Hello W S Joe
As far as ballasted track in a Times SQ. Station, likely NOT in the 1917-18 built new Times Square "express" station for the new 1916-18 built southern extension of the old IRT West side mainline from W. 42nd Street south to South Ferry Loop.
But the original built 1904 IRT first mainline from South Ferry to Grand Central Station on what was before 1918, from 1904, an express station, and since 1918 the "Shuttle Line easterly Station" -- and continuing west under 42nd Street to the original Times Square originally LOCAL Station -- (now the west end of the shuttle) -- had ballasted track as built. So "technically" the Times Square original pre-1918 mainline station would have been ballasted, if I recall correctly. The original route from South Ferry loop, north to, and west under/across 42nd street to Broadway, and north on Broadway to Dyckman Street (and east to 149th & 3rd Ave) built between 1902 and 1905, was all ballasted track. See 1954 photo below of ballasted track at Grand Central "shuttle" station with a Deck Roof Hi-V Car with manual operated door (see end control levers). I rode these Hi-V cars on the shuttle a number of times until they were replaced by 1957 and remember the ballasted trackways. "SO", your ballasted track and "Times Square" station model has a -- ummm, authentic precedent ! I really miss the old IRT the way it was back in those long ago times !
Regards - Joe F
BELOW showing a track map and layout of the original Times Square LOCAL STATION of the original 1904 IRT first subway "mainline" where it curves from west under W. 42nd Street to north under Broadway. As originally built BEFORE the 1918 opened southerly west side extension to South Ferry.
