Riding the AAPRCO Finger Lakes Special 2024

We embark on a rare and extraordinary journey aboard some of the few privately-owned historic rail cars still riding the rails. But this time, it’s not just one or two cars-it's an entire train of private rail cars! Join us for the 46th annual American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners (AAPRCO) Convention train, known as The Finger Lakes Special, dedicated to the beloved DeWitt Chapple, founding member of AAPRCO and former owner of the private rail car Chappel Hill.
Our adventure begins in Albany, with the train being pulled by two of Amtrak’s striking 50th anniversary units. Aboard the luxurious Colonial Crafts, we prepare to soar through the Mohawk River Valley on our way to Syracuse, New York, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
Bill, the owner of the former C&O car Blue Ridge Club, graciously offers us a prime seat in the lounge to take in the scenic views. After a brief stop in Syracuse at CSX’s Solvay yard, we switch from Amtrak power to the Finger Lakes Railway.
With the Finger Lakes Railway having no HEP on their angines, all seven cars' generators come to life, powering our unique journey. Here, Amtrak’s restrictions on open-vestibule riding and sitting on open platforms don’t apply, allowing us to enjoy fresh air and unobstructed views from the observation cars as we traverse the historic Auburn Road of the New York Central Railway.
Our journey concludes in Canandaigua, New York, where the Finger Lakes Railway power is detached, and the cars settle in for the next four nights.
Special thanks to all the private rail car owners and the AAPRCO for making this unforgettable trip possible. If you enjoyed this unique adventure, please hit the like button and subscribe to support small channels like mine. Check out the additional videos from railfans along the route linked in the description. Thanks for watching!
VIDEOS OF THE FINGER LAKES SPECIAL FROM TRACKSIDE:
‪@PlTrMk689‬ - • AAPRCO Train (PX1) on ...
‪@DieselElevators‬ - • AAPRCO 2024 Finger Lak...
‪@TheCapitalRegionRailfan‬ - • The AAPRCO DeWitt Chap...
‪@roadrailsrunwaysofwny‬ - • AAPRCO Excursion on th...
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#railfanning #railweekly #railroad #railway #railways #AAPRCO #privatecar #privaterailcar #train #railhistory

[@PlTrMk689]

Fantastic video!!! And thank you for sharing your little adventure with us. Also that view behind the locomotive was incredible.

[@RailWeekly]

Thank you so much. My pleasure :)

[@danmarkis3785]

My old stomping grounds.. I'm from Syracuse but I now live in the central coast of cal.

[@rogerhare7886]

I grew up in this area and train watched from many locations shown. Always wondered what traveling this region by passenger train would be like. Thanks much for this video.

[@RailWeekly]

That's wonderful! I'm happy it maybe brought back some great memories for you.

[@Bill_Gray-Pullman_Travels]

Thanks for joining us in #BlueRidgeClub

[@ggreg2258]

Nice vid. Beautiful area. Too bad it was gloomy!

[@RailWeekly]

I know... looks like they had amazing weather for the return trip on Saturday though!

[@TheCapitalRegionRailfan]

Thank you for sharing my video in the description with your followers!

[@RailWeekly]

You are so welcome!

[@Bill_Gray-Pullman_Travels]

Thanks Mike!

[@RailWeekly]

Thank YOU for all that you do and for making this trip what it was. It was a pleasure meeting you.

[@user-lp1kk4hh6w]

thank you

[@WNYSirenGuy]

Nice video! That must've been an amazing ride!

[@RailWeekly]

Thank you! There were so many unique experiences to be had. I’m very grateful for it!

[@Onhomerails]

I chased the train to auburn and your caught me by the old gas station.

[@RailWeekly]

How cool!

[@jontaylor6068]

I actually saw you go buy in Geneva Tuesday and today Saturday

[@RailWeekly]

Awesome! I only did the day trip on Tuesday. I’m not on the run today.

[@1chuck96]

You'll pardon my ignorance, but I've never heard of "Finger Lakes Railroad'. Can somebody enlighten me as to exactly where it is, the track mileage, etc? In advance...Thanks !!

[@DieselElevators]

They operate, conveniently, in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Their main yard is in Geneva, NY. They operate trains nearly every day and travel between Syracuse, Geneva, Canandaigua, and Watkins Glen with lots of freight traffic.

[@joenewstead4848]

What's the UP car on the rear?

[@roadrailsrunwaysofwny]

PPCX 800724 - Central Pacific "Promontory Point"

[@roadrailsrunwaysofwny]

I was not able to catch the trip on Monday, but I did chase it back to Solvay from Geneva! czcams.com/video/Xdqjuuqk2Q4/video.htmlsi=c1FW6ON9Epyy9SrX

[@RailWeekly]

Awesome video! I just added the link to the description :)