Manhattan EL Track Maps

[RR503]

In my travels across the wilds of the interwebs, I came across this magnificent set of detailed track maps depicting the IRT elevated system as it existed in 1920. To say the least, it’s a fascinating read. I highly recommend perusing — especially given today’s...issues, understanding system history is really important. I hope you all enjoy. 

https://archive.org/details/tracksofnewyork03kahn

[Jsunflyguy]

I've been using these notes as well as a few other sources to build a simulation of dispatching the Manhattan EL. Complete Madness. The philosophy of throwing up crap at the wall and it'll stick seems to Rule the Day.

[bobtehpanda]

5 hours ago, RR503 said:

In my travels across the wilds of the interwebs, I came across this magnificent set of detailed track maps depicting the IRT elevated system as it existed in 1920. To say the least, it’s a fascinating read. I highly recommend perusing — especially given today’s...issues, understanding system history is really important. I hope you all enjoy. 

https://archive.org/details/tracksofnewyork03kahn

Shame it's out of print; would make a nice coffee table book.

[RR503]

1 hour ago, Jsunflyguy said:

I've been using these notes as well as a few other sources to build a simulation of dispatching the Manhattan EL. Complete Madness. The philosophy of throwing up crap at the wall and it'll stick seems to Rule the Day.

Wow, that sounds fascinating! Would love to know more about your results. I’m not at all surprised at the chaos factor, though — just looking at some of those interlockings makes my eyes water. I’m sure the generally lax signaling made things somewhat easier, but still, ugh.

6 minutes ago, bobtehpanda said:

Shame it's out of print; would make a nice coffee table book.

Pretty sure used copies are available on Amazon, if you’re keen on print...there’s also a more recent ERA publication iinm that has a sampling of them in it.