chuchubob wrote:Parts were removed Thursday evening and overnight, but the boards were still flipping Friday afternoon.
camera facing west
Bob and Everyone:
In Bob's photographs that were taken I noticed something written on the steel cross bar to the
right - note the 91 - could this be the year or date (1991) that this was constructed - and could
possibly date this Solari board even younger then we have speculated all along?
There are possible sources of information that can help determine when this second board was
installed replacing the earlier early 1970s vintage Solari board:
-Amtrak NEWS monthly employee newsletter
-Philadelphia Chapter NRHS "Cinders"
-The 30th Street Station Renovation Plan details (1989-1991) may show that a new updated
Solari board was to be a part of this project.
There was further news coverage:
https://6abc.com/travel/iconic-30th-str ... ed/5108205" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia ... 90127.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(subject to Inquirer paywall)
With photos available of the earlier Solari board and its placement (north and south) and the
differences between the two boards why was that distinction not reported correctly?
Even the Amtrak spokeswoman interviewed was either unaware or uncertain of the true age of
this board - which may date from 1990-91 making it about 28 years old.
In this case it can be understandable that this date mistake has been made - both boards used
basically the same type of information technology from the same manufacturer.
One news report even shows the old chalkboard - a PRR relic - that was used back in the
days before automatic information boards were installed. The chalk board is on rollers and
has been retained for use in the event the Solari board was not in service.
Solari boards have had a presence even before Amtrak in NEC stations - the first Solari boards
used at Penn Station New York were installed in 1968 - and with these boards being replaced
ends what turned out to be a 50 year period of use at stations in the Northeast Corridor.
It is sad to some extent to see them go but unfortunately that's progress...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS