Manhattan Modelers | June 2024 Newsletter
Jun 10, 2024 1:00 am
Newsletter | June 2024
Hello Manhattan Modeler,
Summer already feels like it is in full swing. I had to retrieve my short sleeve shirts from their winter sleep and retired my jacket for a few months. My kids are winding down their school year and my wife is a college professor has wrapped up her grading and is fielding desperate late papers.
I enjoy seeing students out all over the city with their antiquated traditional graduation caps and gowns. They have a sheepish embarrassed look that combines well with the pride of their accomplishments they have a hard time containing. I try to say something congratulatory to them when I see them on the street.
Once again, this month’s newsletter has a decidedly prototype focus to it because that is what I have been concentrating on myself. I have a hard time imagining there would be too much interest in my fixing broken and missing old or misused models which seems to be the focus of my modeling lately. I would welcome any articles on what you are doing in your modeling.
I am not going to try to make plans for any formal meetings over the summer because peoples schedules are hard to work out with vacations and other commitments.
That said. A few of us are planning to have an informal gathering on Governors Island on Saturday the 15th. If you are interested, please reach out to me and I will share details.
Enjoy your nice weather and if you do travel and see some sights and think others here may be interested, please share pictures.
Thank you for being a part of our community of model railroaders.
Happy modeling!
Andy Estep
Manhattan Modelers Postcards
Heath Hurwitz has printed Manhattan Modelers Postcards and we want to get them out to local modelers toy see if we can raise interest in our group. We plan to get them into local hobby shops and clubs.
If you know modelers in the city and surrounds who would be interested in joining our group please ask for some to distribute.
Special Interest Group Status
We received NMRA's approval of our SIG application on March 17th, so we've accomplished one of our initial goals. This will entail a bit of housekeeping on our part, so stay tuned for more developments as we progress.
Manhattan Modeler Application Form
Call for Articles
As always, we are always looking for articles for the Manhattan Modelers Newsletter. Do you think you have something that would interest other Manhattan Modelers please contact me. Likewise, if you have any questions or suggestions.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Thank you for your time. Have a great Modeling Month!
Park Avenue Viaduct
At 96 street and Park Ave the tracks from Grand Central come out of the tunnel under Park Ave. Here they move quickly onto the Park Ave Viaduct. In the distance there are the yellow cranes of the Viaduct reconstruction project. I walk over sometimes after work or if I am up early and get out of the house. There is a great wide spot in the sidewalk in the wide median space in the middle of Park Ave. There are wide holes in the chain link fence to look through and watch the big stream of trains into and out of the city especially at rush hours. The scheduling of so many trains in such a tight timetable is fascinating and it happens every day.
When I go, I sometimes find and chat with other railfans watching the procession, more often I see casual people who just like stopping to watch trains. Living in the city and being so reliant on public transit many people do like trains because they rely on them. There is a difference between being a rail fan and being a rail rider.
The Park Avenue Railroad Viaduct was originally built in the late 19th century to accommodate the growing number of railroad lines entering Manhattan from the north. Construction on the viaduct began in 1871 and was completed in 1873, connecting Grand Central Terminal to the Harlem River. The viaduct was designed by engineer John B. Snook and architect Alfred B. Mullett for the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.
The viaduct was constructed using a combination of stone, brick, and iron, with elegant arches and decorative elements that showcased the architectural style of the time. Over the years, the Park Avenue Railroad Viaduct has undergone several renovations and repairs to maintain its structural integrity and accommodate changes in railroad operations.
The viaduct plays a crucial role in the transportation network of the city, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between Manhattan and the northern surrounding area. In recent years, the viaduct has faced challenges due to wear and tear from constant use and exposure to the elements. As a result, there has been a need for reconstruction and restoration to ensure the viaduct remains safe and functional for commuters and residents alike.
The Park Avenue viaduct carries all commuter trains from the northern suburbs into New York City. Any stoppage however short would be very disruptive.
The reconstruction of the viaduct must be done on weekends and late at night to avoid conflict with the many, many commuter trains. The vertical metal piers supporting the tracks are weakened to ageing and need to be replaced before they fail. The solution they came up with to solve this problem is to cast new concreate pillars under the viaduct. Once the concrete hardens, they will use two huge cranes to lower the track girders onto the new pilings.
Here is one of the cranes ready to support the trackwork.
The two cranes sit on the road surface of Park Ave straddling the 4-track wide right of way. The cranes can come apart to move them. This type of crane is used more for intermodal container movement. The wheeled base sections are moveable separately and are very maneuverable. When I visited one of the cranes was dismantled.
Over the course of summer, the whole section of the viaduct supported by metal will be changed from the old metal support to new concrete supports.
Here is one of the cranes and part of another waiting for the work hours to start.
The main types of locomotives used by Metro-North currently are in the GE Genesis series of diesel-electric locomotives. The Genesis series locomotives are equipped with powerful diesel engines that generate electricity to power electric traction motors, enabling them to pull heavy trains at high speeds. Metro-North also operates dual-mode locomotives, such as the Alstom P32AC-DM locomotives, which have the capability to run on both diesel fuel and electric power. The dual mode locomotives are equipped with pantographs to collect electricity from overhead catenary wires as well as pick up shoes for use on electrified tracks and diesel engines for operation on non-electrified lines. The dual-mode locomotives provide flexibility for Metro-North to operate trains on various types of rail infrastructure.
Here is a Metro North engine in Conrail Heritage paint running past the project.
In addition to the GE Genesis and Alstom P32AC-DM locomotives, Metro-North also utilizes other models of locomotives from manufacturers such as Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) and Bombardier. These locomotives are designed to meet the specific operational requirements of Metro-North, including performance, efficiency, and environmental standards.
Metro-North ordered 27 Siemens SC-42DM dual-mode (diesel-electric / third rail) in 2020 and an additional 6 in 2023 for 33 total. 14 were ordered for Conn DOT and 60 for LIRR. These engines are scheduled to be delivered in 2027.
2023 was the 40th anniversary of Metro North Railroad and several locomotives have been wrapped in heritage paint schemes of railroads that used to run on the lines now operated by Metro North. I have seen the New Haven, Penn Central and Conrail painted engines. I didn’t catch the Metro North Beach Ball, the New York Central or the PC patched New Haven.
The Metro-North Railroad operates two main types of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains: the M7 and M8 trains. While both trains serve the Metro-North commuter rail system in the New York metropolitan area, there are several key differences between the two models. The M7 trains were introduced in the late 1990s and have been a staple of the Metro-North. The M7 trains are equipped with more comfortable seating than previous M series cars, climate control systems, onboard restrooms, and overhead luggage racks for passenger convenience. The M7 trains also have advanced safety features, such as crash energy management systems and automatic train control. M7s are distinguishable by their blue ends. They operate on the Hudson Line and to White Plains. Long Island Railroad also uses M7 EMUs but theirs have yellow ends.
M8 trains are newer additions to the Metro-North fleet, with the first units entering service in 2011. The M8 trains represent a significant upgrade over the M7 trains in terms of technology and passenger comfort. These trains feature a more spacious interior layout with wider aisles and improved seating arrangements. The M8 trains also have enhanced climate control systems, LED lighting, and digital information displays. In terms of performance, the M8 trains are equipped with regenerative braking technology, which helps to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
The M8 trains also have improved acceleration and braking capabilities compared to the M7 trains, resulting in smoother and more efficient train operations. The M8s are distinguishable by their red ends and centered mohawk-like red bumps on the roofs. The M8 trains run on the former New Haven Railroad Shoreline to New Haven Conn.
I spent a fair amount of time at the 125 St Station because it is easy to see trains as well as the cranes. The station is part of the Park Ave Viaduct. The interior of the station was restored about 10 years ago to its turn of the century form. It has nice, stained wood surfaces Nearly every train into and out of Grand Central stops at 125 St so there are a lot of trains to watch. When I watch the trains from the platform here, I have not been stopped by station personnel.
Trains decorated for Pride
Local subways and commuter lines have festively decorated engines and cars for Pride for several years. These have proven popular enough for the companies to leave in daily circulation for several years now. It seems that no models or even decals have been offered to model these. It is great to see such colorful and vibrant trains representing members of our community.
New Jersey Transit even wrapped one of their electric engines.
I these pictures of it last year in Penn Station.
The MTA has a few different Rainbow Hearts made up of all of the various colors of different subway lines on some cars on the 1 Train Line.
Metro North also has added Rainbow Hearts to some of their cars. I saw these M7s at the back bumpers at Grand Central.
Recap of May Manhattan Modelers Meeting
Thursday May 30th a group of Manhattan Modelers visited the railroad sites and former rail marine terminal sites around the far west side of Manhattan.
Brass lobby plaque of the former track plan of the Lehigh Starrett Building
The former NYC 30th Street yard (now LIRR passenger train storage yard), the Erie 28th St yard, Terminal Stores once served by Lehigh Valley, Erie and NY Central, the Lehigh Starrett building and the B&O freight house. I made a short collection of images to share what these used to look like and had them loaded on an iPad which took a scary tumble so I will have a more robust presentation device next time.
Terminal Stores (nee Tunnel Nightclub) from 11th Ave. This was the side served by the New York Central.
Looking back at the B&O float bridge and the Lehigh Starrett Building.
Here are a few pictures of Vince Lee’s wonderful Erie 28th St yard layout.
Vince made the layout full scale and it fits in a 12 foot long space modeling the full block.
An interesting surprise we saw was that the lot next to the former Erie 28th Street yard is now functioning as staging for the Gateway Hudson Project. This will be a new tunnel under the Hudson to eventually increase capacity from the current Hudson tunnels built in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The tunnel, when completed, will allow repair of the (heavily damaged in Tropical Storm Sandy) existing tunnel and then double the current train capacity. We were able to see a bit of it from the High Line.
The Frying Pan complex. B&O float bridge. EL Barge and EL Caboose.
We ended with food, drink and talking trains on the Frying Pan a restaurant floating on the Hudson on an ex-Erie Lackawanna barge attached to the B&O float transfer bridge. There is even an ex Lackawanna caboose on board.
Erie Lackawanna (ex Lackawanna) Caboose. Boat on a caboose on a boat.
Familiar Faces
There was a wide-ranging conversation. We discussed our modeling projects like an elaborate LCC design for a small switching layout and the future of the modeling magazines. It was a fun time.
I am including this because of a conversation with Andreas W. The Miller elevated highway (now West Side highway or Henry Hudson) had these reliefs over side streets with piers. One is preserved at the NY State Museum in Albany.
Seen Around Town
I was looking through old photos in my phone and found these great pictures of WPA murals of New York Harbor and Hudson River from the Manhattan courthouse.
This harbor overview image is about 30 feet long
Some great images of Rail Marine vessels. Tugs, Stick Lighters and Ferries.
A detail of the Erie Tug. A reefer loaded car float in the background.
Detail of Ferry to Weehawken with a float barge in the background
To the far left of this one under Riverside Church is one of the passages of the Riverside Park tunnels.
-Virtual events
NMRAx
Live and prerecorded lectures and clinics hosted on YouTube and Facebook. A short aside about this series. When I discovered this series over COVID it reignited my interest in becoming a better model maker. Also, in the live chat was where I first found other modelers who lived in the city. In a roundabout way it was the spark of starting this group. It is a great resource that the NMRA sponsors. The subjects are often very interesting, and the presentations are well done. They do need to do a better job to get the word out and raise more interest in the series. I am going to try to help promote it. I do feel like it qualifies as a local event even though last month there was a presenter from Australia because it broadcasts straight to your computer desktop.
June 29th 10 AM
August 24th 10 AM
September 28th 5 PM
October 26th 5 PM
November 23rd 5 PM
December 28th 5 PM
Most Wednesday Evenings the Sunrise Trail Division NMRA has a series of clinics and presentations using their Zoom Channel. For access and more information find a link on their webpage.
Wednesday @9 PM Heath Hurwitz has a live stream detailing his progress making an N scale layout in a limited space in Manhattan on his You Tube Channel. Human(c)ity Junction
youtube.com/c/HumancityJunction?sub_confirmation=1
-in person events
June 9, 2024
Central Operating Lines Swap Meet
Amvets Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave,
East Islip NY 11730
8 AM-12 PM
June 15th, 2024
Manhattan Modelers June Gathering
Governors Island Visit
Contact [email protected] for more information.
June 29, 2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
July 27,2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
August 10-11, 2024
Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show
Edison, NJ
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
August 17, 2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
August 24-25, 2024
Railfest
Railroad Museum of Long Island
Events Celebrating 190 years of the LIRR
Riverhead, NY
Sept 8, 2024
Central Operating Lines Swap Meet
Amvets Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave,
East Islip NY 11730
8 AM-12 PM
Sept 19-22, 2024
Lakeshores 24 - NMRA NER Convention
Rochester, New York
Sept 28, 2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
Oct 6, 2024
Central Operating Lines Swap Meet
Amvets Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave,
East Islip NY 11730
8 AM-12 PM
October 26, 2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
Nov 3, 2024
Central Operating Lines Swap Meet
Amvets Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave,
East Islip NY 11730
8 AM-12 PM
November 23, 2024
Let’s Talk Trains.
Sunrise Trail NMRA informal train and modeling discussions at the Dix Hills Highway rest area.
November 23-24, 2024
Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show
Edison, NJ
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
Dec 8, 2024
Central Operating Lines Swap Meet
Amvets Post 18, 141 Carleton Ave,
East Islip NY 11730
8 AM-12 PM
We have setup a Manhattan Modelers Discord as a place to share projects & ideas, post events, ask and answer questions and make connections.
We have chosen Discord because it is organized around specific interests instead of providing a unified newsfeed. Discord is focused on real-time interactions between people, whereas other social media options function as internet message boards.
Discord also has a Zoom like video conferencing feature, but without the limits of the free Zoom.
Click on this link which will ask you to either create an account or login to your existing account.
Once you join, you will see the logo for the Manhattan Modelers "server" on the left and the various "channel" topics on listed to their right.
Please take a moment to introduce yourself in the #introduce-yourself channel
Please consider sharing this newsletter with your favorite modelers.
The Manhattan Modelers and NMRA are independent, non-profit organizations who have chosen to affilliate for the mutual benefit of our membership, and each is not responsible for the publications, actions or omissions of the other.