "temporary" signal suspension. Fast forward a decade and it appears that NS is not pussy footing around anymore. About a week ago the PRR interlockings of CP-NORTH DRIFTWOOD and CP-DRIFTWOOD were completely ripped out, with the northern limit of Rule 261 now being at CP-SOUTH DRIFTWOOD.
CP-DRIFTWOOD (seen above) was notable for its PRR signal bridges and pneumatic switch plant. Probably the last in operation on the former Buffalo Line. With it's removal there are rumblings about NS wanting to completely de-signal the line north of Lock Haven, which recently sawit's interlocking re-signaled back in December. Moreover, new signals are appearing between Lock Haven, PA and Williansport, PA, which was a major holdout of PRR signaling with a number of interlockings and a few photogenic two track automatic signal bridges.
So get up there while you can. I have the portion between Harrisburg and Northumberland covered, but above there I just have a few photos from 2006. Hopefully I can return before it is too late.
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