Description

The Onondaga Cutoff represents operations on the Chicago Line near Syracuse, NY at Conrail’s zenith. The route is a freelanced former-New York Central bypass that interchanges with the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Syracuse Branch, operated on the OC by the Minoa & Euclid Railway. The main line is high-density, heavy-duty, 50 mph railroading, as it appeared in the mid-1990s.

Conrail is CTC controlled with GRS type SA searchlights controlled via computer software per the prototype in 1994. The M&E operates using track warrants.

Each session is on a 3:1 fast clock and the railroad will be a busy one, representing a critical northeastern ‘trunk line’ in its modern heyday. Locals and interchange trains from M&E and the NYS&W work around time-sensitive intermodal trains and Amtrak Empire Corridor service. Like the prototype, the Onondaga Cutoff runs continuously on a 24-hour schedule, through daylight but also darkness – room lighting dims to full darkness during the modeled night hours. The operation continues through the night and dawn follows as trains roll. Part of every session is in full darkness with layout and safety lighting only.

Gallery