Russell, thanks for a great New York Central photo. This reminded me of the Central's running in New York City on 11th Avenue along the Hudson River docks. The cowboy was required by law to warn team drivers of the oncoming train so their horses wouldn't be frightened. This photo was taken long after trucks had replaced horse teams, but the law was the law...LOL Heading the train was a "triple power" locomotive. They were powered from three sources, diesel engine, 600 VDC third rail, and batteries. I remember seeing these locos running when I was a kid in the late '40s.
Best I can determine, the "West Side Line" operation ran its last train in April, 1980, which was well into the Conrail tenure. However, there had been many cutbacks and abandonments before then, also the construction of the "High Line" in 1934. So I have no idea how much of the original street line was intact when the last train ran. I think you'll be interested this history of the West Side Line. There's a great deal of information, and much may be repeated across the different articles. Though with your interest in railroad histories, and your long winter nights, I'm sure you'll have plenty to keep you amused....LOL BTW, the right-hand most photo at the top of the history's first page was the Bell Telephone Laboratories where my father worked for 30+ years. I was able to look out his sixth floor office window and watch the freights moving below.
Thanks to both of you for interesting photos. I can't recall the exact date when street running in Syracuse ceased, and darn, just a couple of years ago I read a complete report on it. Pretty sure it was prior to WWII but not sure. I will try to find out. Syracuse is below zero now, temp wise. My sister and family live about 30 miles north of there in West Monroe, and they have had the usual lake effect snow and freezing weather. So glad I left there.
Finally found the book about street running in Syracuse, by Richard Palmer, published by the Central NY Chapter NRHS. The Walsh construction company (same one that did the Little Falls track rerouting in 1947) built the elevated ROW starting in 1930 and tested in 1935, so 1935 or 36 saw the first runs of revenue which did not go through the street (Washington Street) in Syracuse.
Jim, do you have any information that Walsh also may have built the West Side High Line on Manhattan in the early '30s?
Hank, I'm sorry, I don't. When I saw Walsh in the Syracuse construction it triggered my memory about Little Falls.
