The 1898 report of the New York State Railroad Commissioners included the following inspection of the Silver Lake Railway
SILVER LAKE RAILWAY.
(Inspected May 19, 1898.)
The Silver Lake Railway extends from Silver Springs, on the line of the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway and Erie Railroad, to Perry, a distance of 6.86 miles . The road is single track, standard gauge, and laid with 56 and 60 pound rail. The rails are connected by angle plates 24 inches in length, with 4 bolts . The ties are 6 by 8 inches and 8 feet in length, of oak, chestnut and cedar, and 16 are laid to each 30- foot rail.
Roadway. The cuts are not all taken out to the proper width and slope, and the embankment along Silver Lake is narrow. On account of the narrow cuts the road is not as well ditched as it should be. No sub- drainage is in use.
Track, etc.-The ties in main track and sidings are in fair condition and evenly spaced. All ties seemed to be full spiked. Fifteen hundred tie plates are in use. The rail is in fair condition, and all angle plates seemed to be full bolted . The joints, line and surfacing on tangents are in fair condition, and all curves seemed to have the proper elevation. The switches are all stub, and frogs the bolted pattern. The frogs are in good condition . All switches have switch-stands and targets . The frogs and guard rails are not blocked . The track is ballasted with gravel and cinders and in fair quantity. No shims are in use.
Right of way. -The right of way is partly fenced, and some of it is in need of repair. All trees, brush and weeds are cut, and the right of way is generally clean. The condition of the yard is only medium.
Bridges, trestles, open culverts, etc.-There are no bridges or trestles on the road, only four small openings, and they are in fair condition.
Cattle guards. -The cattle guards are of the wooden slat pattern and in good condition .
Stations.-Perry is the only station on the road where an agent is employed. A new station is in process of construction here. The agent can furnish checks to all points to which he sells tickets. The station plaform is to be rebuilt. There is no protection against fire. The agent and helper wear a uniform and badge.
Mile and whistle posts.-There are no mile or whistle posts on the road.
Equipment. The coaches in use are in fair condition, and drinking water is supplied each coach. They are provided with the prescribed tools located in center of cars. The cars are heated by steam from engine. The trainmen are uniformed. The grab-irons on the freight equipment are reported to be in good condition. Twenty-one per cent. of the freight cars are equipped with automatic air brakes, and 75 per cent. with automatic couplers.
Sections. There is only one section on the road, and five men are employed on the same. This gang is provided with flags, lanterns, torpedoes, etc. A track-walker is also regularly employed.
Car repairs. All car repairing is done by the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway.
Street and highway crossings. -The highway crossings are well planked, and the half diamond crossing sign is used, letters on same being 9 inches in height.
Renewals and betterments since last report. -Thirty tons of 60-pound steel rail, 4,200 oak ties and 4,800 cubic yards of gravel ballast.