The streetcars are running off a "conduit" system, which was installed in the tranch originally used by the cable from when the lines were powered by cable. Washington, DC also used conduits.
Main problem with conduits was being very expensive to install, and a royal pain to maintain - think cleaning out the dirt on a frequent basis. Special work was another "fun" aspect of working with conduits.
BaltACD Notice the underground electric for the street cars.
Notice the underground electric for the street cars.
Yes, I couldn't help but notice that. I wasn't aware New York used that kind of a system. This is where we need Dave Klepper's input, obviously he wasn't around back then but I'll bet he can tell us about it. What David doesn't know about New York City transit never happened to begin with, count on it!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
I think if Josh Cowan was there he'd have been chasing the camera crew around!
"Hey! Waddaya got? Whaddaya doin'? Howzit work? Can I try it?"
He probably would have driven them crazy with questions!
And how about that sidewheeler with the walking beam engine, the "Rosedale?" Just too cool for words! I'm trying to remember back 40+ years but I think Disney World in Orlando had something similar back in 1975. I've got a slide of it buried, somewhere.
Great stuff! Didn't see Josh Cowen in there but one guy looked a bit like Robert Oppenheimer with his pork pie hat!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Yeah, I wish I could grow a moustache as well as those guys did! Mine's not bad, but compared to them I'm a beginner!
I don't know if this is true or not, but I've read there was a tradition among New York cops and firemen back in those days. If he had a moustache he was married, if he was clean-shaven he was available.
I concur on the ladies!
Some fine looking moustaches I tell ya... and the ladies look marvellous!
It's amazing!
One of the posters on the "Classic Toy Trains" Forum brought this to everyone's attention, so I've simply got to pass it along. It's restored and half-tone colorized film of New York City in 1911, with added sound effects. Harbor scenes, street scenes with trolleys and antique cars (well, OK, they weren't antique at the time) some elevated action, and shots of Brooklyn Bridge traffic.
I'm sure you'll find it as fascinating as I did, almost like a time machine!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=hZ1OgQL9_Cw&feature=emb_logo
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