BM and Everyone - I will add this information about the latest three Ronkonkoma Branch pictures:
1-An eastbound train at the Wellwood Avenue crossing. Pinelawn Station is to the right in the photo.
This would not only be a good calendar or holiday card picture it would have had a "cooling effect"
during this past Summer's heatwaves...
2-Pinelawn Station with its then-brand new two car high level platform. Note the Hicksville-Ronkonkoma Electrification logo and notices on the bulletin board along with the new third
rail in the foreground on the track. Another interesting mention is that this new station had
no lights installed initially - as most know Pinelawn is served during midday hours primarily.
This only was a problem for the last train(s) stopping in the late afternoon during the short
days of November, December and January. The LIRR added two sodium-vapor tower lights
at a later date - which was an interesting move since no trains are scheduled to stop there
after dark. The early 80s vintage building was demolished recently when a second platform
was added during the Double Track Project.
3-A picture of a "standard five" LIRR push-pull train during the final days of diesel train service
near the completion of the Hicksville-Ronkonkoma Electrification. Full electrified service began
operation on January 18, 1988. This photo is looking east - both Acorn Street (on the left) and
Long Island Avenue (on the right) are fully visible going towards Deer Park.
MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS