New York - looking for transport suggestions

[deltic]

Will be in New York in September for a few days - any suggestions for transport related sights/visits? In particular is there much railfreight movements in areas you can readily access?

Many thanks

 

[telstarbox]

Have a look at Techniquest's thread.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

For a museum , you cannot beat the NYCTA museum in Court Street , Brooklyn -easily enough found and in a "disused" subway station. Not that busy when I have been - several times.

For subway viewing on a grand scale - get the no 7 Flushing Train out to Queensborough Plaza which is an elevated double deck open station with stunning views looking back onto the city.

Freight is much harder - NYC does not have many close up operations - though New Jersey might offer some options- do a message on those nice people on "Subchat" - who I am sure could offer some advice. There is a limited freight "barge" operation across the waterways from NJ to Brooklyn - a sort of train ferry which I believe still operates most days , delivering all manner of cars , includingnew subway vehicles to the MTA.

 

[Groningen]

I think that freight (real freight!) will not pass through Penn station.

 

[sprunt]

By staying on a southbound 6-line subway train after the terminal Brooklyn Bridge stop, you can get a glimpse of the disused City Hall station which is now used as a turning loop.

 

[Techniquest]

I just happened to find this thread, and I was honoured to be mentioned by telstarbox! I went to New York for my first ever visit to the USA in March 2016, so memory is hazy in a few places, but I'm just as qualified to answer this query than anyone I guess!

The answers so far on freight are correct, you've got to go a fair way out of the city to see any freight in New York. Frustratingly I don't remember the name of the place we went to in New Jersey, but we happened to stumble across a short freight and some rather interesting shunters there. I'll have to have a look later, currently I'm trying to get myself to sleep and that's not easy with the early stages of flu!

When you say transport related sights, I ask for a definition there. I trust you'll be having a spin on the Subway at some point, and making a visit to Grand Central station as well. I'm rather sure other forum members gave me tons of advice before I went last year, but I'm basing this solely on what I did. The Subway has to be sampled to have a contrast with London's Underground, and unless they've done a truckload of modernisation in the meantime, London will still be the best.

Which reminds me, you must have a spin on the free Staten Island ferry too. Runs 24/7 and is indeed free, and you can get fairly good views of the Statue of Liberty from it. OK so you might well get better views on its own little island, but you'll save a fortune by seeing it from the Staten Island ferry. There's a railway on Staten Island too, but I never sampled it. You'll also get some awesome views of Manhattan too from it.

Going back to New Jersey, you need to get down there and visit Exchange Square (I remembered that name!) but from which bit exactly on the Subway you need to ride I'm trying to remember. Again, I'll have to look it up. Gorgeous view of Manhattan from the waterfront area there.

The variety of stock on the Subway is considerable, but don't expect London-style comfort, as if you do you're in for a major surprise. Hopefully all the repairs at South Ferry on line 1 are now complete after the damage Storm Sandy caused too, MTR had a lot of work to do and annoyingly I can't remember the slogan used on the engineering works posters now. I was using it at work for about a year after coming home!

Oh yes, one last thing I didn't do but wish I had done for the sake of getting it done. One of the Metro lines goes over the river, with the road bridge immediately above it. It's not Brooklyn Bridge, and while I say it's Manhattan Bridge I'm not certain without looking at a Subway map.

I hope this helps a little at least.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

When we last went to New York there was just one boat doing runs to Liberty Island, so you might have to get to where it goes from very early (Battery Park?), as has been said above you'll get better views of the statue from the Statten Island Ferry. You have to physically get off the ferry and board another one to get the free ride. if you want to "loose" the other half for a couple of hours on Staten Island, there's a fair sized shopping mall over there.

I don't know if you can go any higher up the Statue of Liberty than the top of the concrete bit, think I remember reading that it's as high as you can go.

If they still do them, get a Metrocard, it's the equivalent of a London Travel card, don't know if it's valid on "express" bus services or it's validity outside of Manhattan.

We never went on the Roosevelt Island Tramway but reading about it on wikipedia it looks like it's a good ride.

I don't know when the baseball season runs, but maybe if they're playing at home watching a Yankees game might be an idea for something to do

 

[185]

Roosevelt Island "Tram" - Get the F train there, use the Cable Car back to Manhattan. $1 well spent. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roosevelt_Island_Tramway

Staten Island Ferry - Poor mans trip past the Statue of Lib. Cost: $0.

Brooklyn Bridge - Walk over it - amazing views, use the subway the find the start of the path (Brooklyn Bridge Station).

The Highline - 2 hour walk above the city on old railway line. Free.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line
7 train to Hudson Yards, A/C/E or L back from 14th St.

Whilst not strictly railway related, made a good holiday great doing these.

 

[306024]

.....and making a visit to Grand Central station as well.....

How insulting. Grand Central Terminal please

Timely thread as I'm in NY next week. Was going to do the Highline and visit the NYCTA museum again, but that cable car thing looks quirky enough for a visit too.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

I don't know when the baseball season runs, but maybe if they're playing at home watching a Yankees game might be an idea for something to do

Just to confirm: MLB regular season runs early April until end of September with playoffs in October. And New York has another baseball team called the Mets who currently have far more big name players than do the Yankees.

 

[ac6000cw]

As ChiefPlanner says, NYC is almost a (rail) 'freight-free' zone. The rail freight in the area is nearly all across in New Jersey - mostly a mixture of container, petro-chemical and general traffic.

One place to see at least some of it is Bound Brook, New Jersey, which you can get to by NJT train, but I've no personal experience of the location (it just gets mentioned as a bit of a 'hot spot' for freight train watching). Basically one of the main freight routes runs alongside the (diesel loco-hauled) NJT passenger line through the station area.

One problem with freight train watching in the US is that trains can be very irregular - even on a 'busy' route you might get non-stop action, or no trains for several hours then four in an hour - you just never know...

 

[ChiefPlanner]

How insulting. Grand Central Terminal please

Timely thread as I'm in NY next week. Was going to do the Highline and visit the NYCTA museum again, but that cable car thing looks quirky enough for a visit too.

Maybe go hunting the 1964 R32 stock on the J , M , Z lines - that is an interesting old school EL ? - even my wife enjoyed a sally around there as such an interesting area , old Brooklyn on the way up. (plus a trip over the Williamsburgh bridge if you get the service from Manhattan)

 

[FGW_DID]

A 20 minute or so bus ride from the main NYC bus terminal gets you to Hoboken over in New Jersey, Birthplace of Frank Sinatra and home to Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss on TV). The ex Lakannawa RR Terminus here is worth a visit, its a joint ferry / rail terminus and very retro. Mostly unit type rolling stock but there were a few locos knocking around when I visited.

The High Line is a nice walk and some nice little bars / cafes on the route.

 

[k-c-p]

A 20 minute or so bus ride from the main NYC bus terminal gets you to Hoboken over in New Jersey,

If your prefer rail over bus, use the PATH to get to Hoboken.

In Hoboken hop on the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail. If I remember correctly I went to "Port Imperial HBLR Station" walked up the stairs there and enjoyed to view of midtown Manhattan. You may go back to Manhattan by Ferry from there, if you like.

 

[ac6000cw]

In Hoboken hop on the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail. If I remember correctly I went to "Port Imperial HBLR Station" walked up the stairs there and enjoyed to view of midtown Manhattan. You may go back to Manhattan by Ferry from there, if you like.

Techniquest was lucky enough to get a couple of freight locos near 22nd Street HBLR station - see http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2500135&postcount=1497 (there is a 'tank farm' nearby, and I assume they were working the yard there).

 

[AM9]

If it's serious subway complexity, (plus a lot of rusty steel) that you are interested in, try going to Broadway Junction in Brooklyn. From Manhattan take the A,C,J,L,M or Z to Broadway Junction, (J,M & Z cross the East River on the Williamsburg Bridge but A & C are sub-surface from Manhattan to here).
Broadway Junction is an enormous three-storey rusting hulk over a major road junction. Immediately to the east of the L line platforms, - the highest tier, is a main MTA yard. Viewed from that vantage point, the yard looks like a giant trainset with its NY Subway's characteristic tight loops at the 'country' ends of the sidings and small radius points in order to squeeze so many sidings into such a small plot.
The J & Z lines eastwards from there go to Jamaica on a continuous high-level viaduct over much of suburban Brooklyn and Queens.
For a look at the modern Subway, take the recently opened first phase of the Second St. Subway. This runs from 96th st. down to 63rd st. with all new stations (except 63rd st.).
For a much more leisurely journey, take the Circle Line boat trip right around Manhattan Island. About 33 miles, 19 bridges and about three hours. Very informative.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

If it's serious subway complexity, (plus a lot of rusty steel) that you are interested in, try going to Broadway Junction in Brooklyn. From Manhattan take the A,C,J,L,M or Z to Broadway Junction, (J,M & Z cross the East River on the Williamsburg Bridge but A & C are sub-surface from Manhattan to here).
Broadway Junction is an enormous three-storey rusting hulk over a major road junction. Immediately to the east of the L line platforms, - the highest tier, is a main MTA yard. Viewed from that vantage point, the yard looks like a giant trainset with its NY Subway's characteristic tight loops at the 'country' ends of the sidings and small radius points in order to squeeze so many sidings into such a small plot.
The J & Z lines eastwards from there go to Jamaica on a continuous high-level viaduct over much of suburban Brooklyn and Queens.
For a look at the modern Subway, take the recently opened first phase of the Second St. Subway. This runs from 96th st. down to 63rd st. with all new stations (except 63rd st.).
For a much more leisurely journey, take the Circle Line boat trip right around Manhattan Island. About 33 miles, 19 bridges and about three hours. Very informative.

Agreed the Eastern Division of the ex BMT is pretty unique - and as I mentioned before,the new lines are (probably) well worth a trip. As indeed is Coney Island.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

We went for a nice walk one day, we headed west along 34th street to the riverside where there's a pedestrian path/area that runs down the west side to near Battery Park

 

[nlogax]

Newark Airport station is a great spot to spend an hour. Plenty of Amtrak Acela and regional expresses heading in both directions, plus local NJT services.

It's worth doing one trip out on PATH from Manhattan > Newark Penn > Newark Liberty stn on NJT, then returning via Amtrak or NJT via Secaucus and the river tunnel. If you're into old rail infrastructure there's plenty to see along way..along the Passaic river there is a goldmine of old lines and industrial views as well as the home to a CSX yard. Secaucus Junction station sticks out like a shiny concrete sore thumb, having only opened twelve or thirteen years back.

Then you can emerge blinking into the brief daylight of Hudson Yards before disappearing again into NY Penn stn, having missed all the fun of this summer's A Interlocking engineering works. Nice timing there, btw

 

[deltic]

Thanks for all your suggestions hopefully will be able to fit a few of these in

 

[Techniquest]

Techniquest was lucky enough to get a couple of freight locos near 22nd Street HBLR station - see http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2500135&postcount=1497 (there is a 'tank farm' nearby, and I assume they were working the yard there).

I was indeed, just got back from Walmart (me and my mate had to visit one, just to compare and contrast) and heard a loco up above. That was fantastic timing it must be said.

I'd forgotten to mention The High Line, and I would certainly aim to do it if I ever end up in New York again. Which I would hope to, as I loved it. Thankfully everyone else has filled in the gaps in what I could remember, I hope that my trip report from March 2016 covers enough detail about buying a Metrocard and the general Subway experience.

Sorry it's taken ages for me to reply, so much going on at the moment and being unwell hasn't helped.

Do have an awesome time!

 

[Crawley Ben]

Really enjoyed the High Line when me and Mrs Daniels went to New York in May of this year. We took the Amtrak from Philadelphia to New York (90 min journey) that's a nice journey if you have the time to do it?

Have a good trip whatever you eventually end up doing. It's a great city and one I never tire of visiting (I've been 3 times and got engaged there).

Cheers

Ben

 

[Taunton]

If you have a spare day a trip to Philadelphia is interesting, not only for the Amtrak ride but for the various transit lines, no two of which seem the same, for gauge, stock or characteristics. The western suburban lines have all sorts; the Norristown line is unique - single cars but high platforms, 3rd rail but pay the driver, segregated right of way but request stops, and a huge bridge at the end. There's also a classic PCC street operation in the older inner city, which seems to come and go with bus replacements but you can look it up first.

 

[AM9]

If you have any interest in stills of video cameras, you should vist B&H, it's at 420 9th Avenue, - just a block away from Penn. Station.
Imagine a shop that sells everything camera & accessories (and audio) from compacts to professional camcorders, all in a large walk-in store. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful without pressuring for any sale. To any camera enthusiast, it is a dream shop.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

http://theredcaboose.com/

Well worth a look , a cramped and eclectic shop on W45th Street , - however the customer service is pretty spotty (wont bore you)

 

[Bald Rick]

http://theredcaboose.com/

Well worth a look , a cramped and eclectic shop on W45th Street , - however the customer service is pretty spotty (wont bore you)

That shop is unreal. There's stuff in there that has probably been on the shelves for decades.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

The Transit Museum has a shop on the concourse of Grant Central Terminal - well worth a visit for maps , books and subway bric a brac.

The Oyster Bar is superb - and not too ruinously expensive , and the food court below is outstanding for authentic , quality NYC food - great Hot Dogs and Brooklyn Cheescake. )(ope this wasn't mentioned before) -

 

[306024]

Right, armed with all the expert suggestions here was my New York 'transport' day. Never posted such a long essay before, but here goes. Get a map of the New York Subway before reading further!

Left hotel, which was on E35th, at 08.45 for a stroll to Grand Central Terminal, then line 7 out to Queensborough Plaza for the views.

Returned on line 7 to 34 St Hudson Yards. Hudson Yards is an area of huge redevelopment, think Canary Wharf 20+ years ago.

Walked the High Line from North to South. This is possibly of more interest to botanists than rail buffs but a nice walk none the less. The north end is a building site but it gets progressively better as you head south.

Line 2 from 14 St to Borough Hall. Visit the transport museum which was even better than I remembered. Although the shop at Grand Central Terminal is actually better stocked so if you want souvenirs I'd suggest go there.

Line A from Jay St Metro Tech to Broadway Jn. A complex Junction on three levels.

Line Z from Broadway Jn to Canal St, taking in an old train (don't know how old, it just seemed old) and the Williamsburg Bridge.

Line 6 from Canal Street to 59 St for the cable car across to Roosevelt Island. Only one car is working currently, so a 15 minute frequency. A poster didn't say how long the duration of these works lasted.

Late lunch in the calm and tranquility of the island, then line F to Lexington Av / 59 St followed by Line Q to 96 St. This is a new extension which involved a tunnel boring machine rather than cut and cover. However it was not particularly exciting, I guess the construction was the hard part.

Return on line Q to Times Square / 42 St. Times Square makes Piccadilly Circus seem like a small village.

Call in at the Red Caboose model shop on E45th. I see what you mean! Service wasn't spotty, more tabby, as a cat greeted me on arrival. To be diplomatic, if you are of a certain girth, this isn't the place to be. You would be better off at the Cock and Bull 'British' pub next door.

Return to hotel around 17.30 for a wash and brush up before heading out to the Staten Island ferry, so line 6 from 33 St to 14 St then line 5 from 14 St to Bowling Green. Took the ferry at sunset, nice views of the sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty, before returning to base on line R from Whitehall St South Ferry to 34 St Herald Square.

Finally in need of a pint or three, the pub round the corner was showing the New York Yankees ball game. After all that lot the Farmer Jon's oatmeal stout went down rather well.

So that is just a sample of what is possible in a day. And that is before Central Park, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Centre, 9/11 memorial etc. New York is huge and takes a few days to explore. Always good to save something for a subsequent trip.

Quieter day planned tomorrow, top of the One World Trade Centre in the morning, train to Philadelphia in the afternoon and a ticket for the Phillies v Cubs baseball in the evening.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, the only reason I didn't walk the Brooklyn Bridge, which is another great idea, is I'd done it on a previous visit.

 

[Bald Rick]

As you are staying in the area, if you want a few decent beers head to The Ginger Man, on E36th (between 5th and Madison). Huge selection. It's my preferred place to be when Mrs BR 'needs' to go to Macy's.

 

[Taunton]

http://theredcaboose.com/

Well worth a look , a cramped and eclectic shop on W45th Street , - however the customer service is pretty spotty (wont bore you)

North American rail interest shops were ever so, and seem to make most of their turnover from models, with a small section of main line books. When I lived in LA there was a shop in Pasadena called "Choo Choo Chums" just like this, but it was a great name - I've ever since used this expression for over-pedantic rail enthusiast zealots.