by Ridgefielder
Kilo Echo wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 2:32 pmSo far as I know, Manhattan Transfer was an *engine* change, not a change of trains. Outbound trains would be hauled through the tunnels by the PRR's big DD1 boxcab 3rd rail electric motors, which would then wait to bring the next inbound train back through. Same thing happened on every other railroad accessing Manhattan Island-- at New Haven and Danbury on the NH, North White Plains and Croton-Harmon on the NYC, Jamaica on the LIRR.STrRedWolf wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:33 amThe transfer at Harrison, N.J. allowed the PRR entry into Manhattan by train. It eliminated the ferry transfer at Jersey City, long a source of annoyance for Alexander Cassatt.bostontrainguy wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 8:44 am So everything was initially third rail including the tunnels and Sunnyside? Then I have to guess that there had to be an engine change or at least a motor added just outside of the North River tunnels or in Newark. Interesting.Worse. You had to switch trains from steam to electric at the Manhattan Transfer (no, not the jazz vocal group).
On the New Haven, a practiced crew could make the change in ~5mins. I'm guessing the same held true on the Pennsy.
Note that when Penn was first opened, the only service coming in from the west was long distance. Commuter runs continued to terminate at Exchange Place in Jersey City until after WW2.