Question about B and Q trains between atlantic and dekalb

[nycbusfan 2]

Whenever I take the subway to the city I'm always wondering why it takes so long to get to Dekalb from atlantic, it's only 3 blocks from atlantic to dekalb. Where is the train going?

[Brighton Local 703]

Ive always wondered the same thing man. View the tunnel via the window one day of a 60' car and one can actually see whats happening. First Brighton goes straight, a switch track comes up with the Brighton trains staying straight on the mainline, with a left hand switch track that connects to the 4 Av local track ( ®/(M) track at Dekalb; the uses this track when running via Montague, and/or the (S)huttle uses that track when running between Essex and Prospect Park, when there is no service) then it does a couple of winding turns then finally another sharp right turn into Dekalb crossing over the switch track thats coming from the 4 Av Local Track.

 

Basically the (:(/(Q) swing around the whole (D)/(M)/(N)/® switch configuration,(North of the Atlantic Av-Pacific St-4 Av Station & DeKalb Av South) which is why it takes about 2-3 minutes upon entering DeKalb Av.

Hope that helps;)

[R1Toasty 0]

Aside from it not being a straight line to the station (which adds a little time) there is also the switch between the many lines at DeKalb adding to the congestion. Check out this for a general idea.

[Harry 1,088]

It's not 3 blocks. It's more like 5-6 blocks of slow going between Atlantic-Pacific St. and Dekalb Avenue.