New York, Susquehanna & Western 142 - Back in Business

On October 19, 2025, I set out on one of the shortest, yet most beloved trips of my life to reunite with one of the childhood-defining steam locomotives that drew me to this community: New York, Susquehanna & Western #142. As early as 2012, a much smaller me can be seen standing beside the beautiful engine, utterly dwarfed by its imposing size. Of course, I am still dwarfed nowadays, but at least I'm a bit taller than the drive wheels. #142 is one of the handful of operating Chinese steam locomotives in the United States, built in the 80's and shipped over purely for excursion service. It's not often you see any locomotive built for modern excursions, period. Born beyond its time or not, there are not many locomotives that can claim such a soft spot in my heart such as this one. Now, what makes this particular trip so special? Well, 2012 was actually the last time I saw the locomotive before that day. I missed many years of its excursions and charters, which makes sense, considering a small kid like me didn't even live in the state of New Jersey and didn't quite "railfan" yet. Though, as I got deeper into the hobby, that's when I truly began to miss the lady of the Bel-Del. Also by that point, #142 had been out for her "1,472 Day Inspection", mandated by the FRA. Either after 1,472 days of operation, or 15 years, a steam locomotive must be completely torn down and overhauled. For the lovely foreigner, it took several years. These Autumn excursions, surrounded by some of the most sunning foliage and colors I had ever seen, were her first runs after the completion of the inspection. Not only that, but while I was out there, I also paced a train for the very first time! It was very fun, sure, but if it wasn't for there being no traffic behind me, I wouldn't have tried. I understand the world doesn't revolve around me, and that railfans have spots to get to. So, with all said and done? Enjoy! #delawareriver #susquehanna #newjersey #phillipsburg #142 #1472 #inspection #steamlocomotive #steamtrain #steamengine #chinarailway #china #trains #trainspotting #trainspotter #railway #railroad #railroads #railways #heritagerailroads #heritagerailway #heritagerailways #nostalgia