Grand Stations To Little Depots

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Went to Penn Station many times starting about 1953 with my family. Dad was a Wreckmaster at Edgemoor, DE and we always had a pass. I can remember the demolition going on during periodic visits. As I was about twelve or thirteen when that started. I didn't realize the full import, and or course still miss that imposing building. We visited Washington and Philadelphia just as often.
I also really miss the Horn & Hardart's. We took in all the major museums in those cities--enjoyed the mass transit,too. Saw many shows at Radio City Music Hall, probably three or four a year for about fifteen years.
I have almost thirty-five years as a Conductor starting with Penn Central--worked the Clockers from '94 til now. Visit those big old stations while you can. GCT is really in great shape. The Oyster Bar is in full swing, and the Transit Museum outpost has changing displays and a small gift shop.
Maybe the Farley project will bring back some classic scenes to Penn Station. The NJT project is very nicely done. It's always worth the trip to visit any of the listed sites. If impossible, there are some great books out there.
Al

[Anonymous]

Went to Penn Station many times starting about 1953 with my family. Dad was a Wreckmaster at Edgemoor, DE and we always had a pass. I can remember the demolition going on during periodic visits. As I was about twelve or thirteen when that started. I didn't realize the full import, and or course still miss that imposing building. We visited Washington and Philadelphia just as often.
I also really miss the Horn & Hardart's. We took in all the major museums in those cities--enjoyed the mass transit,too. Saw many shows at Radio City Music Hall, probably three or four a year for about fifteen years.
I have almost thirty-five years as a Conductor starting with Penn Central--worked the Clockers from '94 til now. Visit those big old stations while you can. GCT is really in great shape. The Oyster Bar is in full swing, and the Transit Museum outpost has changing displays and a small gift shop.
Maybe the Farley project will bring back some classic scenes to Penn Station. The NJT project is very nicely done. It's always worth the trip to visit any of the listed sites. If impossible, there are some great books out there.
Al

[vsmith]

LA's Union Station is still a very active place today with a subway, light rail, commuter trains, Jamtrack, and bus services. Been to New Yorks Grand Central, and the "new and improved" Penn Station built in the 60's. It reminded me of a big porcellen toilet where poeple were to be slurped down the drain to the platforms below. It was a reall awful place, bereft of any character. The original magnificient palacial structure of granduer and awe, was torn down and replaced with a porcellen toilet.

So my vote would be to see Pennsylvania Station in the Big Apple at its height, Say 1920's

[vsmith]

LA's Union Station is still a very active place today with a subway, light rail, commuter trains, Jamtrack, and bus services. Been to New Yorks Grand Central, and the "new and improved" Penn Station built in the 60's. It reminded me of a big porcellen toilet where poeple were to be slurped down the drain to the platforms below. It was a reall awful place, bereft of any character. The original magnificient palacial structure of granduer and awe, was torn down and replaced with a porcellen toilet.

So my vote would be to see Pennsylvania Station in the Big Apple at its height, Say 1920's

[Anonymous]

Union Station in DC was a great place to visit in the late 1950's and 1960's. I always enjoyed seeing so many different railroads and different kinds of engines.

My favorite place though wasn't mentioned and it's actually a 3 way tie between N&W's Roanoke, VA station and Baltimore's B&O Camden Station and Pennsy's station. All 3 places had free access to the platforms, lots of action, friendly employees and great equipment to see. It was also easy to cop cab rides at those places.

I never got to see the Baltimore Hillen Station of the Western Maryland during steam but if I could time travel I'd certainly go there to see those classy little K-2 Pacifics.

Roger

[Anonymous]

Union Station in DC was a great place to visit in the late 1950's and 1960's. I always enjoyed seeing so many different railroads and different kinds of engines.

My favorite place though wasn't mentioned and it's actually a 3 way tie between N&W's Roanoke, VA station and Baltimore's B&O Camden Station and Pennsy's station. All 3 places had free access to the platforms, lots of action, friendly employees and great equipment to see. It was also easy to cop cab rides at those places.

I never got to see the Baltimore Hillen Station of the Western Maryland during steam but if I could time travel I'd certainly go there to see those classy little K-2 Pacifics.

Roger

[Anonymous]

The Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia will reopen to Amtrak service on the eighteenth of December. Extensively restored, it will serve the Virginia - New York / Boston trains. The station originally served the C&O and SAL passenger service until the SAL departed for the Broad Street Station. The triple cross of the SAL, SR and CO is about two blocks away.

The Hull Street Station (SR) has also been revitalized and serves as a railroad museum. The Braod Street Station is now the Science Museum, with one track still operational. It is used by the American Orient Express when it stops here several times a year. The Florida - New York trains only stop at the Staples Mill Road Station, an Amshack that is still in good shape but with the most uncomfortable seats in town.

As an operating station it is hard to beat Washington Union Station. It is architectually significant and It has all the amenities including a multiplex cinema. Second would be the Spanish Mission architecture of Los Angeles.

[Anonymous]

The Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia will reopen to Amtrak service on the eighteenth of December. Extensively restored, it will serve the Virginia - New York / Boston trains. The station originally served the C&O and SAL passenger service until the SAL departed for the Broad Street Station. The triple cross of the SAL, SR and CO is about two blocks away.

The Hull Street Station (SR) has also been revitalized and serves as a railroad museum. The Braod Street Station is now the Science Museum, with one track still operational. It is used by the American Orient Express when it stops here several times a year. The Florida - New York trains only stop at the Staples Mill Road Station, an Amshack that is still in good shape but with the most uncomfortable seats in town.

As an operating station it is hard to beat Washington Union Station. It is architectually significant and It has all the amenities including a multiplex cinema. Second would be the Spanish Mission architecture of Los Angeles.

[Anonymous]

I voted for St. Louis,as I too think it would be nice to have seen it in it's past glory. So many different railroad companies AND so many different people coming together in one place., the "Gateway City". Another one I've been to and pondered is Denver Union Station, looks like it would've been glorious-"back in the day". For a smaller Station I'd choose Marshalltown, Iowa., with the C&NW, M&StL and CGW. Again not just for the variety of trains, though I love the granger roads, but for the people and the place. I'd like to walk around, explore and talk with folks. There are so many more of the little ones I'd probably rather visit. As I'm from Northern California and currious of the past, I might pick Riverbank on the ATSF Valley Division, or Perhaps little College Park between San Jose and Santa Clara on the SP Coast Division, still again what was at Tracey in years past has always intriged me too. Seeing the perrishable traffic mixed in with the passenger trains would be memorable.
My hometown station, San Jose on the Southern Pacific was quite the place for me as a kid. Especially with the canneries going, the switchers, commute trains, frieght drags etc...sights, sounds, smells of all that was happening. WP had a frieght house just around the corner,I remember running over there to see their switcher. Ah, plus those airplanes that constantly pass over head even today, coming into the airport could keep youngsters entertained.
So if we can only pick one "great station" okay... but would we just sit there and foam! Or would we ride the trains in our one visit? Where would you head, if say , when you fell asleep and woke up you'd be back here? So the route and it's sights, scenery and passengers are the important point What year or month might matter somewhat also.

[Anonymous]

I voted for St. Louis,as I too think it would be nice to have seen it in it's past glory. So many different railroad companies AND so many different people coming together in one place., the "Gateway City". Another one I've been to and pondered is Denver Union Station, looks like it would've been glorious-"back in the day". For a smaller Station I'd choose Marshalltown, Iowa., with the C&NW, M&StL and CGW. Again not just for the variety of trains, though I love the granger roads, but for the people and the place. I'd like to walk around, explore and talk with folks. There are so many more of the little ones I'd probably rather visit. As I'm from Northern California and currious of the past, I might pick Riverbank on the ATSF Valley Division, or Perhaps little College Park between San Jose and Santa Clara on the SP Coast Division, still again what was at Tracey in years past has always intriged me too. Seeing the perrishable traffic mixed in with the passenger trains would be memorable.
My hometown station, San Jose on the Southern Pacific was quite the place for me as a kid. Especially with the canneries going, the switchers, commute trains, frieght drags etc...sights, sounds, smells of all that was happening. WP had a frieght house just around the corner,I remember running over there to see their switcher. Ah, plus those airplanes that constantly pass over head even today, coming into the airport could keep youngsters entertained.
So if we can only pick one "great station" okay... but would we just sit there and foam! Or would we ride the trains in our one visit? Where would you head, if say , when you fell asleep and woke up you'd be back here? So the route and it's sights, scenery and passengers are the important point What year or month might matter somewhat also.

[coalminer3]

Let's see - I remember Pennsylvania Station and GCT and had the fortune to see many of the other ones listed.

Here are some others for your consideration.

Nashville Union Station b4 it disinegrated - the train shed was worth the trip and the folks there were very friendly.

South Station in Boston - b4 it was rebuilt. It's great now, but in the day when I remember it...

Indianapolis - Lot's of trains and interesting architecture

Fort Street - Detroit

Mount Royal - Baltimore- a classic

I am truly surprised that nobody mentioned 30th Street in Philadelphia or Penn Station in Baltimore.

In Chicago, I recall Central station quite well - interesting place with trains from different railroads. LaSalle St. never did that much for me, but the big room at Chicago Union Station - lovely!

work safe

[coalminer3]

Let's see - I remember Pennsylvania Station and GCT and had the fortune to see many of the other ones listed.

Here are some others for your consideration.

Nashville Union Station b4 it disinegrated - the train shed was worth the trip and the folks there were very friendly.

South Station in Boston - b4 it was rebuilt. It's great now, but in the day when I remember it...

Indianapolis - Lot's of trains and interesting architecture

Fort Street - Detroit

Mount Royal - Baltimore- a classic

I am truly surprised that nobody mentioned 30th Street in Philadelphia or Penn Station in Baltimore.

In Chicago, I recall Central station quite well - interesting place with trains from different railroads. LaSalle St. never did that much for me, but the big room at Chicago Union Station - lovely!

work safe

[Anonymous]

I voted St. Louis simply due to the variety of railroads and ability to view the operations from adjoining street bridges over the tracks.

[Anonymous]

I voted St. Louis simply due to the variety of railroads and ability to view the operations from adjoining street bridges over the tracks.

[OhioRailroader]

Late entry, but I voted for Cincy. But I would have loved to see the Big 4 terminal here in Dayton, Ohio when it was still in operation. But, I'm way too young to even remember when they finally tore out the final parts of the platforms in the mid to late 70's. I'm only 27, lol. All that's left now is a few concrete slabs I think, unless those were torn out since my last time up there in the late 80's. I've tried to find more pictures of the terminal, but since cameras were not too grand then, some pics don't show as much detail as I'd like. Maybe that will be my big project in my architectural corse in college this year, lol.

[OhioRailroader]

Late entry, but I voted for Cincy. But I would have loved to see the Big 4 terminal here in Dayton, Ohio when it was still in operation. But, I'm way too young to even remember when they finally tore out the final parts of the platforms in the mid to late 70's. I'm only 27, lol. All that's left now is a few concrete slabs I think, unless those were torn out since my last time up there in the late 80's. I've tried to find more pictures of the terminal, but since cameras were not too grand then, some pics don't show as much detail as I'd like. Maybe that will be my big project in my architectural corse in college this year, lol.

[Willy2]

I would like to see all of those stations but I vote Los Angeles Union Station. I have heard a lot about it in videos and find it very interesting. New Yorks Grand Central would be my next choice. After seeing Omaha's Amtrak station I really need to see someting much more fancy.

Willy

[Willy2]

I would like to see all of those stations but I vote Los Angeles Union Station. I have heard a lot about it in videos and find it very interesting. New Yorks Grand Central would be my next choice. After seeing Omaha's Amtrak station I really need to see someting much more fancy.

Willy

[Anonymous]

About Penna Station, New York: Vaguely remember being taken through the orginal McKim, Mead & White designed structure at age seven (1964). However, I have more recently been to the Roman bath (Caracolla?) upon which they based their work. It's worth a visit.

About CUT: Its design is impressive and I would have like to have seen it with actual train service and passengers.

Moreover, isn't a station where you can seen trains approach in the outdoors rather than via a tunnel a little more satisfying? (Just a personal quirk.) MCFarrand

[Anonymous]

About Penna Station, New York: Vaguely remember being taken through the orginal McKim, Mead & White designed structure at age seven (1964). However, I have more recently been to the Roman bath (Caracolla?) upon which they based their work. It's worth a visit.

About CUT: Its design is impressive and I would have like to have seen it with actual train service and passengers.

Moreover, isn't a station where you can seen trains approach in the outdoors rather than via a tunnel a little more satisfying? (Just a personal quirk.) MCFarrand

[JimYoung]

What "little depots"? Your choices are all the obvious ones--- and not much to choose from, in my estimation. How 'bout Pittsburgh & Lake Erie's station in Pittsburgh? It was used by P&LE and B&O. Erie, too, according to the latest CT (altho I don't specifically recall seeing Erie locomotives there).

[JimYoung]

What "little depots"? Your choices are all the obvious ones--- and not much to choose from, in my estimation. How 'bout Pittsburgh & Lake Erie's station in Pittsburgh? It was used by P&LE and B&O. Erie, too, according to the latest CT (altho I don't specifically recall seeing Erie locomotives there).

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by slotracer

KC Union has been reused nicely, although you obviously cannot go in there and take a warbonneted F powered train out west any longer.

Amtrak moved back into KC's Union Station several months ago. It's not warbonnet powered, but it's an operating passenger station again[:)].

[Trainnut484]

QUOTE: Originally posted by slotracer

KC Union has been reused nicely, although you obviously cannot go in there and take a warbonneted F powered train out west any longer.

Amtrak moved back into KC's Union Station several months ago. It's not warbonnet powered, but it's an operating passenger station again[:)].

[slotracer]

KC Union has been reused nicely, although you obviously cannot go in there and take a warbonneted F powered train out west any longer.

Being from Buffalo NY we had 2 real Gems in the way of major stations. The old NYC depot on the east side was magnificent, still stands but is slowly crumbling as there is no financial effective use for it today, mainatanace and restoration costs would be outrageous, it is located in a slum and the Western NY economy is and has been in the ceptic tank. The building is fantastic, used to visit there regularly until we moved away a decade ago, would loved to have seen the place active in the early fifties.

Buffalo used to have a unique and beatuful station on the waterfront, the old Lackawanna depot, whickh also hosted B&O and Nickel palte trains as well. It was located close to the heart of downtown, and also served lake going passenger vessels as well. The trainsheds still stand, as thery were reused as maintanace sheds for the rapid transit system but the glorious passenger terminal and offices were demolished in jaunuary 1980.

[slotracer]

KC Union has been reused nicely, although you obviously cannot go in there and take a warbonneted F powered train out west any longer.

Being from Buffalo NY we had 2 real Gems in the way of major stations. The old NYC depot on the east side was magnificent, still stands but is slowly crumbling as there is no financial effective use for it today, mainatanace and restoration costs would be outrageous, it is located in a slum and the Western NY economy is and has been in the ceptic tank. The building is fantastic, used to visit there regularly until we moved away a decade ago, would loved to have seen the place active in the early fifties.

Buffalo used to have a unique and beatuful station on the waterfront, the old Lackawanna depot, whickh also hosted B&O and Nickel palte trains as well. It was located close to the heart of downtown, and also served lake going passenger vessels as well. The trainsheds still stand, as thery were reused as maintanace sheds for the rapid transit system but the glorious passenger terminal and offices were demolished in jaunuary 1980.

[jimmac230]

Never have seen the grand stations of the east, I am accustomed to the small ATSF stations here in Oklahoma and Kansas, some that are still here and some that have long gone away. The smallest being the old Santa Fe Hulah station since been moved to Bartlesville Oklahoma and restored