Finger Lakes Railway - Heritage Railroad Passenger Excursion Trains

Heritage Railroad Passenger Excursion Trains

The FGLK operates an excursion service as a heritage railroad. Operations began in October 2001 with four coaches having been purchased second-hand from Via Rail in late 1998. The cars were delayed in delivery due to customs inspections and feathers that were used as stuffing in the seats having come from a bird that was listed on the endangered species list in the U.S. but not in Canada. The cars arrived in the winter of 1999 after the seats were replaced.

Two cars were upgraded by Via Rail and were set up with electric heating while the other 2 use steam heating. The two updated cars have been repainted into the old New York Central two tone Gray colors and have been named the Canandaigua, and Cayuga. The other two cars, named the Geneva and Seneca, have been repainted in the same scheme, and have been in storage awaiting upgrades to electric heating. In 2008 FGLK restored the Seneca car back into service, doing a much needed partial interior renewal. The sound system was extended into this car as well, making the passengers feel much more included. Currently, the Geneva car sits on a siding along Routes 5&20. Although it is not used for passengers, it does serve as advertising for the railroad to passing cars and pedestrians strolling along the lake. Although FGLK would like to put this car into service, it does need a lot of work, including replacing many of the windows in the car. The three grey coaches are referred to by the staff collectively as "The Greys". In 2009, ceiling fans were installed in all of the coaches in order to better circulate the air.

A full baggage car joined the fleet in late 2005 with possible plans to be rebuilt into an open-air observation car. In 2007, FGLK purchased two antique passenger coaches (Ex Norfolk & Western coaches built Circa 1916). These coaches do not currently have names, but are numbered #1642 (Table Car) and #1643 (Coach). Finger Lakes Railway honored the heritage of the Lehigh Valley Railroad with these cars by painting them into a maroon color with yellow accents and gold lettering. The staff calls these cars "The Reds".

The passenger cars are usually operated in two sets, with The Reds operating on the rockier track in Watkins Glen, and The Greys running across the state on the northern tracks. The Reds have 6 axles per car, causing them to ride better by spreading out the load over more track at once. Throughout the year, you can see all five of the passenger cars running together on the many scenic events offered.