Similar to TomT’s story, we used to drive from Jersey City to the shore (Brick Township) every Friday evening. On Saturday morning my Dad would take me to the Pt. Pleasant train station (NY&LBRR) to pick up my grandfather. Since he was an engineer on the CNJ he had his employee pass. I would constantly look north to see if the Manasquan River bridge was down which meant a train was imminent. Many times, on Sunday, I would ride back to Jersey City with him, a few times these were in the cab. Though many years ago, I can still close my eyes and see that headlight coming off the bridge.
As a little info, the NY&LB (New York and Long Branch Railroad) had no engines or rolling stock, it was serviced by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Central Railroad of New Jersey (Jersey Central). The line, now owned by the state still exists in basically its original form used for commuter service. The line parallels the Jersey shoreline to Bay Head where there is a return loop and coach yard. The PRR used to continued south to Seaside Heights then turned west where it crossed Barnegate Bay heading to Toms River and further west to Philadelphia, this continuation past Bay Head ended in the 40’s when the trestle across the Barnegate was destroyed by fire.
I have been collecting CNJ for years and am planning a small layout of the NY&LB in a spare bedroom my wife has recently allocated to me.
