Story and Photos by Steve Barry
The Raritan River Railroad was a feisty short line in New Jersey, jointly owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Central Railroad of New Jersey. It operated from South Amboy to New Brunswick, with roots dating back to 1888. In the 1950s, the railroad dieselized with the purchase of six EMD SW-900s. These units would serve the railroad reliably for the next three decades. Unlike most railroads in the region, the Raritan River was profitable through the 1970s. Despite both parent railroads being bankrupt by the 1970s, the independent short line survived.
When Conrail was formed on April 1, 1976, both parent roads were absorbed into the new conglomerate called Conrail, but the Raritan River (flexing its independent muscle) sued to be excluded. The railroad’s fight to remain independent came to a close in 1980, however. With Conrail finally set to take over the railroad on April 24, I visited the line three days earlier for my final (and only) look at the railroad.
South Amboy Shop
Two jobs came on duty on the morning of April 21. One job would use SW-900s 1 and 4, while the other job would use 6 and 3. The other two SW900s, 5 and 2, were tucked away inside the shop.
Down to the Interchange
Locomotives 1 and 4 head down to the interchange in South Amboy with caboose 9 in tow. The interchange was with the joint PRR/CNJ New York & Long Branch (now New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line).
New York Bound
While working the interchange, a New York & Long Branch train behind a pair of E8s heads north. Just ahead the train will change power to a GG1 to continue its trip to New York.
Crossing the South River
After working the interchange, SW900 4 works the road freight to New Brunswick alone. The swingbridge over South River is a hand-cranked swing bridge.
Opening It Up
A few minutes earlier, an employee following by car arrived at the swing bridge to crank it shut. He would crank it back open once the train crossed.
Milltown
The train pauses to work at the depot at Milltown. The depot still stands and is being restored by the Raritan River Railroad Historical Society.
Milltown High Bridge
After leaving Milltown, the train continues on to New Brunswick, crossing the Milltown High Bridge. Note the company boxcar trailing SW900 4.
An Uncertain Future
The crew for the day. With the railroad being absorbed by Conrail in just a few days, their future was uncertain.
