BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

W.B.:

I noticed that as well; too bad all four tracks are not used for revenue service.

Recall the one "special service" that ran out to Stillwell Avenue only on "sunny, summer Sundays", running from Chambers Street, over the Manhattan Bridge, then out along the 4th Avenue line, then express from 59th Street to Coney Island, on the "See-Beech" express tracks.

This unique run was abandoned in 1954.............

"NYO"

["SEA BEACH EXPRESS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

This photo dates from from 2008, taken at the "8th Avenue" station on the "See-Beech"; note how overgrown the one track is at this location.

The station almost looks partially abandoned, with all the weeds and assorted greenery nearly covering the track.

Note also the long-ago filled in station windows......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?89901

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["TRAINS TO MANHATTAN"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"Eyewitness News Mornings At 10" featured a report on "the hottest subway stations in the city; ironically, ALL the stations were virtually all "Eye-En-Dee"!

Stock footage showed (briefly) a "Brightliner" pulling out out of a station, and a few shots of "R-62s" (aka "Silverbirds")

There was also an interesting report by N.J. Burkett on the "El-Eye-Double-Are's" increasing issues with fare-beaters; footage showed "M-7"s (underground views as well); also, l as a great (too brief!) cab view (recalling the RFW of old) from a express speeding through a local stop.

"Harlem/Hudson" line "M-7" also glimpsed.

Also stock footage showing a NH "M-3" at Stamford...............

"NYO"

["LIRR"]

[W.B. Fishbowl]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

W.B.:

I hear you, friend

Speaking of tracks/routings, when the Chrystie Street connection opened in 1967 (and what pandemonium ensued in the days afterwards!), IMHO, I think it was quite foolish for the "Powers That Be" disconnected the Nassau Loop from the tracks on the Manhattan Bridge.

A great deal of operational flexibility was lost (IMHO) as a result of these tracks being disconnected.

One can still easily picture all four tracks on the "See-Beech" being utilized; two outer tracks for locals, and the two inner tracks for expresses.

Recall, also, the re-configuration of the interlocking at De Kalb Avenue in 1958, which also eliminated the Myrtle Avenue stop.......

"NYO"

["BMT TRAINS TO MANHATTAN"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

W.B.:

VERY detailed page on the abandoned "Bee-Em-Tee" station at Myrtle Avenue (the disused platforms at De Kalb Avenue are also highlighted here)

Excellent, detailed article; also, many photos (including early construction photos), trackplans, maps, mosaics, etc..............

www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/myrtle.html

"NYO"

["BRIGHTON BEACH EXPRESS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's another excellent page, this one detailing the unfinished "Bee-Em-Tee" Lexington Avenue platforms............

www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/lexbmt.html

["LEX"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Another abandoned station worthy of mention is the lower level at Bergen Street (here again is another highly-detailed, interesting page, w/photos, track plans, etc)..............

www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/bergenst.html

["F"]

[W.B. Fishbowl]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

W.B.:

A few photos of the abandoned lower level at Bergen Street.........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?148093 *(this one should be of particular interest to you)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?2608

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?24620

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["INDEPENDENT SUBWAY SYSTEM"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See also...........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?146159 (timeless portrait of a classic block signa!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?146157 (VERY nice image!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?146161 (note remains of incandescent fixtures above stairwell)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?885 (upper level name tablet)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?887 (upper level platforms)

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["INDEPENDENT"]

[W.B. Fishbowl]

[W.B. Fishbowl]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

W.B.:

Indeed, great (older!) minds DO think alike, for certain!

You mentioned the ducts; subway ventilation form decades ago is yet another fascinating subway-related topic that few seldom discuss, or even think of.

I've always been interested in seeing the original ventilation grills in the stations on all three divisions; there are many interesting variations, if one but looks closely to his underground surroundings......

"NYO"

["GG"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's a couple of interesting views of ancient "Eye-En-Dee" ventilation grillwork......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?922

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?645

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["MYRTLE-WILLOUGHBY"]