Grand Stations To Little Depots

[passengerfan]

Visited everyone of those listed in its prime and think a couple of more should have been listed such as South Station, Boston, Tacoma Union Station, and the old GN-SP&S Spokane station. Pennsylvania Station New York was not as it is today when I visited it it had already given up its air space. Another station missing from the list is 30th St. Station in Philadelphia that is even today one of the finest. And don't forget north of the border Toronto Union Station is still one of the finest stations in the world.

[Anonymous]

I voted for the Northwestern Station in Chicago. This is because I am a Union Pacific and Chicago and Northwestern fan. The Northwestern station had real architectural merit. I realize that doesn’t mean a lot to many people and is completely subjective. Access to the trains would be a real problem in many of the stations listed. Of course New York’s Grand Central and Pennsylvania stations were both architectural gems. Chicago’s Lasalle Street station was another good one. Cincinnati Union Terminal had excellent architecture and the advantage of fairly open trackage. Kansas City union station would have been another good one. It certainly had volume. St. Louis union station would also fall into the volume category.
Another station, that I feel deserves honorable mention, would be the Denver union terminal. I spent many Saturday mornings there in the early ‘70s. I was in high school and was able to borrow my mother’s car on Saturday mornings to drive down there. I would watch the departure of the D&RGW ski train, the Rio Grande Zephyr and then the arrival, switching and departure of Amtrak’s San Francisco zephyr. It wasn’t the most spectacular lineup but it was the best I could do. Denver union terminal had reasonably good architecture. The central portion of the station was built somewhere around at the beginning of the 20th century. The outlying wings were built earlier. Denver Colorado’s clement climate and the openness of the train sheds made for good train watching. Englewood (Chicago) union station would be another excellent choice for the sheer volume of trains. This station featured the Rock Island, the New York Central and Pennsylvania, with the Nickel Plate thrown in for a little bit of spice. I would wish for a cool and sunny October afternoon, that way I could avoid the summer’s heat and humidity and the winter’s bitter wind. It would be grand to see the daily exodus of the great trains to New York along with the parade of commuter trains on the Rock Island.
It would seem to me that there would be many small town stations that a person might want to visit. Green River WY, in the day when the streamliner fleet was in full swing would be grand.
As far as smaller stations go I feel that Union Pacific did a superb job with their smaller town stations. Many small Union Pacific stations have survived. This is because they were substantial structures to begin with and, unlike many other railroads, Union Pacific had the coin to maintain them decently. Boise station is a prime example. But there are many smaller towns who still have excellent station buildings. Many of these buildings are still in use although not necessarily by the railroad.

[Anonymous]

I voted for the Northwestern Station in Chicago. This is because I am a Union Pacific and Chicago and Northwestern fan. The Northwestern station had real architectural merit. I realize that doesn’t mean a lot to many people and is completely subjective. Access to the trains would be a real problem in many of the stations listed. Of course New York’s Grand Central and Pennsylvania stations were both architectural gems. Chicago’s Lasalle Street station was another good one. Cincinnati Union Terminal had excellent architecture and the advantage of fairly open trackage. Kansas City union station would have been another good one. It certainly had volume. St. Louis union station would also fall into the volume category.
Another station, that I feel deserves honorable mention, would be the Denver union terminal. I spent many Saturday mornings there in the early ‘70s. I was in high school and was able to borrow my mother’s car on Saturday mornings to drive down there. I would watch the departure of the D&RGW ski train, the Rio Grande Zephyr and then the arrival, switching and departure of Amtrak’s San Francisco zephyr. It wasn’t the most spectacular lineup but it was the best I could do. Denver union terminal had reasonably good architecture. The central portion of the station was built somewhere around at the beginning of the 20th century. The outlying wings were built earlier. Denver Colorado’s clement climate and the openness of the train sheds made for good train watching. Englewood (Chicago) union station would be another excellent choice for the sheer volume of trains. This station featured the Rock Island, the New York Central and Pennsylvania, with the Nickel Plate thrown in for a little bit of spice. I would wish for a cool and sunny October afternoon, that way I could avoid the summer’s heat and humidity and the winter’s bitter wind. It would be grand to see the daily exodus of the great trains to New York along with the parade of commuter trains on the Rock Island.
It would seem to me that there would be many small town stations that a person might want to visit. Green River WY, in the day when the streamliner fleet was in full swing would be grand.
As far as smaller stations go I feel that Union Pacific did a superb job with their smaller town stations. Many small Union Pacific stations have survived. This is because they were substantial structures to begin with and, unlike many other railroads, Union Pacific had the coin to maintain them decently. Boise station is a prime example. But there are many smaller towns who still have excellent station buildings. Many of these buildings are still in use although not necessarily by the railroad.

[Anonymous]

I love the chemult depot as well!! The little blue and white shack...My favorite Amtrak station...I even want to purchase it..

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainhaluzak

I doubt anybody has ever been to the spot I'll talk about, but the "Station" at Chemult, Oregon, just east of Crater Lake NP has to have the most beautiful setting. Little more than a wood platform erected next to the balast, the Chemult stop on the Coast Starlight (CS) sits in a high dessert region of the country bounding with sagebrush and Pondarosa Pine. I once sat on the platform for seven hours waiting for the Northbound CS, reading a book, spying on freight trains, and soaking in the 85 degree sunshine in this most rural spot around. Your bigger stations may have marble pillars, massive Greek and Roman architecture, fast-track-to-a-heart-atack hot dogs, and the stench of a hundred+years of travelers, but Chemult with it's fresh-air and seclusion is my choice for favorite "Station" any day of the week, rain or shine.
E-

[Anonymous]

I love the chemult depot as well!! The little blue and white shack...My favorite Amtrak station...I even want to purchase it..

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainhaluzak

I doubt anybody has ever been to the spot I'll talk about, but the "Station" at Chemult, Oregon, just east of Crater Lake NP has to have the most beautiful setting. Little more than a wood platform erected next to the balast, the Chemult stop on the Coast Starlight (CS) sits in a high dessert region of the country bounding with sagebrush and Pondarosa Pine. I once sat on the platform for seven hours waiting for the Northbound CS, reading a book, spying on freight trains, and soaking in the 85 degree sunshine in this most rural spot around. Your bigger stations may have marble pillars, massive Greek and Roman architecture, fast-track-to-a-heart-atack hot dogs, and the stench of a hundred+years of travelers, but Chemult with it's fresh-air and seclusion is my choice for favorite "Station" any day of the week, rain or shine.
E-

[bowlerp]

I voted LAUPT because I am partial to the streamliner era and have traveled into and out from it several times recently. I have visited and ridden in and out from Grand Central and Penn Station, Chicago Union, Washington Union, San Antonio, Sacramento, Omaha, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and several others. I think CUT would be most interesting because when it was in full operation it had many RR's operating through it and everything was visible to view safely from elevated windows in the Terminal.

Chicago Dearborn and La Salle would have been fascinating due to the variety of traffic.

[bowlerp]

I voted LAUPT because I am partial to the streamliner era and have traveled into and out from it several times recently. I have visited and ridden in and out from Grand Central and Penn Station, Chicago Union, Washington Union, San Antonio, Sacramento, Omaha, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and several others. I think CUT would be most interesting because when it was in full operation it had many RR's operating through it and everything was visible to view safely from elevated windows in the Terminal.

Chicago Dearborn and La Salle would have been fascinating due to the variety of traffic.

[Anonymous]

I doubt anybody has ever been to the spot I'll talk about, but the "Station" at Chemult, Oregon, just east of Crater Lake NP has to have the most beautiful setting. Little more than a wood platform erected next to the balast, the Chemult stop on the Coast Starlight (CS) sits in a high dessert region of the country bounding with sagebrush and Pondarosa Pine. I once sat on the platform for seven hours waiting for the Northbound CS, reading a book, spying on freight trains, and soaking in the 85 degree sunshine in this most rural spot around. Your bigger stations may have marble pillars, massive Greek and Roman architecture, fast-track-to-a-heart-atack hot dogs, and the stench of a hundred+years of travelers, but Chemult with it's fresh-air and seclusion is my choice for favorite "Station" any day of the week, rain or shine.
E-

[Anonymous]

I doubt anybody has ever been to the spot I'll talk about, but the "Station" at Chemult, Oregon, just east of Crater Lake NP has to have the most beautiful setting. Little more than a wood platform erected next to the balast, the Chemult stop on the Coast Starlight (CS) sits in a high dessert region of the country bounding with sagebrush and Pondarosa Pine. I once sat on the platform for seven hours waiting for the Northbound CS, reading a book, spying on freight trains, and soaking in the 85 degree sunshine in this most rural spot around. Your bigger stations may have marble pillars, massive Greek and Roman architecture, fast-track-to-a-heart-atack hot dogs, and the stench of a hundred+years of travelers, but Chemult with it's fresh-air and seclusion is my choice for favorite "Station" any day of the week, rain or shine.
E-

[wallyworld]

The Chicago CN&W Station was great feast when I was younger. I remember walking up the dimly lit platform up along the length of the "400" which was polished to a wet luster just like a new car still in the showroom.. Up along the rows of bumper posts beyond the iron gates guarded by elderly uniformed sentrys, steam would steadly hiss and billow and mix with the faint odor of cigar smoke from the waiting room echoing with the callers announcement, " Last Call for Train Number ..." It seems like only yesterday , the kiosks of fresh flowers, the smell of freshly popped popcorn from the counter...having a coke and watch the human parade pass by on their way to somewhere else. Wonderful place. I suppose I could be describing a hundred other places, but compared to the antiseptic bathtub it later became, it was a terrific place to do nothing and enjoy every minute of it.

[wallyworld]

The Chicago CN&W Station was great feast when I was younger. I remember walking up the dimly lit platform up along the length of the "400" which was polished to a wet luster just like a new car still in the showroom.. Up along the rows of bumper posts beyond the iron gates guarded by elderly uniformed sentrys, steam would steadly hiss and billow and mix with the faint odor of cigar smoke from the waiting room echoing with the callers announcement, " Last Call for Train Number ..." It seems like only yesterday , the kiosks of fresh flowers, the smell of freshly popped popcorn from the counter...having a coke and watch the human parade pass by on their way to somewhere else. Wonderful place. I suppose I could be describing a hundred other places, but compared to the antiseptic bathtub it later became, it was a terrific place to do nothing and enjoy every minute of it.

[Anonymous]

Voted for Penn. Central but the one I remember most growing up was the CNW in Green Bay. The old 400 brought us up there many a weekend from Chi-town. Unlike the the P.C. it's still up and going strong as a resturant with tons of memorabilia. C.N. still runs past a few times a day.

[Anonymous]

Voted for Penn. Central but the one I remember most growing up was the CNW in Green Bay. The old 400 brought us up there many a weekend from Chi-town. Unlike the the P.C. it's still up and going strong as a resturant with tons of memorabilia. C.N. still runs past a few times a day.

[Anonymous]

You have got a real tough question for me choose from.

Based on the choices, I chose St. Louis. I was born there, my Dad worked for the NYC and took me there, and it is still a grand structure.

GCT was almost a no brainer along with Cincinnati.

However, I would go with Buffalo Central Terminal in its heyday. Yes, it is in poor shape from years of neglect but the exterior has finally been sealed from the weather.
What can be done with it? I don't know. There is an organization called the "Central Terminal Restoration Corp." which is starting to deal the problems of deterioration.
Will they suceed? I hope so.

If you are interested, they have a website at www.buffalocentralterminal.org


Regards, Jerry

[Anonymous]

You have got a real tough question for me choose from.

Based on the choices, I chose St. Louis. I was born there, my Dad worked for the NYC and took me there, and it is still a grand structure.

GCT was almost a no brainer along with Cincinnati.

However, I would go with Buffalo Central Terminal in its heyday. Yes, it is in poor shape from years of neglect but the exterior has finally been sealed from the weather.
What can be done with it? I don't know. There is an organization called the "Central Terminal Restoration Corp." which is starting to deal the problems of deterioration.
Will they suceed? I hope so.

If you are interested, they have a website at www.buffalocentralterminal.org


Regards, Jerry

[ironhorseman]

CONCERNING KANSAS CITY UNION STATION:

I read in the paper just recently how this station is on the verge of falling on hard times (again). It seems they're not making enough money to pay the bills. The Science City was not a big a hit has they hoped. I went through it in 2000 just for the sake of seeing what it was all about. It came as a part of a tour package: Science City admission, a movie, and a tour. Amission to the museum back in 2000 was not free, it had to be purchased with a Science City ticket. They've since moved the historical museum to a free area. S.C. is, in my opinion, a giant expensive children's play ground. Lots of neat stuff there but it's all kids stuff. Interesting exhibit that I liked was the part that recreated an old time town and old time station depot with authentic depot equipment. I don't know if that part still exists. They also have a window vestibule for watching trains (but it requires admission to S.C.). There are sillouettes explaining what types of rolling stock and locos to watch for.

But, alas, all this didn't live up to expectations. Even the serveral restaurants in there are not enough to support the station. There were, at one time, 3 fast food restaurants and three sit-down-order-from-menu style restaurants. Fritzs or Fitzes Bottling company was an affordable restaurant but they closed up. Then there's the one where the old ticket booth used to be, it's a little more fancy and upscale, and the other one on the east side of the main waiting room that is really fancy and really upscale. On top of that there is the museum, two gift shops, and Amtrak. They also have some corporations that rent space in the offices right there in the building. ALL of this is not enough to support the station, especially when the tenants move out. Another blame is on the managment for not being able to schedule enough events there. I went and saw the Titanic display when it was there. They've also hosted at circus exhibit and the Liberty Bell 7 space capsule.

So what's to be done with Union Station? I'd hate to see it go though another decay again like it did in the mid-1980s. I urge everyone that's even thinking about passing through Kansas City just to go walk through it when you're in the area. It's well worth the time to see this magnificent restoration. And check out the Liberty Memorial across the street. It's restored and open now. It's one of only two spots in the world where all 5 Allied commander of World War One gathered at the same time, the location being Paris. If you're not afraid of heights take the elevator ride to the top but bring your camera or binoculars, it's a great place to photograph Union Station and downtown in the backdrop, you'll need binoculars to see the trains because it's so high up.

http://www.unionstation.org/intro.cfm
http://www.unionstation.org/kcmuseum.cfm
http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/
http://www.sciencecity.com/

[ironhorseman]

CONCERNING KANSAS CITY UNION STATION:

I read in the paper just recently how this station is on the verge of falling on hard times (again). It seems they're not making enough money to pay the bills. The Science City was not a big a hit has they hoped. I went through it in 2000 just for the sake of seeing what it was all about. It came as a part of a tour package: Science City admission, a movie, and a tour. Amission to the museum back in 2000 was not free, it had to be purchased with a Science City ticket. They've since moved the historical museum to a free area. S.C. is, in my opinion, a giant expensive children's play ground. Lots of neat stuff there but it's all kids stuff. Interesting exhibit that I liked was the part that recreated an old time town and old time station depot with authentic depot equipment. I don't know if that part still exists. They also have a window vestibule for watching trains (but it requires admission to S.C.). There are sillouettes explaining what types of rolling stock and locos to watch for.

But, alas, all this didn't live up to expectations. Even the serveral restaurants in there are not enough to support the station. There were, at one time, 3 fast food restaurants and three sit-down-order-from-menu style restaurants. Fritzs or Fitzes Bottling company was an affordable restaurant but they closed up. Then there's the one where the old ticket booth used to be, it's a little more fancy and upscale, and the other one on the east side of the main waiting room that is really fancy and really upscale. On top of that there is the museum, two gift shops, and Amtrak. They also have some corporations that rent space in the offices right there in the building. ALL of this is not enough to support the station, especially when the tenants move out. Another blame is on the managment for not being able to schedule enough events there. I went and saw the Titanic display when it was there. They've also hosted at circus exhibit and the Liberty Bell 7 space capsule.

So what's to be done with Union Station? I'd hate to see it go though another decay again like it did in the mid-1980s. I urge everyone that's even thinking about passing through Kansas City just to go walk through it when you're in the area. It's well worth the time to see this magnificent restoration. And check out the Liberty Memorial across the street. It's restored and open now. It's one of only two spots in the world where all 5 Allied commander of World War One gathered at the same time, the location being Paris. If you're not afraid of heights take the elevator ride to the top but bring your camera or binoculars, it's a great place to photograph Union Station and downtown in the backdrop, you'll need binoculars to see the trains because it's so high up.

http://www.unionstation.org/intro.cfm
http://www.unionstation.org/kcmuseum.cfm
http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/
http://www.sciencecity.com/

[Anonymous]

The one I would have liked to visit in its prime did not make your list. I want to see Elizabeth NJ in the 40s or 50s. PRR up top which included through passenger trains from the NH, ACL, and SAL. And on the lower level you had CNJ, RDG and the B&O. Both levels were 4 track and both were very busy.

[Anonymous]

The one I would have liked to visit in its prime did not make your list. I want to see Elizabeth NJ in the 40s or 50s. PRR up top which included through passenger trains from the NH, ACL, and SAL. And on the lower level you had CNJ, RDG and the B&O. Both levels were 4 track and both were very busy.

[Dallas Morlan]

There are two historic stations that have been or are being restored in Ohio. Both of them were rescued by local efforts and are worth a visit if in the area.

Dennison, Ohio http://www.dennisondepot.org/DD_PIC.html

Marion, Ohio http://www.mariononline.com/agencies/MUSA.htm

[Dallas Morlan]

There are two historic stations that have been or are being restored in Ohio. Both of them were rescued by local efforts and are worth a visit if in the area.

Dennison, Ohio http://www.dennisondepot.org/DD_PIC.html

Marion, Ohio http://www.mariononline.com/agencies/MUSA.htm

[Anonymous]

Dear SuperChiefFan,
It's really sad.

[Anonymous]

Dear SuperChiefFan,
It's really sad.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Chicago's Dearborn Station. Though it's train shed never looked completed, the station itself stood out as a gem among it's rivals scattered across the city. I wish it were still 'alive', serving passenger trains. Fortunately, the station was spared destruction and now serves as the center piece to an upscale residential development in the heart of Chicago's South Loop.

Losing Grand Central in the Windy City was a shame, as was the old Chicago & Northwestern Station. To see photographs of both in their heyday...only to realize that they'll never be back...is enough to make a grown man cry. The wanton destruction of architectural wonders continues to boggle the mind.

On the city's south side, I thought Englewood Station was fascinating, if for no other reason than two of America's most famous passenger trains--Pennsy's Broadway Limited and NYC's 20th Century Limited--both stopped there. If only I could go back in time and stand on Englewood's platforms to watch them both arrive, briefly pause then speed away....

So much of what I've seen has been through photography in books. I'm glad someone had the foresight to take photos; otherwise, these magnificent stations would be but a fading memory in the minds of people who'd actually seen them.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Chicago's Dearborn Station. Though it's train shed never looked completed, the station itself stood out as a gem among it's rivals scattered across the city. I wish it were still 'alive', serving passenger trains. Fortunately, the station was spared destruction and now serves as the center piece to an upscale residential development in the heart of Chicago's South Loop.

Losing Grand Central in the Windy City was a shame, as was the old Chicago & Northwestern Station. To see photographs of both in their heyday...only to realize that they'll never be back...is enough to make a grown man cry. The wanton destruction of architectural wonders continues to boggle the mind.

On the city's south side, I thought Englewood Station was fascinating, if for no other reason than two of America's most famous passenger trains--Pennsy's Broadway Limited and NYC's 20th Century Limited--both stopped there. If only I could go back in time and stand on Englewood's platforms to watch them both arrive, briefly pause then speed away....

So much of what I've seen has been through photography in books. I'm glad someone had the foresight to take photos; otherwise, these magnificent stations would be but a fading memory in the minds of people who'd actually seen them.

[Anonymous]

Dear vsmith,
I noticed that they moved the station back, but it still looks to be in pretty sorry shape. I feel sort of sorry for it, and I am contemplating starting some sort of group for its preservation. It is sad to think about it now when it was an amazing place in its prime. The movie stars who wanted to avoid the press at LA Union Station disembarked in Pasadena. So many notables went through there its hard to count them, many going to the Green Street Hotel across the street. And now...it's boarded up. Don't even get me started on the South Pasadena station....

But about the rebuilding on old Right of Ways, did you know that the PE's old Oak Knoll line to Pasadena (the eastern of its two routes there) has its Right of Way still largely intact? It won't be long now untill we find some awful thing to do to it as well, just like we did to all those other wonderful things that should have been preserved.

I've got an idea that should solve LA's smog problem, at least in part: rebuild the old PE and LARy. Make it into a kind of historic yet functional attraction, like San Francisco's cable cars. Railfans everywhere would be having a field day! And at the same time, we protect the environment, preserve history, and make mass-transit the glorious spectacle it was in the age of the trolley. Any takers?

Once more, I hope you enjoyed my random thoughts,
Daniel

[Anonymous]

Dear vsmith,
I noticed that they moved the station back, but it still looks to be in pretty sorry shape. I feel sort of sorry for it, and I am contemplating starting some sort of group for its preservation. It is sad to think about it now when it was an amazing place in its prime. The movie stars who wanted to avoid the press at LA Union Station disembarked in Pasadena. So many notables went through there its hard to count them, many going to the Green Street Hotel across the street. And now...it's boarded up. Don't even get me started on the South Pasadena station....

But about the rebuilding on old Right of Ways, did you know that the PE's old Oak Knoll line to Pasadena (the eastern of its two routes there) has its Right of Way still largely intact? It won't be long now untill we find some awful thing to do to it as well, just like we did to all those other wonderful things that should have been preserved.

I've got an idea that should solve LA's smog problem, at least in part: rebuild the old PE and LARy. Make it into a kind of historic yet functional attraction, like San Francisco's cable cars. Railfans everywhere would be having a field day! And at the same time, we protect the environment, preserve history, and make mass-transit the glorious spectacle it was in the age of the trolley. Any takers?

Once more, I hope you enjoyed my random thoughts,
Daniel

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainjunky29

Dear everyone,
The way that the public has regarded railways in the past forty years can probably be best described as idiotic!!!! Remember the saying, "Waste not want not?" We seem to have forgotten that. Why?

Fifty years ago, Los Angeles had what was probably the best public transportation system in the WORLD! Between the Pacific Electric interurbans and the Los Angeles Railway trolleys, you could go practically anywhere in Southern California. What did we do? We got rid of them! And then, we start rebuilding the same lines decades later. You might not have known, but the Blue Line light rail system is on the same route as the Pacific Electric's old Pasadena-Long Beach line!

What does this have to do with stations? Plenty....

Take New York's Penn Station, for example. One of the most magnificent, beautiful, and wonderful structures ever to grace the earth. And I'm not even a Pennsy fan. What did we do? We knocked it down. And then we replace it with a large toilet, as vsmith described it. Keep in mind that I really do not like modern architecture--it's an excuse to replace cherrywood panneling and brass fixtures with unsightly steel cables! And then we knocked down Cincinatti Union Station, Chicago's Dearborn, C&NW, Central, and Grand Central stations, and everything else. It's a wonder that some real estate developer didn't turn Los Angeles Union Station Station into condominiums!

Now that I've got that out of my system, let me add the following remarks. Being from southern California, LA Union Station occupies a special place in my heart. I have also visited Union Station in Washington D.C. I went there many times, because its food court had the best food I had in D.C.! It is a beautiful structure, not to mention immense!!!! Then there is Albuquerque. I have spent a large amount of time there, although I was born after they knocked down the Alvarado and the Indian Building (what a shame). I never saw the station, (weep, weep) but the pictures speak volumes of its beauty. I have ridden the train there more times than I can count, and the smaller building Amtrak is in now just doesn't seem as grand as the old station. As for small stations, my favorite is definitely the Santa Fe's old Pasadena station. I used to go there often, and often was invited into the cabs of the Southwest Chief. There was an engineer named Hector (or was it Victor) who would usually be at the throttle. The first time I went, as a small child, the engineer gave me a Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers patch and pen, both of which I still have (the patch occupies the lead position on my engineer's hat full of railroad pins). All of the train crew was nice, it seemed! Then, the Southwest Chief was rerouted through Fulleton, the Pasadena Subdivision was torn up, and many years later the Gold Line came. We traded flagship passenger trains for light rail cars! Of course, no engineer on the Gold Line would dare invite a railfan into the cab--it's probably against regulations or something.

Hope you enjoyed my random thoughts,
Daniel

Hey Trainjunky29

Just to let you know, they've FINALLY moved the Santa Fe depot BACK to trackside in Pasadena. That project has dragged on forever it seams, but finally some good news. I was getting tired of seeing it stored across the street in Central Park. Its supposed to be the centerpiece of a "transit village" of shops, offices, and residences there with the station serving the Gold Line trains. Hope they get that project done soon.

Also regarding the old PE routes isnt it funny that the Red Line extension to Santa Monica is proposed to follow the old Exposition Blvd tracks(which were Red Car tracks) almost all the way to the beach? The Gold line doesnt follow the same rout but by using the old Santa fe ROW they are going to exactly the SAME places the Red Cars went. I can only hope we can get the Red Line extension and the Gold Line extension east to Claremont and south to East LA built with all the budget crap going on in Sacramento, even the much needed ACE - Alameda Corridor East - to extend the corridor east to Pomona is in bad danger of stripped funding .

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainjunky29

Dear everyone,
The way that the public has regarded railways in the past forty years can probably be best described as idiotic!!!! Remember the saying, "Waste not want not?" We seem to have forgotten that. Why?

Fifty years ago, Los Angeles had what was probably the best public transportation system in the WORLD! Between the Pacific Electric interurbans and the Los Angeles Railway trolleys, you could go practically anywhere in Southern California. What did we do? We got rid of them! And then, we start rebuilding the same lines decades later. You might not have known, but the Blue Line light rail system is on the same route as the Pacific Electric's old Pasadena-Long Beach line!

What does this have to do with stations? Plenty....

Take New York's Penn Station, for example. One of the most magnificent, beautiful, and wonderful structures ever to grace the earth. And I'm not even a Pennsy fan. What did we do? We knocked it down. And then we replace it with a large toilet, as vsmith described it. Keep in mind that I really do not like modern architecture--it's an excuse to replace cherrywood panneling and brass fixtures with unsightly steel cables! And then we knocked down Cincinatti Union Station, Chicago's Dearborn, C&NW, Central, and Grand Central stations, and everything else. It's a wonder that some real estate developer didn't turn Los Angeles Union Station Station into condominiums!

Now that I've got that out of my system, let me add the following remarks. Being from southern California, LA Union Station occupies a special place in my heart. I have also visited Union Station in Washington D.C. I went there many times, because its food court had the best food I had in D.C.! It is a beautiful structure, not to mention immense!!!! Then there is Albuquerque. I have spent a large amount of time there, although I was born after they knocked down the Alvarado and the Indian Building (what a shame). I never saw the station, (weep, weep) but the pictures speak volumes of its beauty. I have ridden the train there more times than I can count, and the smaller building Amtrak is in now just doesn't seem as grand as the old station. As for small stations, my favorite is definitely the Santa Fe's old Pasadena station. I used to go there often, and often was invited into the cabs of the Southwest Chief. There was an engineer named Hector (or was it Victor) who would usually be at the throttle. The first time I went, as a small child, the engineer gave me a Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers patch and pen, both of which I still have (the patch occupies the lead position on my engineer's hat full of railroad pins). All of the train crew was nice, it seemed! Then, the Southwest Chief was rerouted through Fulleton, the Pasadena Subdivision was torn up, and many years later the Gold Line came. We traded flagship passenger trains for light rail cars! Of course, no engineer on the Gold Line would dare invite a railfan into the cab--it's probably against regulations or something.

Hope you enjoyed my random thoughts,
Daniel

Hey Trainjunky29

Just to let you know, they've FINALLY moved the Santa Fe depot BACK to trackside in Pasadena. That project has dragged on forever it seams, but finally some good news. I was getting tired of seeing it stored across the street in Central Park. Its supposed to be the centerpiece of a "transit village" of shops, offices, and residences there with the station serving the Gold Line trains. Hope they get that project done soon.

Also regarding the old PE routes isnt it funny that the Red Line extension to Santa Monica is proposed to follow the old Exposition Blvd tracks(which were Red Car tracks) almost all the way to the beach? The Gold line doesnt follow the same rout but by using the old Santa fe ROW they are going to exactly the SAME places the Red Cars went. I can only hope we can get the Red Line extension and the Gold Line extension east to Claremont and south to East LA built with all the budget crap going on in Sacramento, even the much needed ACE - Alameda Corridor East - to extend the corridor east to Pomona is in bad danger of stripped funding .

[Anonymous]

I would pick Union Station because of the large variety of trains.