Logo
 
 
12/23/2024
View Photos
Members
 
 
 
 
Viewing Album:  Long Island RR freight
 
By:Tom Beckett
Dates:1/1/1977 - 3/1/2013
Album Info:Covers Long Island RR freight operations primarily in the 1980's. Power during this time period was mostly the 8 remaining C420's from the 1968 order, numbered 222-229, equipped with Hi Ad trucks. MP15AC's were also used in freight service, and rotated in and out from passenger service, so any of the 23 units, 150-172, could appear.
  Page Controls   View:  Pics Per Page:
Broad view
Title:  Broad view
Description:  There was a spot near Yaphank station where you could get an across the field shot of the LIRR. It is here that we see RF 62s power, the usual pair of C 420s. I caught up to him here after chasing some commuter trains and RF 65 near Farmingdale.
Photo Date:  10/21/1986  Upload Date: 12/17/2014 2:23:38 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  428   Comments: 1
Past the station
Title:  Past the station
Description:  The east end of Riverhead station as RF 62s power passes
Photo Date:  10/21/1986  Upload Date: 12/19/2014 3:16:55 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  587   Comments: 0
Almost home
Title:  Almost home
Description:  RF 63 passes through Ronkonkoma as it hustles to Pine Aire to get out of the way of the evening rush. The electrification project is progressing. The ties have been replaced, and third rail ties-note every fifth tie is extended-are now installed.
Photo Date:  10/21/1986  Upload Date: 12/15/2014 3:52:04 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 226(C420)
Views:  364   Comments: 0
Made it
Title:  Made it
Description:  RF 63 is tied up at Pine Aire. The same power will run west later this evening as RF 91 to Fresh Pond. The electrification project is making its mark here, as the third rail has been installed.
Photo Date:  10/21/1986  Upload Date: 12/15/2014 3:55:06 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives:  LI 229(C420) LI 226(C420)
Views:  331   Comments: 0
Rural scene
Title:  Rural scene
Description:  Whod have figured this pastoral view for Long Island?? It was already a lot more built up by this time than when I was a kid in the 60s, but there were a few places scenes like this could still be seen. A pair of C 420s rolls RF 65 toward Huntington and Hicksville
Photo Date:  12/23/1986  Upload Date: 12/29/2014 4:30:22 AM
Location:  Greenlawn, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  442   Comments: 0
Getting underway
Title:  Getting underway
Description:  RF 65 pulls away from the siding at Greenlawn, now that its work is done and the scoot has cleared.
Photo Date:  12/23/1986  Upload Date: 12/29/2014 4:32:30 AM
Location:  Greenlawn, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  491   Comments: 0
Going back to the train
Title:  Going back to the train
Description:  RF 64 has run as far east as its going to on the Port Jeff branch today, and is now running around its train to start back as RF 65. That train more often got a pair of MP 15s, but occasionally would get a pair of Alcos. Im not complaining about the substitution.
Photo Date:  12/23/1986  Upload Date: 12/29/2014 4:38:23 AM
Location:  Kings Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  531   Comments: 0
Passing the potato exchange
Title:  Passing the potato exchange
Description:  RF 63 passes the Long Island potato exchange. Potatoes were once a significant source of traffic on the LIRR, but have long since gone to trucks by this date.
Photo Date:  2/3/1987  Upload Date: 6/20/2011 2:01:26 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 222(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  656   Comments: 0
Under the bridge
Title:  Under the bridge
Description:  RF 63 passes under an old local bridge as seen from the William Floyd Parkway. This is one of the more rural scenes on Long Island at the time.
Photo Date:  2/3/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:16:18 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 222(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  669   Comments: 1
Rolling for Pine Aire
Title:  Rolling for Pine Aire
Description:  RF 63 rolls west through the pine barrens approaching Medford on a snowy afternoon.
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:04:05 AM
Location:  Medford, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 222(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  496   Comments: 0
Starting west
Title:  Starting west
Description:  RF 63 has just left Riverhead and is working its way to a pick up at Yaphank and hopefully no rush hour delays getting back to Pine Aire.
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:08:18 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 222(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  537   Comments: 0
Sign of days gone by
Title:  Sign of days gone by
Description:  The building behind RF 63 is the Long Island Potato Exchange, once a huge deal on the Island. As late as the 1950s, solid trains of potatoes would be sent west from Riverhead. Better roads and higher real estate values meant fewer potatoes, and most of them now go by truck. Imagine three or four C 420s and 90 cars of potatoes-what a sight!!
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:11:33 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 222(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  406   Comments: 0
RF 63 and the new station
Title:  RF 63 and the new station
Description:  RF 63 rolls west at KO-note the block limit sign to the left of the lead unit-and the forms for the concrete supports of the new high level platforms that are part of the new station that will open in about 11 months when the Main Line electrification is completed. Big changes are coming!!
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 4/16/2015 3:14:49 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 223(C420)
Views:  432   Comments: 0
Meeting the track car
Title:  Meeting the track car
Description:  RF 62 meets TC 80, in the hole at Yaphank. This view from the overpass west of the "station" shows how arrow straight the Main Line is through Suffolk County.
Photo Date:  2/5/1987  Upload Date: 12/31/2014 4:18:57 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  664   Comments: 2
RF 65 gets a scenic view
Title:  RF 65 gets a scenic view
Description:  RF 65 rolls west at Eastport, passing over one of the many inlets on the Island.
Photo Date:  2/10/1987  Upload Date: 4/16/2015 3:03:51 AM
Location:  Eastport, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Winter,Action
Locomotives:  LI 157(MP15AC)
Views:  304   Comments: 0
Turned and ready
Title:  Turned and ready
Description:  RF 65 has run as far east as it is going today, and is now ready to head back to Hicksville once the "scoot" to Babylon departs.
Photo Date:  2/10/1987  Upload Date: 4/16/2015 3:05:48 AM
Location:  Speonk, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Winter,Yard,Action
Locomotives:  LI 157(MP15AC)
Views:  427   Comments: 0
RF 62
Title:  RF 62
Description:  RF 62 arrives at Yaphank on a very cold day in February 1987. This was as far as the train would go this day.
Photo Date:  2/10/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 10:36:45 PM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 223(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  662   Comments: 0
Working the team track
Title:  Working the team track
Description:  RF 63 works the team track at Riverhead as its train sits on the lead
Photo Date:  3/10/1987  Upload Date: 6/20/2011 2:06:42 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  558   Comments: 0
RF 62
Title:  RF 62
Description:  RF 62 behind the typical pair of C 420s passes the station site of Calverton, just west of Riverhead, on the Main Line.
Photo Date:  3/16/1987  Upload Date: 11/12/2011 10:56:33 PM
Location:  Calverton, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  423   Comments: 0
Making it up
Title:  Making it up
Description:  A pair of C 420s work at Pine Aire making up RF 62 to head east for Riverhead. Theyll do another hour of switching before going east, past Ronkonkoma and out of the commuter zone. Note the third rail. The opening of the Main Line electrification is less than a year away.
Photo Date:  3/17/1987  Upload Date: 4/20/2015 2:27:51 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 222(C420)
Views:  491   Comments: 0
Stuck in the middle
Title:  Stuck in the middle
Description:  The pair of Alcos that are RF 62s power are in mid consist as they work a siding at Pine Aire, and get their train together. A few more moves, theyll be on the head end and rolling east. Note the WLO reporting marks on the first boxcar, for the Waterloo RR, an IC subsidiary, and the ex Rock box three cars from the power.
Photo Date:  3/17/1987  Upload Date: 4/20/2015 2:32:05 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Yard,Action
Locomotives: 
Views:  448   Comments: 0
Working the team track
Title:  Working the team track
Description:  Once a common sight in many towns, the team track had become a rare feature. Riverhead still had one(as did Queens Village, though I dont recall seeing any cars spotted there in the 80s), here being switched by RF 62s C 420s. The crews on this train did not get radios, so hand signals were the standard way for the trainmen to communicate. It was a real lesson in old style railroading.
Photo Date:  3/19/1987  Upload Date: 4/18/2015 3:52:51 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  353   Comments: 0
RF 63 and a relic
Title:  RF 63 and a relic
Description:  RF 63#passes the Riverhead station and restoration project G 5 39 as it heads down to work the team track.
Photo Date:  3/19/1987  Upload Date: 4/21/2015 3:44:13 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Steam,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420) LI 39(4-6-2)
Views:  624   Comments: 0
Farm like scene
Title:  Farm like scene
Description:  The east end was once farm land, but by the late 80s, much of it had been sold off for development as real estate values became greater than the agricultural value. Manorville seemed to have escaped that trend even in the late 80s, as this scene of a red house in a rural setting shows. RF 63 rolls past behind the usual pair of C 420s.
Photo Date:  3/19/1987  Upload Date: 4/18/2015 3:56:55 AM
Location:  Manorville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  227   Comments: 0
Potatoes!!
Title:  Potatoes!!
Description:  RF 63 gets ready to go west as it sits in front of what was once one of LIRRs prime traffic sources-the Suffolk Potato Exchange. The LIRR at the end of WW II would ship 110 car produce blocks from Suffolk County, one of Americas main potato producers. Now it all goes by truck, whats left of it.
Photo Date:  3/19/1987  Upload Date: 4/18/2015 4:05:06 AM
Location:  Riverhead, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  286   Comments: 1
View from the bridge
Title:  View from the bridge
Description:  In this case, William Floyd Parkway. RF 63 rolls under a local road heading back to Pine Aire.
Photo Date:  3/19/1987  Upload Date: 4/18/2015 4:09:18 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  326   Comments: 0
Back in the zone
Title:  Back in the zone
Description:  RF 63 passes the block limit signal at KO, entering the commuter zone. Note the third rail in place. It is now nine months til electric trains will run here from New York and Brooklyn
Photo Date:  4/9/1987  Upload Date: 4/23/2015 2:11:32 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 226(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  236   Comments: 0
Doing what Alcos do
Title:  Doing what Alcos do
Description:  RF 63 gets started from its pick up at Yaphank with gusto. Hell need to hustle if hes going to get his window ahead of the afternoon rush once he gets to Ronkonkoma. Pour it on!!
Photo Date:  4/9/1987  Upload Date: 4/23/2015 2:15:34 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 226(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  261   Comments: 1
Just passing through
Title:  Just passing through
Description:  Youd never know it to see the place now, but Manorville was once an important junction on the LIRR. There was a branch here that split from the Main Line, connecting to the Montauk Branch at Eastport. It was commonly used by trains going to the Hamptons and east. It was abandoned in 1949; Manorville was never the same. RF 63 passes through without even breaking its pace.
Photo Date:  4/9/1987  Upload Date: 4/23/2015 2:22:30 AM
Location:  Manorville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 226(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  208   Comments: 0
Working YA
Title:  Working YA
Description:  RF 62s caboose is seen in the distance as the train gets underway after setting out a cut of cars for pick up on the return trip. YA block station is at right.
Photo Date:  4/9/1987  Upload Date: 4/21/2015 3:46:56 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 226(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  313   Comments: 0
Old station
Title:  Old station
Description:  Not quite yet, but it will be soon. The electrification project is progressing, as evidenced by the new signal bridge in the foreground. RF 63 passes the station which will be replaced once the new facility is built. It will open next January.
Photo Date:  4/20/1987  Upload Date: 4/23/2015 2:33:19 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 227(C420) LI 224(C420)
Views:  240   Comments: 0
RF 63 with two cabooses
Title:  RF 63 with two cabooses
Description:  RF 63 is seen at Yaphank with a pair of bay window cabin cars.
Photo Date:  4/20/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 7:52:02 PM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  RollingStock,Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 224(C420) LI 227(C420)
Views:  426   Comments: 0
MPs working the yard
Title:  MPs working the yard
Description:  RF 64 worked out of Hicksville, typically working either the Port Jeff Branch, or down to the Montauk Branch, but also would work Pine Lawn on the Main Line if needed. Here we see RF 64s power there on a late afternoon.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:07:09 AM
Location:  Pinelawn, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Roster,Yard
Locomotives:  LI 154(MP15AC) LI 150(MP15AC)
Views:  583   Comments: 1
C 420s meet a Ronkonkoma train
Title:  C 420s meet a Ronkonkoma train
Description:  RF 63 has tied up at the old Deer Park station, meeting an eastbound Ronkonkoma train which is pulling away as it heads for Wyandanch and Ronkonkoma
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 2/12/2012 10:43:39 PM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Passenger,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420) LI 257(GP38-2)
Views:  1067   Comments: 0
Pulling in
Title:  Pulling in
Description:  RF 63 takes the siding at SG in Brentwood. It will shortly meet an eastbound commuter train, then head on to Deer Park to tie up. The electrification project is progressing-note the third rail in place.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:37:38 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  479   Comments: 0
Made it
Title:  Made it
Description:  RF 63 is in the siding at Deer Park, its new base of operations. The old terminal, Pine Aire, was eliminated as part of the Ronkonkoma electrification project, as was the Deer Park station-note the platform has been partly removed, and the notice for the relocation on the station building.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:57:15 AM
Location:  Deer Park, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  489   Comments: 0
NY 112
Title:  NY 112
Description:  RF 63 crosses NY 112 in Medford.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:00:54 AM
Location:  Medford, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  450   Comments: 0
Old station, new signals
Title:  Old station, new signals
Description:  RF 63 rolls past the erstwhile Ronkonkoma station and a new signal bridge, part of electrification project that will bring third rail and MU trains here, as well as a new station
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:17:47 AM
Location:  Ronkonkoma, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  466   Comments: 0
Pulling past the switch
Title:  Pulling past the switch
Description:  RF 63 has backed out of the siding at SG and is resuming its westward trek to tie up at DK
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:23:07 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  337   Comments: 0
By the block limit
Title:  By the block limit
Description:  RF 63 passes block limit staton YA as it gets underway toward Ronkonkoma and Deer Park
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:26:01 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  326   Comments: 0
Not much of a station
Title:  Not much of a station
Description:  To be fair, there was not much traffic there, and I doubt Yaphank ever had much of a station to begin with. This bus shelter affair is what serves in 1987 as RF63 rolls past
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:28:36 AM
Location:  Yaphank, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  376   Comments: 0
RF 63
Title:  RF 63
Description:  RF 63 rolls into Brentwood, where it will take the siding at SG for a meet with an eastbound commuter train.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 2:32:52 AM
Location:  Brentwood, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 225(C420) LI 228(C420)
Views:  337   Comments: 0
Smokin' it up
Title:  Smokin' it up
Description:  RF 62 does what Alcos do as it accelerates from a customer set out at Holtsville.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 4:09:12 AM
Location:  Holtsville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  369   Comments: 0
Short train, long view
Title:  Short train, long view
Description:  The flatness of Long Island is apparent in this shot of a 28 car RF 62 rolling through Holtsville, its caboose tucked in behind the power.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:42:08 AM
Location:  Holtsville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Scenic,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  572   Comments: 0
Rolling into the station
Title:  Rolling into the station
Description:  RF 62 rolls into Medford behind the usual pair of Alcos. Thats NY 112 down below.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:28:58 AM
Location:  Medford, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  386   Comments: 0
Getting it together
Title:  Getting it together
Description:  RF 62 put their train together at Pine Aire before heading east.
Photo Date:  6/8/1987  Upload Date: 5/5/2015 1:34:09 AM
Location:  Pine Aire, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Action
Locomotives:  LI 228(C420) LI 225(C420)
Views:  327   Comments: 0
Made the split
Title:  Made the split
Description:  RF 64 rolls up the Port Jefferson Branch after making the split off the Main Line. Divide Tower, which controls the interlockings at Hicksville, can be seen at left.
Photo Date:  6/11/1987  Upload Date: 5/2/2015 11:53:07 PM
Location:  Hicksville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  LI 150(MP15AC) LI 154(MP15AC)
Views:  628   Comments: 0
Fifteen cars east
Title:  Fifteen cars east
Description:  A pair of MP 15s, common power on RF 64/65, roll east through the Syosset station with 15 cars. Freights always look a little odd going past the high level platforms.
Photo Date:  6/11/1987  Upload Date: 5/2/2015 11:57:55 PM
Location:  Syosset, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Action
Locomotives:  LI 150(MP15AC) LI 154(MP15AC)
Views:  653   Comments: 0
Headed back
Title:  Headed back
Description:  RF 65, the westbound symbol on the turn out of Hicksville, rolls through Huntington in an effort to beat the rush hour back to its base.
Photo Date:  6/11/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 1:26:05 AM
Location:  Huntington, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Station,Signal,Action
Locomotives:  LI 154(MP15AC) LI 150(MP15AC)
Views:  695   Comments: 0
South Shore bound
Title:  South Shore bound
Description:  RF 64 heads east on the Main Line, having just passed Divde Tower. It will stay on the main to B Tower in Bethpage, then the Central Branch to Babylon, then work east on the Montauk Branch. The pair of MP 15s is typical power for this job.
Photo Date:  6/16/1987  Upload Date: 5/3/2015 12:56:37 AM
Location:  Hicksville, NY
Author:  Tom Beckett
Categories:  Bridge,Action
Locomotives:  LI 154(MP15AC) LI 157(MP15AC)
Views:  442   Comments: 0

Page 2 of 3
<-Prev 1 2 3 Next->

Site Design ©2001-2020 Tim Huemmer
Photos © respective authors		   Contact: info@rrpicturearchives.net