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Dateline: 1969 (also, other assorted vintage scenes)
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 11:51 am    Post subject: Dateline: 1969 (also, other assorted vintage scenes) Reply with quote

.....and not too happy a year for New York transit buffs (at least regarding the rails)

In that year, the Myrtle Avenue El closed; with it, went the venerable "Q" cars, which were then the only wooden cars remaining in revenue service in the country.

The final BMT "AB" Standards made their final revenue runs; up in the Bronx, the last prewar IRT cars made their swan song trips on the Bronx segment of the 3rd Avenue El.

And, on the baseball front, "The Amazin's" , on October 16, 1969, defeated the Baltimore Orioles, and became World Series Champions (at least Mets fans had something to cheer about during that turbulent year)

Man first walked on the surface of the Moon in 1969, the war in Vietnam was raging, and the day of Woodstock was at hand.

Now....onto the New York bus front.........

What occurred NYCTA bus-wise during that year? (I believe the last MACKS had been retired the previous year, but am not sure)

Were there any new buses purchased that year?

Were any retired?

Peace, brothers, and have yourselves a GROOVY day............... Very Happy Wink

"NYO"


Last edited by NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 on Mon Jul 29, 2019 10:52 am; edited 3 times in total
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 12:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MABSTOA relics still on the job in '69.......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?793

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?795

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee



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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 12:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As mentioned previously, the famed BMT "Standards" made their final runs in revenue service in 1969; even today, many transit buffs (myself included) still regard the Standard as BMT's "trademark" car.

Along with the Myrtle Avenue "Q" cars, and the prewar IRT cars then working the Bronx 3rd Avenue El, the "Standards" passed on into history.......

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?26222

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?87189

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 3:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The BMT "Q" cars were well over 60 years old when they were retired in 1969, when the Myrtle Avenue El closed.

Built about 1903 as open platform cars for the BRT's (Brooklyn Rapid Transit) complex elevated network, they were rebuilt by the BMT in 1938 for service to the 1939 World's Fair at Flushing Meadows; they received enclosed ends and air-operated doors, as well as a snappy blue and orange paint scheme.

In later years, they replaced the old IRT "Composites" on the 3rd Avenue El, where they ran until 1955.

The cars, after modification to the clerestory roofs, then replaced the last of the open-gate "BU" convertible El cars on the Myrtle line, where they closed out service in 1969.

Indeed, these ancient, antiquated wooden El cars sure made for a sharp and startling contrast to the Tee-Yay's sleek Fishbowls, which then ruled the streets....... Shocked

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?6859

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?17437

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)


Last edited by NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 on Sun Jun 30, 2019 2:13 pm; edited 1 time in total
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 6:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Regarding the "Tee-Yay" bus angle of 1969.......

It is interesting to note that, in 1969, though GM and Flex New Looks dominated the fleet, there were still a number of workhorse Old Looks running at that time.

In later years, companies (especially in my area of New Jersey) that held onto Old Looks, brought them "out to play" only during the rush hours.

I wonder if this was also the case with the "Tee-Yay" in the later 60's/early 70's, or were the Old Looks out on the road at any given time, despite the hour of the day or day of the week.......

"NYO"
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 9:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1969:

The "Amazin's" were smokin', NASA astronauts were out strollin' on the surface of the Moon, and MABSTOA #3248 was still lookin' pretty good.......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?836

(courtesy: bus.nycsubway.org)


Last edited by NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 on Sun Jun 30, 2019 1:10 am; edited 1 time in total
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 9:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1969:

Here we see ol' #SF-18, the hardy, seasoned veteran of many a slushy, sloppy, New York winter, patiently awaiting the next call to snow-fightin' duty at East New York........

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?2230

(courtesy; bus.nycsubway.org)


Last edited by NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 on Sun Jun 30, 2019 1:11 am; edited 1 time in total
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 29, 2019 9:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1971:

This was a sight that was already in its twilight by 1969, but, by 1971, such a classic pairing would soon be relegated to one's memory and photo albums (Victory Blvd. & Bay St.).......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?310

(courtesty: bus.nycsubway.org)
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W.B. Fishbowl



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:37 am    Post subject: Re: The year was 1969....... Reply with quote

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote:
.....and not too happy a year for New York transit buffs (at least regarding the rails)

In that year, the Myrtle Avenue El closed; with it, went the venerable "Q" cars, which were then the only wooden cars remaining in revenue service in the country.

The final BMT "AB" Standards made their final revenue runs; up in the Bronx, the last prewar IRT cars made their swan song trips on the Bronx segment of the 3rd Avenue El.

And, on the baseball front, "The Amazin's" , on October 16, 1969, defeated the Baltimore Orioles, and became World Series Champions (at least Mets fans had something to cheer about during that turbulent year)

Man first walked on the surface of the Moon in 1969, the war in Vietnam was raging, and the day of Woodstock was at hand.

Now....onto the New York bus front.........

What occurred NYCTA bus-wise during that year? (I believe the last MACKS had been retired the previous year, but am not sure)

Were there any new buses purchased that year?

Were any retired?

Earlier in the year, the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts to take their only (to date) Super Bowl. Talk about miracles . . .

Late 1969 was when the order was drawn up for, and was initially built, the 203 'Tee-Yay' (4000-4202) and 128 MaBSTOA (4600-4727) buses, the first 'dual order' for Flxible and the only 111CC-D5-1 buses built for that system. (They would have all been on the property by January 1970 or thereabouts.)

As to retirements, it would appear the last of the 1956 TA Macks were put out to pasture (those operated by MaBSTOA that were initially put in service to Surface Transit, were retired when the air-conditioned batwinged 'Fishbowls' entered service in early 1967).
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 9:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

W.B.:

Great input! Very Happy

So, the last MACKS were retired in 1969; for some reason, I always seem to think that they were gone by 1968 (I still, to this day, associate MACKS with Staten Island)

Also, appreciate learning of the "Tee-Yay's" bus orders for 1969; recall, too, that the new St. Louis-built R-42's were sending the remaining BMT "AB" Standards to their retirements, after many decades of solid, reliable service.

When you come to think about it, the R-40's (LOVED those Slants!) and the R-42's were the "New Looks" of the subway fleet (among others!) Wink

"NYO"
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 11:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

On a sidenote.....

Yesterday, the "Miracle Mets" celebrated their 50th anniversary championship; the surviving team members of the '69 Mets were honored at Citi Field......the mere fact that several of the '69 team have since passed on to that great bullpen in the sky reminds us all how fleeting time truly is.

Back in 1969, the "Tee-Yay" bus routes were dominated by GMC's, along with Flxibles, all still decked out in their classic "Tee-Yay" green liveries.

Though the last BMT Standards (and prewar IRT cars) were being retired, you could still ride prewar IND cars, as well as the 1925 SIRT ME-1's; this was back when the B&O still operated the SIRT.

Mets fans could still ride the 1964 WF "Bluebirds" on the #7, out to Shea to see "The Amazin's" in action.

Today, 50 years later, GM buses no longer operate in New York City (NEVER thought that day would ever come to pass!), the last prewar subway cars have now been gone for 42 years, and the IRT "Bluebirds" (aka "Redbirds") have also vanished.

And Shea Stadium, the hallowed home of "The Amazin's", has likewise vanished, replaced by Citi Field.

Given all this, it iS quite easy to feel nostalgic for 1969........

"NYO"
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W.B. Fishbowl



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote:
W.B.:

Great input! Very Happy

So, the last MACKS were retired in 1969; for some reason, I always seem to think that they were gone by 1968 (I still, to this day, associate MACKS with Staten Island)

Also, appreciate learning of the "Tee-Yay's" bus orders for 1969; recall, too, that the new St. Louis-built R-42's were sending the remaining BMT "AB" Standards to their retirements, after many decades of solid, reliable service.

When you come to think about it, the R-40's (LOVED those Slants!) and the R-42's were the "New Looks" of the subway fleet (among others!) Wink

Most of the time, R-42's were paired, if at all, with R-40M's; but 1969 was also the year that many runs on the B Division had an early display of "Trains of Many Metals," with R-42's intermixed with cars anywhere from the R-10's (on A train runs) to R-38's and R-40 slants. Wonder if that put the bug on A Division (IRT) yards to intermix R-12's through R-33's (and R-36 mostly mainline but some World's Fairs that strayed from their originally-intended 7 assignment out of Corona yard, as evidenced on a 1972 pic of an R-36 'Bluebird' on the 1) on mostly IRT West Side, but also some East Side, routes into the mid-1980's?
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 1:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

W.B.:

Yep!

I certainly remember those "mix 'n match" days on the subways, long, long ago!

I still remember, back around 1981, what a shock I got at seeing a pair of WF "Bluebird" cars (in that HIDEOUS white paint, and scrawled with graffiti) on a Lexington Avenue express (at Grand Central), heading downtown.

Back in the early 1980's, I used to love what I still, to this day, call the "SMEE SMORGASBORD SPECIALS" that were then commonplace on the 7th Avenue expresses; there's be R-12/R14/R-15's intermixed with "newer" IRT car classes; I STILL recall one R-12 having a snagged side roller curtain displaying "POLO GROUNDS"!! Shocked Shocked

When the R-12/14's were transferred to the "main lines" in late 1963/early 1964, they were no longer run in trains of their own kind.

Now, the 12's/14's were positioned in a train so that one of the cars from the R-15 class and upwards was stationed where the conductor would be.

As the 12's/14's were the last IRT cars to have the conductor's controls in between the cars (like the R-10's), these controls were cut out, and were no longer used by the conductor to operate the doors.

The R-15's (1950) were the first IRT car to have the conductor stationed inside the car.

Yes, indeed, there sure was still a lot of "diversity" for subway buffs, back in the days before the "cookie cutter" era took hold!

And, while we are on a nostalgic-rich journey, who else here recalls the "buzz boxes" in certain BMT stations.......... Rolling Eyes

"NYO"
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 1:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fresh Pond Yard, 1969.

Talk about rubber-tired and steel-wheeled nostalgia....... Wink

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?88057

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Strange bedfellows indeed at Fresh Pond, back in the day.......

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?38900

(courtesy: nycsubway.org0
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