GEERT%BITNIC.BITNET@WISCVM.WISC.EDU (Geert K. Marien) (01/25/86)
All this talk about the Sunnyside loop track, and no one mentioned that it goes through the Train Washers? The loop is double track through the washers .... well, actually, it is 2 tracks meeting and running parallel, which join as ... well, actually, it is 2 tracks meeting and running parallel, which join as one again after the washers. The point is that the trains would come from the city via the tunnels, then through the washers, reversing in the process, then pull into the yard where the engine would be sent for servicing while the train was being cleaned inside (and stocked with provisions at times). In the late 60s, I used to stand by the washers and see about 10 trains an hour go through. It was really quite nice to see 2 go through together. There is a steep hill by the washers where one could look over the closer train to get the numbers on the cars of the other train. Needless to say, the trains looked much better in those days! And cleaner! It was the best place to take photos of Southern coaches, including those sun domes from the Seaboard and of course the GG1s in their many paint schemes. With the advent of Amtrak, everything from UP and BN could be seen mixed in, and with NJDOT (CNJ / PC) in those days, plus the LIRR running by with its ex KCS coaches, it really was a colorful sight. /Geert