97 and train on the east wye leg at Derby Jct. The CVRA ran 3 trips with 97 in 1968, and then moved her to Danbury. The advent of Penn Central meant no more trips over the ex NH active routes, but the old Valley route was abandoned and taken over by the state. The CVRA was able to move into Essex and use part of that route. The 97 moved to Essex in 1969 to await the opening of the Valley RR in 1971, but she would not run until 1973. 30 years later and the old gal is still alive. Unfortunately, none of those "American Flyer" coaches are.
Post script--IMHO the best thing that ever happened to 97 was changing the headlight placement, she sure was one "ugly little duckling" with that centered headlight. Also, many thanks to Bill Sample for the wealth of information pertaining to 97.
PPS--The CVRA eventually morphed into the CVRM and thence to the RMNE, today's owner and operator of the Naugatuck RR in Waterbury.

Photographed by BandAfan, October, 1966.
Added to the photo archive by Carl Weber Jr., October 29, 2003.
Railroad: New Haven.

Carl Weber Jr.'s awards:

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