HNizer - 24 June 2008 09:24 PM
In my opinion the Stewartstown Train Station should be restored similar to what was done in New Freedom. This would cost lots of money as the roofs, concrete retaining walls, concrete sidewalks all need to be replaced, the bricks needs re-pointing/ repair, parking is needed, etc, etc, etc. Than the station could be used as a museum, small shop, whatever. It could once again be a valuable asset to our community rather than an eyesore. The railroad aficionado’s should be focused on raising funds to restore the station and beginning the work.
As far as the actual rail line/ tracks, the right-away should be given to the York County Rail Trail Authority to be converted into a walking/ biking trail that would serve our community.
The Authority has expressed an interest in a Stewartstown to Shrewsbury rail trail.
The reason I believe this to be the best option is because the tracks are so deteriorated (especially when you get west of Baily Springs) that restoral to service would be cost prohibitive. The insurance costs alone would never allow the train to run and carry passengers again. Plus the maintenance to restore the tracks to safe service would be astronomical. A third or more of the railroad ties would have to be replaced and hundreds of missing iron pins would need replacement for the tracks to be safe, not to mention repair of at least two bridges. If you doubt this, walk a couple miles west on the tracks. Anyone who says the train will run again carrying passengers or freight is deluding themselves. I like trains as much as anyone, but it just is not going to happen. Too much money! Not enough interest or need.
I urge the folks involved with the railroad and the Borough to get moving on some workable plans, as currently the train cars are rotting and rusting away, the station building has deteriorated into an eyesore and the tracks are getting overgrown with weeds. This is not a pretty sight for people entering our beloved Stewartstown.
Great thoughts Harry 
I too would love to see it all restored and running again, but don’t really think people are looking at the realistic figures on what that would take. Even to restore the excursion train like it was previously you’re talking about an astronomical cost and undertaking on the rail corridor. Personally, I too like the rail trail idea, as I think it connects us to a beautiful and protected recreational area that stretches from Cockeysville to York, and probably brings more beauty. business, and visitors to our town.
I’d like to see the station and the rail cars restored to where they could all be a walk-through museum that would house all the old railroad memorabilia, possibly doing this in conjunction with the Stewartstown Historical Society. But the money required to so something like that may be out of reach just locally raising funds, more of a combination solution might work better.
I would hope that folks from the Stewartstown Railroad and the “Friends” look at all the options and don’t lock themselves into just one (restoring the train to running status) with blinders on. I would think that the Rail Trail Authority would be interested in talking about what could be done as far as restoration with the stations, cars, engine house, etc. in the event that the rail trail is a viable option.
The train is a huge piece of national history, not just in this state. I would hate to see it continue to deteriorate beyond what it already is while funds are slowly raised for a supposed solution down the road. Prior to the owners passing, administration and getting things done were poorly handled, I certainly hope that some infrastructure and leadership is being put in place to quickly start making things happen. The YDR article is nice, but not much more than the same stuff that’s on the “Friends” site. My concern is that the remaining leadership is focused on only recapturing the history by restoring the railway, when there certainly might be other ways to recapture the history without a full restoration.
I know people are passionate about the railroad, I just hope that passion doesn’t blind them to other solutions that could showcase our long railroad history and beautify our town.
