I did not know that the big blizzard of 1888 was the impetus for constructing the subway system. The storm paralyzed the existing above ground public transportation - trolleys and elevated trains. I just assumed it was because living next to elevated tracks with trains spewing lots of black smoke from coal powered engines was not pleasant, and because as the city grew and became more densely populated, above ground trains would be in the way. Interesting to see photos of the haphazard maze of electrical wires before all of this was buried underground and the poles knocked over after storms. Love some of the old signs made from mosaic tile.
I would have thought it was for safety reasons. Isn't that why the trains first went underground? I'll never forget seeing a picture of an enormous steam-powered locomotive making it's way though a crowded street in the 19th century.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | February 4, 2023 11:43 PM |
R3, they could put it on an elevated track but then the trains would still be vulnerable to snowstorms and nobody wants to live close to an elevated train track.
Thanks for your posts, R3 and R4. It looks like this is going to be a short thread 😆.
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | February 5, 2023 6:41 AM |
Thanks, OP. These are really interesting videos!
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | February 5, 2023 6:51 AM |
You're welcome, NoPalmOil. I agree the whole series of AD videos on New York is very interesting.
I'm not really into engineering but the host of the video in the original post makes it understandable and interesting. Love the old photos.
| by Anonymous | reply 7 | February 5, 2023 7:01 AM |
Offsite Link
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | February 5, 2023 7:14 AM |