Central Terminal
The New York Central main line between New York and Chicago was the main railroad through Buffalo. NYC's Niagara Branch was also important. And Amtrak continues to operate over both of these lines, although Central Terminal is no longer used. At Black Rock, a line diverged west crossing into Fort Erie, Canada. CN operated the International Bridge line, which in Fort Erie connected with the NYC line west to Detroit. Also using the International Bridge were trains to Toronto, primarily using the Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo Railway within Canada. The Pennsylvania Railroad's Northern Division Buffalo line extended south to Emporium PA, connecting with the line from Erie extending beyond to Williamsport, Sunbury and Harrisburg. PRR trains required a backup move to serve Central Terminal. PRR commuter trains also served Exchange Street Station, presumably reversing directions there. At FW, PRR's Chautauqua Branch diverged west from the PRR main line to FY. From FY west to Brocton, PRR had trackage rights over the Nickel Plate main line. Beyond Brocton, PRR trains continued south to Oil City and Pittsburgh.
Significant Locations and Distances from Station
New York Central identified its towers as "Signal Stations" (SS), and these Signal Stations were usually numbered.
SS48 - east end Central Terminal.
SS49 - west end Central Terminal.
SS49A (1 mile W) - junction of NYC main line with PRR Northern Division.
SS50 (1 mile W) - junction of NYC main line with Niagara Branch.
Black Rock (7 miles NW) - junction of NYC Niagara Branch with CN line to Fort Erie.
FW (2 miles S) - junction with PRR main line, Chautauqua Branch.
FY (4 miles SW) - connection of PRR Chautauqua Branch with NKP for trackage rights.
Brocton (50 miles W) - junction of NKP, PRR Chautauqua Branch with trackage rights.
Lackawanna Station
The Lackawanna Station was primarily used by Delaware Lackawanna & Western trains east to Hoboken. Approximately 2 miles southeast of the Lackawanna Station was NYC&STL Jct., where the Nickel Plate main line diverged west to Chicago, and Abbott Road, where the Baltimore & Ohio line diverged south to Pittsburgh.
Lehigh Valley Station
The Lehigh Valley Station was primarily used by Lehigh Valley trains east to New York. Approximately 1 mile southeast of the Lehigh Valley Station was Buffalo Jct., where the Erie Railroad diverged. The Erie main line extended east to New York A short distance from Buffalo Jct. was JU Crossover, where the Erie's Buffalo & Southwestern line diverged south to Jamestown.