A commuter train whisks by at what is believed to be Denville.
Comments:
When this photo was taken in 1966, combines were still commonplace on both the E-L and the CNJ. With the advent of the "Aldene Plan" in 1967, all CNJ combos were removed from service.
Interestingly, on the E-L, the MU power cars were built new for the electrified Morris & Essex services in 1930, while the control trailers (both low and high roof) were converted from steam-hauled coaches. The oldest of the trailers (which included parlor/club cars) dated back from between 1912 and 1917. That these venerable cars (totally devoid of any sort of hi-tech electronic hardware) lasted in service until 1984 is indeed a proud testimony to not only their sturdy,rugged, no-nonsense construction, but also, to the hardy shop crews that kept these rolling relics in service for so many decades.
At age three, my first train ride was aboard these once-familiar cars, and that began a lifelong love affair with these legendary "Edison wickerliners"; my mother and I rode them many times when I was growing up during the 60's, and I also commuted on them daily during my senior year of high school.
Later, I railfanned them too many times to count until they were retired. When these venerable cars were retired, the heavyweight era in New Jersey finally drew to a close.
Though many of these old cars still survive today, as far as I know none of the motor cars are currently able to operate as such. Still, it is good to know that a good number of these historic coaches are still with us today.
Interestingly, on the E-L, the MU power cars were built new for the electrified Morris & Essex services in 1930, while the control trailers (both low and high roof) were converted from steam-hauled coaches. The oldest of the trailers (which included parlor/club cars) dated back from between 1912 and 1917. That these venerable cars (totally devoid of any sort of hi-tech electronic hardware) lasted in service until 1984 is indeed a proud testimony to not only their sturdy,rugged, no-nonsense construction, but also, to the hardy shop crews that kept these rolling relics in service for so many decades.
At age three, my first train ride was aboard these once-familiar cars, and that began a lifelong love affair with these legendary "Edison wickerliners"; my mother and I rode them many times when I was growing up during the 60's, and I also commuted on them daily during my senior year of high school.
Later, I railfanned them too many times to count until they were retired. When these venerable cars were retired, the heavyweight era in New Jersey finally drew to a close.
Though many of these old cars still survive today, as far as I know none of the motor cars are currently able to operate as such. Still, it is good to know that a good number of these historic coaches are still with us today.
In 1966, combines in commuter consists were still commonplace sights on both the E-L and the CNJ; here a "control trailer" combo leads this four-car consist of ex-DL&W cars (the CNJ's fleet of combos would all be removed from service in 1967, when the Aldene Plan went into effect).
Interestingly, only the power cars were built new for the electric commuter service on the Morris & Essex lines, which was inaugurated in 1930.
The trailers (high roof and low roof) were converted from steam-hauled commuter stock, the oldest of which dated from between 1912 and 1917. That these stalwart green dinosaurs from another era lasted in daily service until 1984 is certainly testimony to their rugged, solid construction.
This year (2014) marks the 30th year since the retirement historic "Edison Wickerliners"; their passing marked not only the end of the heavyweight era in New Jersey, but also, the very last vestiges of DL&W rolling stock.
I took my first train ride aboard these wonderful old cars in 1960; I rode them countless times while growing up during the 60's, commuted on them during my senior year of high school, and railfanned them afterwards too many times to count. Thomas Edison, himself, was at the controls of the very first mu train to depart Hoboken terminal, back in 1930.
When these cars were retired, one of the most colorful and long-lived eras in New Jersey railroading came to an end forever. Though many of these cars have, thankfully, been saved, none of the power cars, at present, are able to operate under their own powerl as far as I know. a trainload of fun, while it lasted.......
Interestingly, only the power cars were built new for the electric commuter service on the Morris & Essex lines, which was inaugurated in 1930.
The trailers (high roof and low roof) were converted from steam-hauled commuter stock, the oldest of which dated from between 1912 and 1917. That these stalwart green dinosaurs from another era lasted in daily service until 1984 is certainly testimony to their rugged, solid construction.
This year (2014) marks the 30th year since the retirement historic "Edison Wickerliners"; their passing marked not only the end of the heavyweight era in New Jersey, but also, the very last vestiges of DL&W rolling stock.
I took my first train ride aboard these wonderful old cars in 1960; I rode them countless times while growing up during the 60's, commuted on them during my senior year of high school, and railfanned them afterwards too many times to count. Thomas Edison, himself, was at the controls of the very first mu train to depart Hoboken terminal, back in 1930.
When these cars were retired, one of the most colorful and long-lived eras in New Jersey railroading came to an end forever. Though many of these cars have, thankfully, been saved, none of the power cars, at present, are able to operate under their own powerl as far as I know. a trainload of fun, while it lasted.......
yes, this is a west bound train along side estling lake, denville.