Joseph Frank posted:
Hi Joe,
Just a check: "Yorkville Photo Studio" is, for some, a very in-the-know reference. Did you know Richie Avedon or is this just a happy coincidence?
I ask because I did know him and lived on the same block as his studio for many a year ...
- The Other Guy
The Other Guy posted:Joseph Frank posted:
Hi Joe,
Just a check: "Yorkville Photo Studio" is, for some, a very in-the-know reference. Did you know Richie Avedon or is this just a happy coincidence?
I ask because I did know him and lived on the same block as his studio for many a year ...
- The Other Guy
Hello (heh) "other guy" ---
Well, I didn't know Richard Avedon personally at all, but I well knew OF him and his commercial and portrait photography pursuits and legend at the long ago time. I was, a among other professional careers, a photographer back in the 1960-70 NY City - as well as a developing NY Transit and City historian and I did some Press Photography work for a few years. If I recall he had a home on E. 75th Street in lower Yorkville (Manhattan) -- and a commercial and portrait studio within it. Mr. Avedon was very well known and regarded highly for his fashion, travel and celebrity photo work. I knew of him as well as many other photog then-legends of that ( and my then photography ) time period. My model Yorkville Photo Studio building and its sign - tho a coincidence - had no bearing on him or his home studio. I got that printed sign somewhere 34 years ago -- and used it for that building I created back then . It (the model) actually has a photo studio store on its street level. I was born and raised in Yorkville (Manhattan) - and rode the Manhattan 3rd Ave EL often, which I lived almost next to on the upper east side. As this model photo of mine tried to replicate .... with the Yorkville Studio building I made ....
Likely my frequent riding and association with that legendary "EL" corrupted me to become the modeler I turned out to be, heh.
So tell me more about Mr. Avedon - and your connection or any relation to him in Yorkville. I think he died about 15 or so years ago approximately, correct ?
regards - Joe F
Quarter Gauger 48 posted:Joseph Frank posted:Quarter Gauger 48 posted:Joseph Frank posted:
Above and below are a few photos of just some of my quite many NYC Subway O Scale models on my EL System for anyone interested in this kind of scale modeling - regards - Joe F
THIS IS INCREDIBLE TRACK WORK'.. THE BEST I'VE SEEN TO DATE IN O SCALE'...!!!
Not to mention the Liggetts, WOW what memories that brings back'...
Completely OUTSTANDING WORK.. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EXCELLENT WORK and MODELING'......
Hello Ted
THANKS for the nice compliments on the modeling and the track-work. Here are a few of my favorite track-work-only scene photos on my O Scale NYC EL System that perhaps you may like. Most of my store signs are hand made creations of mine of actual store signs. Regards - Joe F
Hello Ted
Thanks ! - And your appreciation makes all the hard tedious and detail work worth it and motivates me! And it all operates flawlessly in addition. I am inspired also by modeling work of others that quite much impress me to keep going on, and even try to learn and improve -- here and those of many many decades ago.
Modeling is almost like painting -- you try to create as much as accurately possible, exactly what you see and or remember, as perfectly and realistically as can be possible!
regards - Joe F
Amfleet25124 posted:Joseph Frank posted:
Above and below are a few photos of just some of my quite many NYC Subway O Scale models on my EL System for anyone interested in this kind of scale modeling - regards - Joe F
Joe F, I've always admired your work over the years. To paraphrase another poster said, I can't tell the difference sometimes if it's your model or if it's the elevated IRT's in The Bronx
Hello Kevin (Amfleet)
Thanks also - I see you have been following my work for some time ! Glad it keeps you coming back. My EL can genetically reflect Bronx, Brooklyn or Queens locations - various eras between 1920's thru late 1990's - and even older era IRT or BMT EL's of the city . It depends upon what rolling stock and type of trains are shown on the EL, and what street vehicles (buses, trolleys and vehicles) are of that same era on the streets below the El. THAT is the fun of it and the photography to document it all --like below scene "along the EL" .... Regards - Joe F
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absolutely fantastic modeling thanks for sharing and Thanks for being a part of our 1/4 inch brotherhood
Here's another car I weathered...not the most desirable car they made Joe Frank can elaborate but I was asked to do one so I gave it a shot. Here's my attempt ✌
Hi Arnold:
I remember you are a customer in Tom's Trains Store in Ardsley, NY. I used to work with Tom for many years until Tom retired from his other procession and gave the store his full time attention starting in 2017. We used to talk about trains of course and you had asked me if I belong to or know of a group of likeminded guys who get together at some ones home. I said yes and you gave me your business card to phone but I must have misplaced it. We should be starting to meet again once a month when this virus thing passes. You can contact me at: edmickey@optonline.net.
Ed Gerson
Love, love all the subway modeling guys- incredible work! But a small request. When you reply with quote, just go in the quote and delete the photos so we don't keep seeing the same photos over and over again. You guys are genius modelers, so I know you can figure that out. 
Hello, everyone. I became a member when I bought the Lionel R27 set 13 years ago. I started a modular and portable layout, but things intervened. I'm finally close to finishing the first module, a cut-and-cover section. Here's some pics. Hope you like them. Comments and suggestions always welcome.
I ran my R32 D train today. I also have the R27 from Lionel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0isLmSqJA
Also, a short video I took. I'm struggling with the focus on the cell phone camera. I think it's because it's dark in the tunnel, but of course, that's to be expected, right?
Nice work! Can't wait until I finish my layout. I'm going to run a underground system and elevated system. Some day one day 😳
@SIRT posted:
That has to be the best model subway shot that I have seen in awhile. On a par with Joe Frank's work.
@SIRT posted:Thanks, that was a few years ago. Added a few more sets, another m.p. camera and lots of updates since then.
I have a couple of those work service cars (r-17 and Lo-V); I never thought about putting a worker in one of the doorways. Thank you for the idea. One of mine converted to scale wheels and couplers, mine is the one on the left in the first photo:
Nice work! I've done alot of work cars I just finished an R12-R71 Rider car 
Great pictures and videos of wonderful subways...….Enjoy this video just made of my subway. I purchased this subway from Steve Bales a former Lionel employee from the 1950s. Steve passed away last year and I've spent the last 3 years restoring his subway....I think it's incredible work and a tribute to the fantastic modeler Steve was. I didn't think I would able to put the subway back together as it was a huge job but it all came together with hard work...….Enjoy!
@Dwayne B posted:Great pictures and videos of wonderful subways...….Enjoy this video just made of my subway. I purchased this subway from Steve Bales a former Lionel employee from the 1950s. Steve passed away last year and I've spent the last 3 years restoring his subway....I think it's incredible work and a tribute to the fantastic modeler Steve was. I didn't think I would able to put the subway back together as it was a huge job but it all came together with hard work...….Enjoy!
Very nice work -Great restoration!
Wow!! Incredible layout!!!
The best Subway display I’ve ever seen is on the layout of the NJ HiRailers. It’s part EL part Under Ground. Check it out if you get a chance.
Joe F., let me add my voice to the chorus of praise for your el layout. When I was first researching my underground subway layout, googling images, your layout kept popping up and I would marvel at the extensive and accurate detail. I don't intend to attempt an el model, but if I do, your layout will be a constant reference for me.
And now I have a question: I see semaphore signals on your layout. I don't recall ever seeing images of actual el's with semaphores, so it would be very interesting to me if you could point me to actual NYC el prototype images with semaphores. Thanks.
Fantastic.
@poconotrain posted:The best Subway display I’ve ever seen is on the layout of the NJ HiRailers. It’s part EL part Under Ground. Check it out if you get a chance.
Yeah, I worked on it.
@Dwayne B posted:Great pictures and videos of wonderful subways...….Enjoy this video just made of my subway. I purchased this subway from Steve Bales a former Lionel employee from the 1950s. Steve passed away last year and I've spent the last 3 years restoring his subway....I think it's incredible work and a tribute to the fantastic modeler Steve was. I didn't think I would able to put the subway back together as it was a huge job but it all came together with hard work...….Enjoy!
Excellent subway, Dwayne. I’d give it a 10, but I have to subtract some points for Steve desecrating the subway with those Chicago signs (or are you responsible for that?). Otherwise, great work restoring Steve’s subway. Your video has given me a number of great ideas to incorporate in my subway. Thanks for sharing the video!
Hello West Side Joe
Thank you much for your nice and supportive comments. Semaphore signals were used initially on the Manhattan (Manhattan Railway Co.) and Brooklyn (Brooklyn Rapid Transit)_ Victorian Era EL's under steam engine operation and later electrified operation. When the first subways opened (IRT) the dark tunnels called for a colored illuminated lens signal lamp style. That is how the beginning of the following various types and styles of modern era "illuminated" signals became the standards, Many El lines retained semaphore signals -- the four Manhattan EL's had NO signals except ONLY at sharp (and blind) curves and at all interlocking - and on later added two-way operation center single express tracks (block signals). The subway line "EL" extensions started with semaphore signals in 1904-8 era but over the decades these were in many cases replaced by modern lighted color aspect signals.
Semaphore signals BLADES gave excellent visibility in daytimes - and the signals also had lighted aspects for evening visibility -- one bulb that illuminated one of 3 colored discs on a fixed plate that rotated with and matched the semaphore blade position of either go, slow, or stop positions. I provided BELOW some (of quite many) photos I have of most EL lines with semaphore signals in use. The Chicago and Philadelphia EL's used semaphores also.
When I started my O-Scale NYC EL layout back in 1985, there were no O SCALE "post war" modern subway cars models produced --- so I had all pre war IRT and BMT EL Gate and MUDC cars, and a number of pre war IRT Subway cars. So I modeled the 1930's thru 1960 era -- with Manhattan & Brooklyn trolleys operating under my EL. And as for signals -- I provided both Semaphore Signals and standard lighted aspect (modern) signals -- which I grew up with from mid 1940's thru 1960's. Most semaphore signals were gone from surviving BMT and IRT EL lines by late late 1970's --- tho a few (like at New Lots) here and there survived into the recent years until removed.
Below are some prototype examples -- a few of many hundreds on images of them on the EL's; The very high-post semaphores (blades) were used on (and governing) express tracks to clear the roofs of local trains that passed by ---------------
The 1st photo is a recent era image of a still working semaphore is at the yard approach lead track from the IRT New Lots Ave. Terminal Station (over Livonia Ave) -- this signal no longer exists -- a signals relay control room was built on the structure where it was located --
The 2nd (left) photo is on the IRT 9th Avenue EL at the Rector St Station - one of the rare signals on a station platform
The 3rd (right) photo is one I took from the rear of an uptown 3rd Ave EL MUDC-class Local back in late 1954 of semapore signals at interlocking on the (Bronx) 3rd Avenue EL just north of the E. 161st Street local station. Boston Post Road enters at an angle at left. These signals and switches were removed by 1957 when the center track was deactivated after having no more express service starting 8:01 PM AM Thurs. 5-12-1955 due to the then closing of the Manhattan 3rd Ave EL service below E. 149th St Station.
The 4th photo is looking north from rear car of a downtown IRT Woodlawn-Jerome Ave train about to enter the E. 167th Street Station -- with 170th St station in distance.
The 5th Photo is taken from the same location as the 6th photo - south from about E. 164th Street & River Avenue, but showing two IRT 9th Ave El trains of El Gate Cars
The 6th photo is same location as 5th photo -- but with two IRT Subway trains of the Woodlawn-Jerome (today # 4) line
The 7th photo is -- well, you know where it is I am sure .... -- Regards - Joe F
NOTE: After first posting this - I had to re-edit this twice -- as the photo orders were scrambled and some missing ...
@Strap Hanger posted:Excellent subway, Dwayne. I’d give it a 10, but I have to subtract some points for Steve desecrating the subway with those Chicago signs (or are you responsible for that?). Otherwise, great work restoring Steve’s subway. Your video has given me a number of great ideas to incorporate in my subway. Thanks for sharing the video!
Thanks for your compliments glad you enjoyed the video! I can't take credit for the Chicago signs that was Steve's work. It surprises me Steve did not do New York as he grew up there and rode the subway to school. He also worked for the New York Central railroad working out of Grand Central after his employment with Lionel.
We had to piece out the subway into seven.....nine foot pieces each weighting 300 to 350 pounds. Lining everything up to make it fit into my smaller train was a challenge. I saved the best of Steve's subway but still had discard 50% of it. Roger Carp and Classic Toy Trains magazine was slated to do a article on the subway but Steve kept pushing them off and adding more details. Unfortunately Steve got sick before he thought the subway was ready and the article was never written....If your interested in hearing the whole story you can listen to the Notch 6 podcast titled the "Lionel Neighbor Next Door"
Joe F., thanks so much. That is tremendous info. The pics are great, and I have learned something really interesting today. 😀
Nice work on subways. Still putting my layout together, working on the wiring and cleaning the rusty tracks.
@PRRMP54 posted:That has to be the best model subway shot that I have seen in awhile. On a par with Joe Frank's work.
Hello Dave ---- How are things in your new home and new southern State? Seems your area has been getting slammed regularly with rains and storms. We here in Nowhereadelphia get very little of it ! Thanks for the plug. Yes, Steve (SIRT) work is top shelf and first class. And I am amazed at how much "Subway" style modeling is being done more and more in the 3-rail format (well, with fake outside prototype 3rd rail - its a four rail crowd). Some serious modeling work here at OGR Subways-Transit forum by so many ! -- And I am sure SIRT and Joe Porretto are big inspirations and motivators to them.
I have been working on a lot of new Third Ave. Railway System streetcars -- and repainted some of the older ones I built decades ago with the lighter shade of ivory-cream where the yellow-cream was originally. Looks much better. And some other streetcars etc.
I been on a modeling "roll" the likes of how I was back in the 1970's-90's. Its basically "now or never" time to get long-shelved and partially done projects finally completed. You've been here -- you know how much still has to be finished (loads of carbody projects, etc). I am inspired by all the HO and O Scale subway modeling I am seeing in the past few years !
I Will have to give you a phone call to catch up. I am sure you remember this fellow and these photos from back in 2013. regards - Joe F
@West Side Joe posted:Joe F., thanks so much. That is tremendous info. The pics are great, and I have learned something really interesting today. 😀
Hello W. Side Joe
You are welcome --- and knowledge is useless unless shared.... and sharing and learning is what it's all about.
A bit more background on EL siganls. The first EL lines built in the 1870 - 1910 era were miniature copycats of the then existing mainline steam railroad -- but using much smaller rolling stock and even smaller "Forney Style" steam locos for the El operations. The EL systems mimicked the operation and basic rules and operational formats of mainline commuter railroads. With modifications of course for use on El structures. Semaphore signals were a major part of then railroads (1870's-thru 1960's). So therefore, semaphore signals on the EL's were nothing unusual -- just common to most all railroading at the time.
Regards - Joe F
Just an FYI -
Most don’t know and realize all the behind the scenes work that Joe Frank did for us. He educated and helped in assisting the MTH crew in the early days with their subway models. We are lucky to have the subways, not many companies would dive into this venture. Since the 60’s, I always wanted subway cars to be made. After over a 40 year wait, I was blown away when seeing the first MTH sets appear! I still love the subways today. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the R-40’s and R12’s are on the top of my list. I find those two designs very interesting.
Thanks Joe F.
Down Under
RE: Yankee Stadium and MTH
Does anybody know if any of the green Lo_V sets has a Yankee Stadium stop? I know that the real MTA runs a LO-V historical train on the 4 line I think out to the stadium sometimes on opening day. I'd love to have a LO-V set anyway, but I can't find any info on which stops are on which train. MTH hasn't answered my email, probably short staffed, to I turn to the great hive mind--you guys!
Joe Frank is a legend and yes we all owe alot to Joe for making our passion be a reality in our modeling. Not to mention that Joe is extremely happy to help any of us even in his secrets. Extremely genuine!! Even tho I model a time in history that he hates not to mention most do he still is extremely respectful to me and he still let's me know when I create a car without graffiti on it 🤣 and I love when he points that out. Anyways Joe Frank is the type of guy that would drop what he's doing to help you out. Frank, Steve, Nate, and Jan from the New York Model Transit Association all are very genuine.
Anyone ever model an Acid wash car...I did this R17 silver and blue ribbon car with the the silver chipping away and the Redrobin color starting to show from the previous color scheme it originally had. Hope everyone likes...enjoy ✌
@Joe cardism posted:Anyone ever model an Acid wash car...I did this R17 silver and blue ribbon car with the the silver chipping away and the Redrobin color starting to show from the previous color scheme it originally had. Hope everyone likes...enjoy ✌
Nice attempt but real Subway cars just don't look that way. Al least I've never seen any book photos of them in that poor of condition. 
Nice attempt but real Subway cars just don't look that way. Al least I've never seen any book photos of them in that poor of condition.
Really...? You can't be serious!! I can show you plenty of photos that look like this car and worse. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 as you were saying......
@Joseph Frank posted:Hello Dave ---- How are things in your new home and new southern State? Seems your area has been getting slammed regularly with rains and storms. We here in Nowhereadelphia get very little of it ! Thanks for the plug. Yes, Steve (SIRT) work is top shelf and first class. And I am amazed at how much "Subway" style modeling is being done more and more in the 3-rail format (well, with fake outside prototype 3rd rail - its a four rail crowd). Some serious modeling work here at OGR Subways-Transit forum by so many ! -- And I am sure SIRT and Joe Porretto are big inspirations and motivators to them.
I have been working on a lot of new Third Ave. Railway System streetcars -- and repainted some of the older ones I built decades ago with the lighter shade of ivory-cream where the yellow-cream was originally. Looks much better. And some other streetcars etc.
I been on a modeling "roll" the likes of how I was back in the 1970's-90's. Its basically "now or never" time to get long-shelved and partially done projects finally completed. You've been here -- you know how much still has to be finished (loads of carbody projects, etc). I am inspired by all the HO and O Scale subway modeling I am seeing in the past few years !
I Will have to give you a phone call to catch up. I am sure you remember this fellow and these photos from back in 2013. regards - Joe F
Hmmm, that shirt looks familiar, I was wearing it just this morning! I am happy here and one day will start some kind of layout; probably modular and adhering (at least one end of one module) to the East Penn standards. Other than that, I have done nothing towards that goal except acquire a few more pieces of equipment; one that I wish that I hadn't is a NWP interurban, too big (might be 17/64 scale) and needs too much work to be presentable.
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