Former NJT U34CH takes first steps to restoration NEWSWIRE

BOONTON, N.J. – For the first time in more than a decade, a General Electric U34CH rolled along the NJ Transit main line. Last week, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey moved the world’s last surviving U34CH, No. 3372, from the New York & Greenwood Lake’s Passaic yard to the organization’s restoration facility in Boonton. The group plans on restoring the locomotive to operation.

URHS President Larry Gross says the locomotive’s move was a big step forward in preserving an engine that played a big part of New Jersey railroading. Thirty-two U34CHs were built for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, later NJ Transit, between 1970 and 1973 for use on the Erie Lackawanna’s commuter lines out of Hoboken. The locomotives were among the earliest GE units built exclusively for passenger service and some of the earliest locomotives to have head-end power, now standard on passenger engines. Because of the U34CH’s head-end power, the engines had a unique and constant roar, even when they were stationary.

The locomotive, which was retired from service in 1994, had been in Passaic since 2000. In 2013, the group established a fund to move the engine. Within six months it had raised the $2,500 to move it and contracted the Morristown & Erie Railway to do the job. This fall, volunteers started clearing the NY&GL’s branch between Passaic and Garfield, which has not been used for five years. On Oct. 29, two M&E Alcos were dispatched to Passaic to bring the big GE home. No. 3372 was moved a mile down the former NY&GL spur before being moved onto NJT trackage for the 60 mile trip to Boonton. According to the URHS, the route was familiar territory for the former U34CHs.

“This move would not have been possible without the cooperation of all four participating railroads: Morristown & Erie, NJ Transit, New York & Greenwood Lake, and Norfolk Southern,” Gross says. “We also have to thank the many supporters who have donated to fund what we have done so far. This restoration project would not be possible without the continuing financial support of the countless U-Boat fans from New Jersey and beyond.”

“We owe a big thank you to everyone who has donated to make this move possible. Now that 3372 is home in Boonton, we can give it a full mechanical evaluation, continue fundraising, and schedule a
plan for operational and cosmetic restoration,” says Steve Gerritsen, vice president of operations for the URHS.

The URHS is now looking to continue raising funds for the project. Donations can be made directly to the “Project U-Boat” via the URHS. Visit www.urhs.org for more information.