Here are some of the questions that we get asked frequently during the course of our year in operation.  I hope I hit on at least one or two that you might have.  But if I don't, send me a note and I'll do the best I can to answer them all.

1)  Will steam engines ever run in Lake Placid?

A)  Very unlikely given the nature of the run and the cost of securing facilities to maintain them.  They would have to be oil burners too since the APA in 1909 outlawed them or at least limited them to work trains.  Insurance liabilities are high for them too.

2)  Where does the train go during the winter?

A)  It goes to our shop in Rome NY where our shop forces do yearly maintenance and repairs over the winter.   The engines go through a thorough inspection and updating to comply with FRA regulations.

3)  How hard is it to become an Engineer?

A)  Well, you could ask Pete Popiel or Debbie Vaughn but I've been through it and I can tell you it's not easy.   It takes time and patience to learn all you need to learn to operate a train especially in our territory.  There's large hills and blind curves and 13 gated crossing we have to contend with.  There's two stations that you have to pull into just right every time.  There's no shortcuts here.  Other sections of track may be easier to learn on but on the Placid/Saranac operation you'll learn track that I think is a bit harder to master.  That's just my opinion though.  Other people may find it easy to learn.  Plus, you have to be a Conductor first and know the operation of the line inside and out.  But once you get in that seat, it's a whole new world.   It's not impossible but some people don't get it and others are extremely good at it.  It's all in the feel and understanding of the person doing it.

4)  Can I volunteer on the railroad?

A)  Most certainly.   We're always looking for volunteers to man the trains in one capacity or another.   Right now we're becoming short on Trainman.  People work their way up and tend to work only in their highest qualified position.  This is good if you need lots of Engineers but not good if you need Trainman and Conductors.  Also, car hosts are in short supply.  That's a bit of an easier job since it requires no formal training an only a smile for the passengers.  The Car Host helps people on and off the train, handles tickets, answers questions and generally are the ambasadors of the railroad when we're under way.  Train crew volunteers must attend regular class training for NORAC every year and also air brake training every 2 years if they're a conductor.   Engineers must attend training school every 3 years in addition to the training above.  It takes commitment but it's very rewarding.  It can be hard work but it's true railroading for the die-hard volunteer.  Track work, and general maintenance are always needed too but is usually done on an as needed basis.  For that, just keep asking the other volunteers if anything is pending. 

5)  When will the trains be running in Tupper Lake?

A)  Soon we hope.   The area in Lake Clear will require quite a bit of work to bring back to operation but overall the tracks are not in bad shape.  We're hoping the state starts work this spring but we'll have to wait and see how that goes.  Possibly by the end of next year with a little luck.

I hope that answered a few questions for you all and if you have any more you'd like to ask, email me at the address on the first page.  Hope to see you next year!