NKP guy blue streak 1: You seem to know a great deal about NYC area railroading, so let me ask you and others this question. In the video taken at Stamford, I see those ramps which cross over one track in order to serve trains on the other; it seems as if the ramps are positioned to meet the doors of the trains calling at the station. My question: Aren't these ramps temporary? I've seen these contraptions used between NYC and New Haven for years now. Why? Will the track they cross never be used again? What are we waiting for? Why not just extend the platform to meet the train, rather than have ramps over tracks? I just don't get it. Can you explain the logic? (Other than that, nice video! Thanks!)
blue streak 1: You seem to know a great deal about NYC area railroading, so let me ask you and others this question.
In the video taken at Stamford, I see those ramps which cross over one track in order to serve trains on the other; it seems as if the ramps are positioned to meet the doors of the trains calling at the station.
My question: Aren't these ramps temporary? I've seen these contraptions used between NYC and New Haven for years now. Why? Will the track they cross never be used again? What are we waiting for? Why not just extend the platform to meet the train, rather than have ramps over tracks?
I just don't get it. Can you explain the logic?
(Other than that, nice video! Thanks!)
I'm surprised no one has posted this. Yes those are "temporary " platform extensions. I say temporary in quotes as they are in place for a fairly long time. The reason for the track being taken out of service is the replacement of the more than century old catenary, with a modern constant tension installation. The track sections are out of service for fairly long periods of time thus justifying these substantial bridges. More information on the project here.
http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/catenary.html
Both of your answers to my question are so self-evidently correct that I'm almost embarrassed to have asked it! Many thanks!
You have seen them used for years, but not at the same location. Track maintenance is a continual effort, and on the three or four-track line, much of the time one track is out of service, and the ramps permit the station platforms to still be used. Generally, Metro North's practice is to use the rack with the regular platform, not the ramps, for the specific rush hour service. This often means left-hand running during the one of the two rush hours. All tracks, NY - New Haven, have bi-direcitonal signalling.
NKP guy,
Yes, they are there temporarily. It allows trains to still serve stations when track work is being performed on the platform track. I suppose that they are used often enough to make it look like they are always being used somewhere.
Amtrak delivering 4 P-40DCs to SLE that were ex NJT and ex Amtrak.
NOTE the good use of a Heritage bag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ6fBTUpQlk&feature=youtu.be
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