BusTalk

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:37 pm Post subject: 'AN UNUSUAL PHOTO'

Here's an unusual photo taken sometime in 1939 or 1940 at Fifth Avenue and Forty Second Street in Manhattan showing a Kansas City Police officer (left) assisting one of New York's finest on traffic control.

I don't have any answer as to why except that he may have been augmenting NYPD during the World's Fair.

Of note, and the focus of the picture that I am seeing, is the open deck Fifth Avenue Coach operating northbound on the avenue which was then two way (note the odd 'No Left Turn' sign facing downtown traffic and which was originally a One Way fixture.

The bus, built on a Yellow Model 'Z' chassis sometime about 1930, continued to see summer service through World War II and then was retired with all others of its class in 1946.

Also of note in the image is one of the most well stocked public libraries in the world (right side of frame), and the then almost new Empire State Building in the background (the Earth's tallest at the time).

Photo courtesy of New York City Archives.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:35 am Post subject:

As long as you enjoyed that photo, let me show you another one taken in about 1937 but focusing on 42nd. Street looking west as it crosses Fifth Avenue.

Notice the ornate 'Fifth Avenue' traffic signal in the lower left hand corner of the frame as well as the wonderful trolley cars that I presume belonged to the Third Avenue Railway System (TARS).

Also of major note off in the background is the Sixth Avenue 'L' that was demolished not long after this picture was taken.

How dangerous it must have been for passengers getting on and off the trolleys in the midst of traffic whizzing by!

Aren't the cars and especially the taxis interesting though?

Enjoy.

Photo courtesy of New York City Archives.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:57 pm Post subject:

Vern,

For my 'landmark' 1700th. post, I'll say this;

I don't know too much about traction cars but would it have been possible that these TARS were convertible in the sense that windowed sides were installed for winter operation? - it would make sense in my mind at least.

I think Fifth Avenue Coach did some experimenting with their open topped Z's and tried winter roofs - it wouldn't have been difficult for them because they built the original bodies.

Regards.

Mr. 'L'

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD

Mr 'L' -

We may be seeing examples of the "convertible" types. Some turn of the century cars used the feature...

I don't have much info on the old TARS, though it seems to me the line did operate the types. For the
cold months, windowed side panels installed, as you noted...

..................Vern..................

B53RICH · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 254

I remember similar looking traffic signals as that one on Fifth Avenue back in the 1960's.

Hart Bus · Age: 74 Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 1150

WCA:

There is a book, probably available on Amazon, about the history of TARS. Although I have never seen a copy I would assume it would answer some of your questions.

I am a member of the Shoreline Trolley Museum which has two TARS in our collection. #316 is a single truck car. Riding it is like being on a teeter-totter. The other car is #629, which is operated as an open air car since we don't operate in winter. What makes 629 unique is that the brake is also the deadnan's control. You keep the pedal all the way to the floor to run the car and let it lift up to stop the car.

For some more information go to www.bera.org then go into the "collection secton" and punch in those two numbers.

ECA

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:08 am Post subject:

A couple of follow up photos along Forty Second Street showing more clearly the Sixth Avenue L station.

Notice the ornate iron work on the L stairway as well as the glimpse of part of the TARS name on the passing trolley in the lower image.

It must have been a great time in New York, and I agree with Cyberider when he says we were born in the wrong era!

All photos courtesy of New York Archives.

Enjoy.

Mr. 'L'

ripta42 · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:26 am Post subject:

ripta42 · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:39 am Post subject:

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD

ripta42 -

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:52 pm Post subject:

O. K., now that we're on the subject of traction cars, can anyone identify the trolley seen passing the Staten Island Coach number 142 in the image below.

Could it have been a surface division of the Staten Island Railroad (SIR)?

The livery under the windshield (if that's what they called them) seems unique and may be easily identifiable.

Thanks.

Photo courtesy of New York City Archives.

Mr. 'L'

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD