The 1886 report of the New York State Railroad Commissioners included a short report of a recent inspection of the Silver Lake Railway.
The last inspection of this road was made in 1884, at which time it was in good order; somewhat better than it was found when inspected this season . The property has recently changed ownership, and the present management are making efforts to improve its condition. Nothing as seriously defective was noticed, but generally the superstructure has been allowed to depreciate in maintenance, principally in its adjustment, which is quite ordinary, and in places winding in surface and irregular in alignment. These defects were being remedied, and the masonry at a few of the small openings being rebuilt . The sleepers as a whole are in good condition. The only truss bridge is an iron Pratt truss of short span over a street at end of track at Perry ; it is in good order. There are a few short openings, and such as were in need of renewal or repair were receiving attention. The road-bed requires a good layer of fresh ballast, its drainage at points improved , and some new rail appears necessary to replace that which is rather too much worn.
The road is chiefly owned in the interests of an ice company, which article constitutes the larger part of its freight. There is considerable passenger traffic and in the summer season it is quite large.
The station buildings are as before reported. At Perry they appear quite contracted for a village of about 4,000 inhabitants, sittings being provided for about twelve persons, and the waiting-room is very small. It is the terminus of the road, however, and may be sufficient. Along the lake are a number of stations – platforms only, for the accommodation of camp and picnic grounds and summer cottages, of which there are quite a number. At Gainesville, the depot of the New York, Lake Erie and Western railroad is used. Connection at this point is also made with the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh railroad. Both passenger depots are well kept and the passenger cars are very neat and bright.
As before stated, the present management are endeavoring to improve the physical condition of the property, the traffic of the road is increasing, and probably another inspection will find a considerably better road.