December 3 2024 started out as a regular day for the crew of New York, Susquehanna & Western's No. 3040. Early start out of the Utica yard with 3 covered hoppers bound for Sangerfield, 23 miles south of Utica. Before heading to"SANG", head over to New Hartford's Oneida Warehouse off the Utica Main via former West Shore and NYO&W tracks. Next, with one empty boxcar switched out of the warehouse plus the three loaded hoppers, back on the main and heading to "SANG."
The trouble developed just north of Clayville. The short freight couldn't make it up Paris Hill's tough grade and the crew had to tie the cars down on the main. They then proceeded light with 3040 a few miles south to Richfield Junction presumably to clear the rails of snow and ice.
Then back down the hill to pick up two of the four cars and head south again. After reaching "SANG," they headed back to get the other two cars.
Work on New York State Rt 8 bridge over the Utica Main in Clayville likely resulted in a slow order perhaps making matters worse. I observed railroad personnel down on the tracks when I crossed over the bridge. I've seen many trains stall on Paris Hill's 1.8% grade over the years (it was the ruling grade on predecessor road Delaware, Lackawanna & Western).
Anyhow, this video features some of the activity from that day, including both southbound and northbound views on Schuyler Street.
Oh, and another plug for Witold's big video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6loxOY6WpU&t=3s
And many thanks to my sister for hauling me around today. I took her to lunch for her troubles!