Arcade and Attica Railroad
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railroad |
| Founded | May 23, 1917 |
| Headquarters | Arcade , United States |
Area served | Arcade to North Java, New York |
| Products | Freight (soybeans, corn, fertilizer, lumber, dairy feed), passenger excursions |
Number of employees | 100+ |
The Arcade and Attica Railroad operates as a shortline railroad and Heritage railway, providing freight and passenger services between Arcade and North Java. Initially, the line extended from Arcade to Attica, but the segment connecting North Java to Attica was discontinued in 1957 following flood damage.
ARA primarily focuses on transporting agricultural products including soybeans, corn, fertilizer, lumber, and dairy feed. Additionally, it offers seasonal passenger excursions from May through October, featuring a round trip between Arcade and Curriers Station. These trips utilize restored 1920s Boonton coaches powered by vintage Centercab Diesel locomotives (#113 and #112).
As of 2024, freight service is conducted with the 1952 RS3m locomotive #114, which serves the Reisdorf Brothers feed mill located in North Java. The ALCo steam locomotive Arcade & Attica 18 completed a comprehensive rebuild in August 2024, allowing the railroad to reduce its dependence on GE centercab diesels for frequent operations.
History
The Arcade and Attica Railroad represents the latest chapter in a succession of rail projects proposed within Wyoming County’s Tonawanda Valley.
Initial attempts included the unconstructed 1836 Attica and Sheldon Railroad and the narrow-gauge Attica and Alleghany Valley Railroad chartered in 1852; however, construction halted by 1855 due to foreclosure issues.
In 1870, the Attica and Arcade Railroad began acquiring right-of-way but went bankrupt in 1873 before completing the line.
Supported by Erie Railroad interests, the Tonawanda Valley Railroad was established in 1880 and commenced service between Attica and Curriers Corners that same year. Through mergers with related companies, extensions reached Arcade by 1881 and Cuba by 1882. These lines connected with Erie Railroad facilities at both Attica and Cuba. Financial difficulties resulted in receivership by 1884, with portions sold or abandoned by the early 1890s.
Formed in 1894, the Buffalo, Attica and Arcade Railroad (BA&A) converted its tracks to standard gauge and restored operations between Attica and Arcade by late 1895. Flood damage affected routes beyond Arcade by 1902.
In 1904, the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad (B&S) acquired BA&A but eventually ceased operations due to financial strain by 1917.
On May 23, 1917, local investors established the current incarnation of the Arcade and Attica Railroad (A&A). Remarkably, it maintained full employment throughout the Great Depression. The acquisition of a GE 44-ton diesel locomotive in 1941 enhanced operational efficiency and helped avert bankruptcy. Passenger services ended in 1951 after Erie discontinued Buffalo-Hornell routes; flooding forced abandonment of the North Java to Attica segment in 1957.
Passenger excursions resumed in 1962 with steam locomotive No. 18 and Boonton coaches under the “Grand Scenic Route” branding. The line gained commercial significance during the 1960s transporting Borden’s Cremora non-dairy creamer until the plant closed in 1970.
On May 27, 2017, the railroad commemorated its centennial with special events including turning steam locomotive No.18 southward for the first time, honoring employees, and hosting public activities at Curriers Depot.
Locomotives
| Number | Image | Type | Class | Manufacturer | Year Built | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Steam | 2-8-0 | American Locomotive Company | 1920 | In service | |
| 14 | Steam | 4-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | 1917 | Stored, restoration pending | |
| 22 | Fireless | 0-4-0F | H.K. Porter, Inc. | 1930 | Exhibited | |
| 110 | Diesel | 44-ton switcher | General Electric | 1941 | Exhibited | |
| 111 | Diesel | 44-ton switcher | General Electric | 1947 | In service | |
| 112 | Diesel | 65-ton switcher | General Electric | 1945 | In service | |
| 113 | Diesel | 80-ton switcher | General Electric | 1959 | In service | |
| 114 | Diesel | RS-3m | American Locomotive Company | 1952 | In service |