This very short line railroad operated four miles from South Vandalia, NY up the Chipmunk Valley which was part of the oil boom in the area.

History

New York State granted the charter for the South Vandalia and State Line Railroad on March 31, 1897 for the purpose of carrying on a general freight and passenger business from South Vandalia, NY into the Chipmunk oil field.

The 1901 annual report of the New York State Railroad Commissioners listed the road as abandoned.

Clippings

Rolling Stock

As of September 30, 1897, the company reported having one locomotive with four driving wheels, one combination car, and one flat car.

I could only find one photo (above) of the locomotive, a Shay geared engine. It appears to have been purchased second-hand as The Bradford Era of December 7, 1896 states that the Droney Lumber Company above Big Shanty had sold their locomotive and sent it to Chipmunk. Chipmunk is located near South Vandalia, New York where the engine was used on the South Vandalia and State Line Railroad.

Learn More

Lawrence W. Kilmer. 1993. Bradford & Foster Brook Peg Leg Railroad. Interlaken, NY. Note: This book also covers the St. Bonaventure Railroad, Olean-Bradford Traction System, South Vandalia and State Line R.R., and the Olean – Bradford & Warren Narrow Gauge.