If you have one and are so inclined. Please share your subway(s) on this post. 

One of my favorite things to run is my Chicago Subway, and I built a special elevated track for it. Here is my MTH Bears 3200 Subway making the "Brown" line stops. Hoping to pick up then new Proto 3 "L" Green/Cream one when it arrives this summer.

I would love to see photos and short videos of "The red bird" subway, others by MTH and Lionel, and especially the subway that has doors that open by remote control, which I believe is a Lionel.

Here's my Lionel Legacy R27 Subway set I really like this one! I have several videos on it.  

Trainlover9943 posted:

Here's my Lionel Legacy R27 Subway set I really like this one! I have several videos on it.  

Oh, Matt, that subway with opening doors is awesome. I knew it's been around awehile but I never saw it before. Thanks so much for sharing it.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Trainlover9943 posted:

Here's my Lionel Legacy R27 Subway set I really like this one! I have several videos on it.  

Oh, Matt, that subway with opening doors is awesome. I knew it's been around awehile but I never saw it before. Thanks so much for sharing it.

Glad you liked it. I really like the set. One that sorta came out and no one really ever talked about. 

Arnold,

If I had your Yankee Stadium on my layout, that subway set would never be taken off the track!

MELGAR

MELGAR posted:

Arnold,

If I had your Yankee Stadium on my layout, that subway set would never be taken off the track!

MELGAR

Well, I set it up early this morning and it's still on the inner loop! 

I love the NYC subways and have a lot of sets. Here's some R12's I weathered not too long ago. 

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

Very nice, I think that red subway is known as the red bird and has the best appearance.

Of all the trains  I think the model subways would be most enhanced by having passengers standing and sitting in the cars.

I know we can buy O Scale passengers sstanding and sitting.

Does anyone know of a sticky substance that will keep the passengers in place, but not glue them to the train? Ideally, it would have the same, or slightly stronger, stickiness than a Post It, and leave no residue when later rermoved.

Arnold 

One more thing. I thought Tacky Glue would work, but I believe it hardens too much and affixes things permanently 

I can't make out that it said Yankee Stadium. I heard the 161st st.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

Very nice, I think that red subway is known as the red bird and has the best appearance.

Yes that is the Redbirds scheme. That's how some of the NYC subway cars looked from the mid 1980's until they were scrapped in early 2000's here's a 1960's mixed color scheme set of R17's and R26's. https://youtu.be/4NkzxiZpOyk

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Of all the trains  I think the model subways would be most enhanced by having passengers standing and sitting in the cars.

I know we can buy O Scale passengers sstanding and sitting.

Does anyone know of a sticky substance that will keep the passengers in place, but not glue them to the train? Ideally, it would have the same, or slightly stronger, stickiness than a Post It, and leave no residue when later rermoved.

Arnold 

 

I agree with adding passengers both seated and standing. I've done that with a few of my sets. Restore Hobby cement works well for adding passengers.

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

Very nice, I think that red subway is known as the red bird and has the best appearance.

Yes that is the Redbirds scheme. That's how some of the NYC subway cars looked from the mid 1980's until they were scrapped in early 2000's here's a 1960's mixed color scheme set of R17's and R26's. https://youtu.be/4NkzxiZpOyk

I saw your red birds with remote control opening doors on YouTubd. Marvelous!

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Of all the trains  I think the model subways would be most enhanced by having passengers standing and sitting in the cars.

I know we can buy O Scale passengers sstanding and sitting.

Does anyone know of a sticky substance that will keep the passengers in place, but not glue them to the train? Ideally, it would have the same, or slightly stronger, stickiness than a Post It, and leave no residue when later rermoved.

Arnold 

 

I agree with adding passengers both seated and standing. I've done that with a few of my sets. Restore Hobby cement works well for adding passengers.

After using that cement, can the passengers be removed without damage to the train or passengers?

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

Very nice, I think that red subway is known as the red bird and has the best appearance.

Yes that is the Redbirds scheme. That's how some of the NYC subway cars looked from the mid 1980's until they were scrapped in early 2000's here's a 1960's mixed color scheme set of R17's and R26's. https://youtu.be/4NkzxiZpOyk

I saw your red birds with remote control opening doors on YouTubd. Marvelous!

Yeah those are the Lionel R30's. Lionel made 3 scale NYC subway sets. The R16's, R27's that Matt posted a link to and the R30's. They are a lot of fun and I'm hoping to have time to populate and weather that set soon.

These are from the layout I'm presently tearing down. Yes tearing down and rebuilding in a smaller layout, but much more compact.

Here’s mine!

-Pete

Mth slant 40's https://youtu.be/XfpFbQbPZxg

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

One more thing. I thought Tacky Glue would work, but I believe it hardens too much and affixes things permanently 

Aleene's "TACK-IT Over & Over".  It's a "pressure-sensitive liquid glue for a temporary bond".  Or, in layman's terms, a water-based contact adhesive.  Dries clear and flexible.  Items are easily repositionable.  If it loses its tack, just apply a little more.  Good stuff - don't leave home without it.

Paul 

BFI66 posted:

Here’s mine!

-Pete

 

Pete - very nice! Cool movie posters too. I can make out The Godfather, Scarface and Ferris Bueller. Who is the fourth movie?

Sean

Mixed Freight posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

One more thing. I thought Tacky Glue would work, but I believe it hardens too much and affixes things permanently 

Aleene's "TACK-IT Over & Over".  It's a "pressure-sensitive liquid glue for a temporary bond".  Or, in layman's terms, a water-based contact adhesive.  Dries clear and flexible.  Items are easily repositionable.  If it loses its tack, just apply a little more.  Good stuff - don't leave home without it.

Paul 

Paul, where can Aleene's TACK-IT Over & Over be purchased?

Arnold

Sean007 posted:

BFI66 posted:

Here’s mine!

-Pete

 

Pete - very nice! Cool movie posters too. I can make out The Godfather, Scarface and Ferris Bueller. Who is the fourth movie?

Sean

Sean.....thanks for the compliment........it was Urban Cowboy with John Travolta.

-Pete

So what models have the doors that open remotely?

Are they program able to open at stops and only one side or do all doors open?

Which are Els and which are subway or is there a difference?

GVDobler posted:

So what models have the doors that open remotely?

Are they program able to open at stops and only one side or do all doors open?

Which are Els and which are subway or is there a difference?

Hello! The subways that have remote opening doors are the Lionel R16,R27, & the R30 sets. They open via the legacy remote and you can choose which side of the car doors to open. They will only open when the train is stopped. And they also have station stop announcements which you play by pressing Keys on the remote. 

The term el is short for elevated and is most common in Chicago where many of the lines run above the streets on what's called the downtown loop. Most New York subways also  come up from under the ground when they leave Manhattan and go into Brooklyn, queens, or the Bronx. Those portions of the lines are also called el's.

hope this answers your questions.

Arnold,

I'm resurrecting this thread with pics of Warrenville's subway. The rat in the 4th pic below is one of about a half a dozen or so. The tile wall was made from graph paper sprayed with clear lacquer for sheen and many of the signs and directional signs were cut out of real vintage subway maps.

Here is an old video of my subway. I have to update this video as I have done some work on the station located here. 

And my EL loop.

Lionelski posted:

I'm resurrecting this thread with pics of Warrenville's subway. The rat in the 4th pic below is one of about a half a dozen or so.

It looks like those Warrenville citizens don't even budge when they see a rat in the subway. As a long-ago resident of New York City, I used to respond rather quickly on such occasions, which were extremely rare... In spite of that, I still enjoy riding the subway in the greatest city in the world, with Boston a close second. Beautiful subway modeling, too.

MELGAR.

We have a large subway line on on our TMB club layout One of our members has a YouTube channel under the name L I train with some nice videos Also there are some nice photo on the club’s website www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com

MELGAR posted:

Lionelski posted:

I'm resurrecting this thread with pics of Warrenville's subway. The rat in the 4th pic below is one of about a half a dozen or so.

It looks like those Warrenville citizens don't even budge when they see a rat in the subway. As a long-ago resident of New York City, I used to respond rather quickly on such occasions, which were extremely rare... In spite of that, I still enjoy riding the subway in the greatest city in the world, with Boston a close second. Beautiful subway modeling, too.

MELGAR.

Thanks for the compliment Melgar. The New Yorker's I know (including me) don't run from rats, we try to kick 'em onto the tracks.

Did you notice that one of the citizens that you mentioned is a giant space insect?

FJI posted:

We have a large subway line on on our TMB club layout One of our members has a YouTube channel under the name L I train with some nice videos Also there are some nice photo on the club’s website www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com

I've visited the TMB club layout a number of times and love its subway, as well as all of the rest of it for that matter.

Looking forward to visiting again this year

My 2000 Yankees subway series custom stadium and subway 

https://youtu.be/JNn7PV0kiXc

Here are a few pics of my 2 subway stations....

Bryan, beautiful work!  I'm sure I've seen your subway before, and I always think it's fabulous. 

RSICINSKI, wow.   Cool subway layout with all the stations.  The Stadium model is great.  I love that Yankee subway train.  I've never seen four, only Yankee cars, together.  Would you mind telling us the item numbers, model, where you got them?  

As a huge Yankee fan, I'm always trying to figure out a way to build a stadium model that will fit on my table layout.  So far, this backdrop is the best I can do.

I love these facade pieces.  If I ever figure out a ballpark space, I'd need them a LOT smaller than these.

Things aren't so Yankee idyllic this morning.  I've thought of building a subway line inside or around the gazebo, but the obvious problems that need to be overcome seem too great. 

Jerry

+1 (404) 925-5726
cal my friend 

papa diggs

he lives in Georgia and custom made it for me to my specs 

JerryG posted:

Bryan, beautiful work!  I'm sure I've seen your subway before, and I always think it's fabulous. 

RSICINSKI, wow.   Cool subway layout with all the stations.  The Stadium model is great.  I love that Yankee subway train.  I've never seen four, only Yankee cars, together.  Would you mind telling us the item numbers, model, where you got them?  

As a huge Yankee fan, I'm always trying to figure out a way to build a stadium model that will fit on my table layout.  So far, this backdrop is the best I can do.

I love these facade pieces.  If I ever figure out a ballpark space, I'd need them a LOT smaller than these.

Things aren't so Yankee idyllic this morning.  I've thought of building a subway line inside or around the gazebo, but the obvious problems that need to be overcome seem too great. 

Jerry

Call my friend

+1 (404) 925-5726

he custom made it for me 

Rsicinski posted:

+1 (404) 925-5726
cal my friend 

papa diggs

he lives in Georgia and custom made it for me to my specs 

Thanks.  Appreciate it.  If I ever find the room, I just might...

Jerry

Check out these links for the photos and videos of the " N Y City Model Transit System EL & Trolley Layout"  in 2 Rail O SCALE; Click on each large thumbnail image in each album to get to a full size image.

BELOW -- The PHOTO ALBUMS page with photos placed in albums based on specific subject, topic,  and scene matter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44268069@N00/albums

BELOW -- The PHOTOSTREAM page ---  shows the newest added and uploaded photos on page one and continuing ..

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44268069@N00/

BELOW -- My FAVORITES PAGE --  Collection of Photos of my and other people's O-Scale Rapid Transit Layouts

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44268069@N00/favoriteshttps://www.flickr.com/photos/44268069@N00/favorites

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I'm very excited about this topic, and I give thanks to our own Melgar, who saw my Yankee Stadium and asked me if I have a subway.

I sure do, and the one I have, which was tucked away in a closet, is the MTH subway in the video below. Listen as you play the video, and you will hear the announcement, "First stop 161st Street Yankee Stadium, . .":

QUITE NICE

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

Here's a video of some Railking subways https://youtu.be/B6Es1yvGcCY

WOW,NICE VID,GREAT SET UP,DID YOU ALTER THE TRACKS?WHAT BRAND R U USING,THEY WAS VERY QUIET .

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I would love to see photos and short videos of "The red bird" subway, others by MTH and Lionel, and especially the subway that has doors that open by remote control, which I believe is a Lionel.

It is Lionel who makes the subway cars with the doors that open and close. Those cars in my opinion are on point and Lionel should really reconsider remaking them. 👍

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

I love the NYC subways and have a lot of sets. Here's some R12's I weathered not too long ago. 

Nice! I'd like to see more 👍 I also repaint, recreate, and weather subway cars as well ✌

Bryan in Ohio posted:

Here are a few pics of my 2 subway stations....

Wow!!! Nice work! 👌👌👌

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

I love the NYC subways and have a lot of sets. Here's some R12's I weathered not too long ago. 

Nice! I'd like to see more 👍 I also repaint, recreate, and weather subway cars as well ✌

Joe cardism posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

I love the NYC subways and have a lot of sets. Here's some R12's I weathered not too long ago. 

Nice! I'd like to see more 👍 I also repaint, recreate, and weather subway cars as well ✌

Here is a Lionel R30 I weathered last yr hope you enjoy ✌

Here's a Lionel R27 scrapyard car I recently finished. It was originally green and I repainted it white (elephant) scheme. I hand painted all the graffiti inside and outside of the car. Trashed the inside of the car and added advertisements also. Weathered the car in 6 stages. Then I chained it to a flat car. I also added real wood to the flat car and weathered it. Hope you all enjoy ✌

                                                           Nice modeling! 

SIRT posted:

                                                           Nice modeling! 

 

Thank you I appreciate that and nice as well. 5 yrs ago I painted an R14. Here's my car. ✌

Knowing that there are some "bikers" out there, I'm surprised that no one has included motorcycles as found on the prototype:

Video Shows Motorbikes Being Ridden Onto Midtown Subway:

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-bo...eller-center-station

 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,

As always, I have to look and look and look, again, to determine what's your O Scale and what's NYCTA 1:1 Scale!  Amazing!

I have few Chicago cars but no layout yet:

Here's another car I've custom painted and weathered...Pa4 Path work car and the lights are functional 😁

PRRMP54 posted:

I have few Chicago cars but no layout yet:

Hello Dave

Had a great conversation on phone with you a few days ago !  Here are 3 photos of when, if you recall,  one of your articulated rail equipment (and you) made it across country some time ago, to ride the rails of my EL and meet a companion BMT articulated unit (Blue Bird) of my system.  Along with a few of my "old BMT era" scenes on, along, my EL.  Regards - Joe F

Very Nice Work!!

Joe cardism posted:

Here's another car I've custom painted and weathered...Pa4 Path work car and the lights are functional 😁

Hey Joe O'B -- Beautiful, excellent,  paint job and detailing work on that Island Model Works Cast Epoxy PATH CAR resin shell sitting on an MTH Chicago EL Car chassis & trucks.   See how clean, crisp and nice that carbody looks, -- now don't crap it all up with that graff scrawl jibberish stuff !

Rapid Transit Holmes posted:

Joe,

As always, I have to look and look and look, again, to determine what's your O Scale and what's NYCTA 1:1 Scale!  Amazing!

Hello "Holmes" !'

Thanks much - I do try my best within model and scale limits and reason to get it as close to appearing good.  Appreciated !  Here are a few more you might like !  Regards - Joe F

Joe cardism posted:

Here's a Lionel R27 scrapyard car I recently finished. It was originally green and I repainted it white (elephant) scheme. I hand painted all the graffiti inside and outside of the car. Trashed the inside of the car and added advertisements also. Weathered the car in 6 stages. Then I chained it to a flat car. I also added real wood to the flat car and weathered it. Hope you all enjoy ✌

Awesome work Joe C!  Brings me back to Rotting Apple of the late 70s (the good memories, that is)

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 

PRRMP54 posted:

I have few Chicago cars but no layout yet:

Love those Chicago El's Dave, especially the 3rd photo what I call the "Bob Newhart Show" ones with the green & cream colors

Bob Newhart Show Chicago El Train.   I plan on purchasing the set in the first photo with the pinstripe RWB one of these days.

Joseph Frank posted:

Rapid Transit Holmes posted:

Joe,

As always, I have to look and look and look, again, to determine what's your O Scale and what's NYCTA 1:1 Scale!  Amazing!

Hello "Holmes" !'

Thanks much - I do try my best within model and scale limits and reason to get it as close to appearing good.  Appreciated !  Here are a few more you might like !  Regards - Joe F

Hello "Joe"!

You, and a select few, raise O Scale to Fine Art and we at the Forum get to enjoy it all!  Thanks!

                                 I still enjoy the Sub tunnels out at my other place.

Here's a few pics from last year with newly added Evan LED markers, people, internal ads and storm door chains all added to the collection now.

                                                                   34TH ST.

                                                       JAY STREET

Amfleet25124 posted:

Joe cardism posted:

Here's a Lionel R27 scrapyard car I recently finished. It was originally green and I repainted it white (elephant) scheme. I hand painted all the graffiti inside and outside of the car. Trashed the inside of the car and added advertisements also. Weathered the car in 6 stages. Then I chained it to a flat car. I also added real wood to the flat car and weathered it. Hope you all enjoy ✌

Awesome work Joe C!  Brings me back to Rotting Apple of the late 70s (the good memories, that is)

Looks like a homicide crime scene happened as well being trashed'....

    Excellent work!!! depicting the rotten apple, of then and now'.......

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'......

Joseph Frank posted:

Hello Dave

Had a great conversation on phone with you a few days ago !  Here are 3 photos of when, if you recall,  one of your articulated rail equipment (and you) made it across country some time ago, to ride the rails of my EL and meet a companion BMT articulated unit (Blue Bird) of my system.  Along with a few of my "old BMT era" scenes on, along, my EL.  Regards - Joe F

 

It was a great call; yes, I remember the Flying Yankee gingerly treading the rails of the NYCTA!!! It really does not look to out-of-place sitting there in the station.

Amfleet25124 posted:

Love those Chicago El's Dave, especially the 3rd photo what I call the "Bob Newhart Show" ones with the green & cream colors

Bob Newhart Show Chicago El Train.   I plan on purchasing the set in the first photo with the pinstripe RWB one of these days.

I like the "swamp holly"green ones the best out of the thirty or so Chicago cars that I have; mostly the newer 3000s.

Odd, I lived in Ft. Lauderdale for about thirty years and never heard of the Florida Citrus group! The Deerfield group I did know about and visited a couple of times; they would host a train show there or a short distance away at a community center just south of Hillsboro. As I recall they got their start when the Gold Coast HO club folded.

SIRT posted:

 

                                 I still enjoy the Sub tunnels out at my other place.

Here's a few pics from last year with newly added Evan LED markers, people, internal ads and storm door chains all added to the collection now.

 

                                                                   34TH ST.

                                                       JAY STREET

 

Hello Steve

AGAIN and as usual, excellent high quality modeling and super-detailing work -- especially the subway tunnels and stations. Too bad you didn't get any IMW produced O Scale SIRT Cars -- you could do excellent work to bring them fully up to detail to run on your "SIRT EL" layout sections on your layout.  Here are BELOW PHOTOS of  an IMW's  produced SIRT car done by my pal and modeler George LaRue -- on his "diorama" module of the SIRT Wentworth Ave. terminal station - seen at a local model train show very recently

Always enjoy looking at your layout photos.  Regards - Joe F

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

This is an image of the actual Wentworth avenue station.

Andy @MTH has been notified again on the SIRT's.  I.M.W. cars require too many hard to find details plus they are set up for 2r. All of I.M.W. 's stuff is too rough, far from the OEM standard I am used to. I bought 2 MTH BMT standards but sold the motor car after seeing what is required to complete the SIRT's.

Ed Bommer did a great job on his. Just too many hours and cost to do a few cars.

We shall see if MTH can step it up a notch. I'm sure Lionel would offer them but my system is strictly MTH DCS Power. 

Thanks Joe...

 My Grasmere team track 1960's playground. My house is on the right. S.I. Advance is on the left. This siding has been reworked and is still there today. Sad thing is, it is surrounded by barbed wire these days. Harmony Park catering bldg. in the background.

 Siding from the opposite view with S.I. Advance siding on the right. Old removed Con - Edison pole yard siding on the left with fence gates.

                 Clifton Shops, new safety screens and B&O Yellow paint added.

Hello Steve

Great model photo and scenery detailing on the 2 track line with side track !   I have two O Scale SIRT cars by IMW -- mine seem OK to me but I have not worked on them yet -- they will become BMT cars in the Maroon with cream window band.   I should give MTH VP Mark H at MTH a call for a chat -- its been over a year or more since we last talked informally.  After my long stint helping MTH on all the NY Subway sets BODIES produced from 1999-2000 up to about 2010, I have not been further involved since then. And MTH has not produced any new tooling for any new (previously non produced) car types since the R-142's were produced. Good luck with pushing the SIRT cars with VP Andy at MTH.  I know you have tried for many years so far.  They could do them as the B&O various color schemes, (Blue Scheme and Green scheme) and the later scheme  final BMT operation used paint scheme

Regards - Joe F

Joseph Frank posted:

Joe cardism posted:

Here's another car I've custom painted and weathered...Pa4 Path work car and the lights are functional 😁

Hey Joe B -- Beautiful, excellent,  paint job and detailing work on that Island Model Works Cast Epoxy PATH CAR resin shell sitting on an MTH Chicago EL Car chassis & trucks.   See how clean, crisp and nice that carbody looks, -- now don't crap it all up with that graff scrawl jibberish stuff !

Thank you Joe F I appreciate the kind words and na....this car is staying as you see it. ✌

Amfleet25124 posted:

Joe cardism posted:

Here's a Lionel R27 scrapyard car I recently finished. It was originally green and I repainted it white (elephant) scheme. I hand painted all the graffiti inside and outside of the car. Trashed the inside of the car and added advertisements also. Weathered the car in 6 stages. Then I chained it to a flat car. I also added real wood to the flat car and weathered it. Hope you all enjoy ✌

Awesome work Joe C!  Brings me back to Rotting Apple of the late 70s (the good memories, that is)

Thank you for the kind words. I model alot from that era in time. More to come 👊✌

Great modeling everyone. Wish MTH would do some PATH cars.

Great to see the best of the best from some of the minority modelers on here.

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

  It is just incredible modeling.  It is really impossible to distinguish it is not actually real elevated subway trackage'... It must have taken many, many ,tedious hours to build.   I'm not easily impressed , these days'. However, I am totally blown away with the quality and realism of your work'...  It reminds me to remember, that when I think my own work is good'... I just have to look at yours............. and well.... keep on practicing....😁

SIRT posted:

Great modeling everyone. Wish MTH would do some PATH cars.

Great to see the best of the best from some of the minority modelers on here.

Thank you and likewise 👊✌

Unbelievable Joe F.

Those pics look like they came from some of my New York City subway books.

Much thanks for sharing

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

  It is just incredible modeling.  It is really impossible to distinguish it is not actually real elevated subway trackage'... It must have taken many, many ,tedious hours to build.   I'm not easily impressed , these days'. However, I am totally blown away with the quality and realism of your work'...  It reminds me to remember, that when I think my own work is good'... I just have to look at yours............. and well.... keep on practicing....😁

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

.

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.

Thanks, that was a few years ago.

Added a few more sets, another m.p. camera and lots of updates since then.

@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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...amp;feature=youtu.be

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.

I don’t believe anyone else has an arc n spark for their subway or a  red W.F. 2000 W.S. car...

 I made some use out of an old Vivitar flash unit years ago. The Grand kids love pushing the recessed button!

@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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...amp;feature=youtu.be

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. 

@SIRT posted:

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.

@Joe cardism posted:

Nice work! I've done alot of work cars I just finished an R12-R71 Rider car 

These look great!!

@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 ✌

This is neat too! I like the real life photo references. Just 1 thing.... why no graffiti????

@Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

These look great!!

Thanx man I truly appreciate the love 👊✌

@Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:

This is neat too! I like the real life photo references. Just 1 thing.... why no graffiti????

Thanx again brotha and I actually did this car for someone who wanted it without graffiti. I'm in the process of one that I started before this one that is done inside and out graffiti and all 👍 The doors opened on the one side like it was sitting on a platform. Entire inside fully done with proper seat, wall and door colors. Advertisements as well 👌 stay tuned and stay safe...much love 👊✌

Here's another car I've done in the past. Scrapyard cars are my favorite cars to do. This car is straight out of 1982 🤣🤣🤣

Joe Cardism, how do you illuminate the interior of your car?  It seems very close to the actual lighting I remember in those cars.

Joe Cardism, those are works of art. How you you do your graffiti? Hand painted, decals? From photos? Or your own?