Metro-North Railroad from the Grand Central Terminal in New York
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
-erichhouchens3711
Concerning Amtrak's move to Penn Station in 1991 this was done for two reasons -
1) To allow a same station transfer between Northeast Corridor trains and Empire service trains. Before that Amtrak operated a shuttle bus service between Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal to avoid having out of town passengers getting lost on the subway.
2) It consolidated operations into one yard at Sunnyside Yard. This allowed Amtrak to stop using a small underground yard at GCT.
At the end of this year the majority of LIRR trains will move from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal when the Eastside Access connection opens. The new LIRR station is in a cavern dug out deep below GCT. This will relieve some crowding at Penn Station.
As for the commuter cars that the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority operates, they come in two types. Cars that have only 3rd rail shoes and cars that have 3rd rail shoes and pantographs. Odd cars M1, M3 and M7 only have 3rd rail shoes (strangely enough there never was an M5 series. Even numbered cars M2, M4, M6 and M8 have 3rd rail shoes and pantographs. On Metro North there are only M7's and M8's in service as all the M2's, M4's and M6's have been retired. It is not terribly uncommon to find an M8 set operating on the Hudson or Harlem lines. On the LIRR only M3's and M7's remain in service.
Regarding the Metro North P32's they are so slow and under powered when operating on 3rd rail power that the diesel engine is fired up almost as soon as they clear the Park Avenue tunnel or at 125th street station. New Siemens Charger units equipped with 3rd rail shoes are on order to replace the GE P32's.
reply
Concerning Amtrak's move to Penn Station in 1991 this was done for two reasons -
1) To allow a same station transfer between Northeast Corridor trains and Empire service trains. Before that Amtrak operated a shuttle bus service between Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal to avoid having out of town passengers getting lost on the subway.
2) It consolidated operations into one yard at Sunnyside Yard. This allowed Amtrak to stop using a small underground yard at GCT.
At the end of this year the majority of LIRR trains will move from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal when the Eastside Access connection opens. The new LIRR station is in a cavern dug out deep below GCT. This will relieve some crowding at Penn Station.
As for the commuter cars that the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority operates, they come in two types. Cars that have only 3rd rail shoes and cars that have 3rd rail shoes and pantographs. Odd cars M1, M3 and M7 only have 3rd rail shoes (strangely enough there never was an M5 series. Even numbered cars M2, M4, M6 and M8 have 3rd rail shoes and pantographs. On Metro North there are only M7's and M8's in service as all the M2's, M4's and M6's have been retired. It is not terribly uncommon to find an M8 set operating on the Hudson or Harlem lines. On the LIRR only M3's and M7's remain in service.
Regarding the Metro North P32's they are so slow and under powered when operating on 3rd rail power that the diesel engine is fired up almost as soon as they clear the Park Avenue tunnel or at 125th street station. New Siemens Charger units equipped with 3rd rail shoes are on order to replace the GE P32's.
reply
-fafalina56
Ah memories. I commuted round trip Croton-Harmon to GCT for several years. The distinctive whine of the engine as it takes off is imbedded in my sound memories. I made it a point to sit in the cluster of seats that faced each other on the way in to GST for a bit more leg room, and tried to get the seat that's in every other car that looked like the one next to the engineer on the way home. More leg room, and few people actively looked to sit there.
Too bad you didn't take it up to the end point in Dutchess County - the river views are fantastic, especially the Palisades at sunset. The trip in to the city also makes you realize just how close to the water the tracks are at times.
PS the cars do have power outlets, usually down close to floor level near the doors. Too often people will string their power cord across the aisle causing a tripping hazard, then get annoyed the cord got pulled by someone walking
reply
Ah memories. I commuted round trip Croton-Harmon to GCT for several years. The distinctive whine of the engine as it takes off is imbedded in my sound memories. I made it a point to sit in the cluster of seats that faced each other on the way in to GST for a bit more leg room, and tried to get the seat that's in every other car that looked like the one next to the engineer on the way home. More leg room, and few people actively looked to sit there.
Too bad you didn't take it up to the end point in Dutchess County - the river views are fantastic, especially the Palisades at sunset. The trip in to the city also makes you realize just how close to the water the tracks are at times.
PS the cars do have power outlets, usually down close to floor level near the doors. Too often people will string their power cord across the aisle causing a tripping hazard, then get annoyed the cord got pulled by someone walking
reply
-johnnyt6623
Just wait until we finish the rest of grand central east side Access terminal. It's an expansion for the LIRR. It is WAY deeper underground then the main terminal and subway even. But it is going to look exactly like the hallways in Grand Central with the stores lining the sides and all. I was lucky to be part of that project and it's going to look incredible when it's all complete. I travel these almost daily from Croton Harmon or peekskill(depending on the time) the southbound express trains are the ones that are much older in style and lesser in quality. You had one of the good cars for sure. -
reply
Just wait until we finish the rest of grand central east side Access terminal. It's an expansion for the LIRR. It is WAY deeper underground then the main terminal and subway even. But it is going to look exactly like the hallways in Grand Central with the stores lining the sides and all. I was lucky to be part of that project and it's going to look incredible when it's all complete. I travel these almost daily from Croton Harmon or peekskill(depending on the time) the southbound express trains are the ones that are much older in style and lesser in quality. You had one of the good cars for sure. -
reply
-hamlet7959
Never travelled by train from Grand Central but did have a very enjoyable dinner there one night many years ago in the Oyster Bar. I wonder if it's still there in the maze of tunnels between the tracks and the concourse. My father also spent a long time finding and photographing Track 29 at Grand Central as that was where he believed (in the song made famous by Glen Miller) the Chattanooga Choo Choo departed from. that is until I told him that if he'd paid more attention to the lyrics he'd have realised that it was -Pennsylvania Station at a quarter to nine- for the infamous -Choo Choo-!
reply
Never travelled by train from Grand Central but did have a very enjoyable dinner there one night many years ago in the Oyster Bar. I wonder if it's still there in the maze of tunnels between the tracks and the concourse. My father also spent a long time finding and photographing Track 29 at Grand Central as that was where he believed (in the song made famous by Glen Miller) the Chattanooga Choo Choo departed from. that is until I told him that if he'd paid more attention to the lyrics he'd have realised that it was -Pennsylvania Station at a quarter to nine- for the infamous -Choo Choo-!
reply
-russellgxy2905
You'd think they switch to diesel upon arriving at Croton-Harmon, but that's far from the case. From what I've seen, as well as accounts from crews, the AC-DM's generally only run on electric mode when entering an exiting the tunnels into Grand Central. As early as Harlem-125th St, you can hear their GE engines going. The same is true for the DM30AC's on the LIRR. It's not exactly efficient in terms of pollution, but considering the engines are limited to 60 mph when in electric mode, it makes more sense for them to run on diesel most of the time so they can keep on schedule
reply
You'd think they switch to diesel upon arriving at Croton-Harmon, but that's far from the case. From what I've seen, as well as accounts from crews, the AC-DM's generally only run on electric mode when entering an exiting the tunnels into Grand Central. As early as Harlem-125th St, you can hear their GE engines going. The same is true for the DM30AC's on the LIRR. It's not exactly efficient in terms of pollution, but considering the engines are limited to 60 mph when in electric mode, it makes more sense for them to run on diesel most of the time so they can keep on schedule
reply
train
Nice video. I commute several times a month to NYC using the New Haven line. New-ish trains, very convenient and comfortable if not too crowded. It provides comprehensive schedules, and it is, in general, very reliable. Rain, shine or snow. No matter how many times I have taken this train, I always marveled at GCS once you get out of the platform dungeon. It always lifts your spirits. In sum, not a bad commuter service at all. Not especially cheap, though.
reply
Nice video. I commute several times a month to NYC using the New Haven line. New-ish trains, very convenient and comfortable if not too crowded. It provides comprehensive schedules, and it is, in general, very reliable. Rain, shine or snow. No matter how many times I have taken this train, I always marveled at GCS once you get out of the platform dungeon. It always lifts your spirits. In sum, not a bad commuter service at all. Not especially cheap, though.
reply
-cinemagirl4907
Soon there will be some long island rail road trains coming into Grand Central also. But still all commuters. I would love to get the Amtrak to Albany or Chicago out of Grand Central! It also houses a great food/veg/fruit market where you can pick up great breads, fresh pasta, cheese, etc. And just like the long island rail road, during normal times those bathrooms are never clean, never work, and you're better off to just wait if you can: )
reply
Soon there will be some long island rail road trains coming into Grand Central also. But still all commuters. I would love to get the Amtrak to Albany or Chicago out of Grand Central! It also houses a great food/veg/fruit market where you can pick up great breads, fresh pasta, cheese, etc. And just like the long island rail road, during normal times those bathrooms are never clean, never work, and you're better off to just wait if you can: )
reply
-MostHigh777
A good review. I would recommend next time you ride all the way to Poughkeepsie because you missed a lot of excellent scenery by getting off at Yonkers. Poughkeepsie you can take the line back or you can get the Amtrak to Albany from where you could go to Chicago Montreal or Boston not to mention Burlington Vermont.
Finally don't forget to review the Long Island Railroad and take the train all the way to Montauk.
reply
A good review. I would recommend next time you ride all the way to Poughkeepsie because you missed a lot of excellent scenery by getting off at Yonkers. Poughkeepsie you can take the line back or you can get the Amtrak to Albany from where you could go to Chicago Montreal or Boston not to mention Burlington Vermont.
Finally don't forget to review the Long Island Railroad and take the train all the way to Montauk.
reply
-wesleyfeero795
Regular Hudson Line Commuter here. The reason you didn-t get a P32AC/Shoreliner set is because they are generally reserved for diesel express services which run north of Croton Harmon (where electrification ends. Express trains generally do not stop at Yonkers outside of rush hour. Would recommend riding the whole length of the line to Poughkeepsie (or Albany via Amtrak, the views get even better: )
reply
Regular Hudson Line Commuter here. The reason you didn-t get a P32AC/Shoreliner set is because they are generally reserved for diesel express services which run north of Croton Harmon (where electrification ends. Express trains generally do not stop at Yonkers outside of rush hour. Would recommend riding the whole length of the line to Poughkeepsie (or Albany via Amtrak, the views get even better: )
reply
-pauloakwood9208
You missed the opportunity to walk around Grand Central. You saw the main hall missed the amazing wide escalator into what used to be called the Pan Am building. Very impressive and recognizable from dozens of movies. You also missed the floor with the restaurants and bars frequented by countless commuters and featured in such shows as 'Mad Men' etc. Its truly an iconic building.
reply
You missed the opportunity to walk around Grand Central. You saw the main hall missed the amazing wide escalator into what used to be called the Pan Am building. Very impressive and recognizable from dozens of movies. You also missed the floor with the restaurants and bars frequented by countless commuters and featured in such shows as 'Mad Men' etc. Its truly an iconic building.
reply
-ESUSAMEX
I am a native New Yorker who no longer resides there. I must say I find it quite strange (and cool at the same time) that someone would get a kick out of taking trains that I took for years for work. I used to live on Long Island and took the Long Island Railroad almost daily.
Yes, your Metro North train looks exactly like to the trains on the Long Island Railroad.
reply
I am a native New Yorker who no longer resides there. I must say I find it quite strange (and cool at the same time) that someone would get a kick out of taking trains that I took for years for work. I used to live on Long Island and took the Long Island Railroad almost daily.
Yes, your Metro North train looks exactly like to the trains on the Long Island Railroad.
reply
-SamS-sz5sw
Amtrak made the practically correct decision to run only out of Penn station. It-s obviously the only station that connects to the south end of the NEC. It could run Empire Service out of grand central, but then transferring passengers from other Amtrak lines would have to travel between Penn and grand central to catch their other service. Not very convenient.
reply
Amtrak made the practically correct decision to run only out of Penn station. It-s obviously the only station that connects to the south end of the NEC. It could run Empire Service out of grand central, but then transferring passengers from other Amtrak lines would have to travel between Penn and grand central to catch their other service. Not very convenient.
reply
-SicilianStealth
I commuted from Rye to GCT over 30 years on the New Haven Line. I remember what it was like before Jacqueline Onassis set into motion the revitalization of GCT. You can look it up online but the the New Haven Line had barcar we had a tiki bar. There was even smoking car.
The New Haven Line trains have outlets to charge.
reply
I commuted from Rye to GCT over 30 years on the New Haven Line. I remember what it was like before Jacqueline Onassis set into motion the revitalization of GCT. You can look it up online but the the New Haven Line had barcar we had a tiki bar. There was even smoking car.
The New Haven Line trains have outlets to charge.
reply
train
A great video. I was hoping you would show the dark spot on the ceiling of the Grand Central ceiling. It's left behind from the 1998 restoration as a reminder of the original colour. I remember visiting the station in 1986 and it was so dark and dismal, and to think it was suggested, at one time, the building should be demolished!
reply
A great video. I was hoping you would show the dark spot on the ceiling of the Grand Central ceiling. It's left behind from the 1998 restoration as a reminder of the original colour. I remember visiting the station in 1986 and it was so dark and dismal, and to think it was suggested, at one time, the building should be demolished!
reply
-broyofroyo1207
Nice ride, definitely better than the LIRR-s M7s
I wish I could ride it, but I-m to afraid to use the subway to get from Penn to Grand. Once the east side access is ready I can. Remember, you are not allowed to move between the cars when the train is moving so I wouldn-t (suggest) recommend you do it
reply
Nice ride, definitely better than the LIRR-s M7s
I wish I could ride it, but I-m to afraid to use the subway to get from Penn to Grand. Once the east side access is ready I can. Remember, you are not allowed to move between the cars when the train is moving so I wouldn-t (suggest) recommend you do it
reply
-DerrekCooke
Nice video. I take Metro North from Croton - Harmon to the Yankees 153rd St station several times during the baseball season. I did not know Metro North switch from electric to diesel when the trains get to Croton - Harmon. You should travel north to Poughkeepsie. There is beautiful scenery along the way.
reply
Nice video. I take Metro North from Croton - Harmon to the Yankees 153rd St station several times during the baseball season. I did not know Metro North switch from electric to diesel when the trains get to Croton - Harmon. You should travel north to Poughkeepsie. There is beautiful scenery along the way.
reply
-franklinbaez71
Hi - This is my commuter train from Poughkeepsie to NYC. The views are very nice, but it looks like there is different seating for train that stop at Croton-Harmon. The northmost trains to POK have VERY OLD seats. MTA should upgrade these. Overall, good rides and their on time performance is excellent.
reply
Hi - This is my commuter train from Poughkeepsie to NYC. The views are very nice, but it looks like there is different seating for train that stop at Croton-Harmon. The northmost trains to POK have VERY OLD seats. MTA should upgrade these. Overall, good rides and their on time performance is excellent.
reply
-HiIamajew
Shame you didn't have a chance to take it up a bit further. I took a train up to Beacon to go DIA Beacon a few years back and the views along the Hudson as you snake by West Point and into the foothills of the Catskills was absolutely wonderful. You did get much nicer seats on your ride though, lol
reply
Shame you didn't have a chance to take it up a bit further. I took a train up to Beacon to go DIA Beacon a few years back and the views along the Hudson as you snake by West Point and into the foothills of the Catskills was absolutely wonderful. You did get much nicer seats on your ride though, lol
reply
-gabrielcolon8900
I would consider myself -lucky- to ride the Metro-North-s M7s. They-re like the difference between Canada and the USA compared to the LIRR-s M7s. One is dirty, the other is showing signs that they-re as clean as since it was first just a rookie replacement for the old fleet.
reply
I would consider myself -lucky- to ride the Metro-North-s M7s. They-re like the difference between Canada and the USA compared to the LIRR-s M7s. One is dirty, the other is showing signs that they-re as clean as since it was first just a rookie replacement for the old fleet.
reply
-didisinclair3605
A shout out must be made to the late Jackie Kennedy, who saved Grand Central. They (developers) were going to tear this masterpiece down (like they did the old Penn Station, and Jackie galvanized the people of New York and saved this marvelous building.
reply
A shout out must be made to the late Jackie Kennedy, who saved Grand Central. They (developers) were going to tear this masterpiece down (like they did the old Penn Station, and Jackie galvanized the people of New York and saved this marvelous building.
reply
-zappos49
The only problem with Metro North is they don-t have over night trains. Last train leaving Manhattan is 1: 50 am. Miss that and you are stuck until 5: 30am. Going to bars and clubs till 2am is normal in NYC but you can-t do that on the Metro North.
reply
The only problem with Metro North is they don-t have over night trains. Last train leaving Manhattan is 1: 50 am. Miss that and you are stuck until 5: 30am. Going to bars and clubs till 2am is normal in NYC but you can-t do that on the Metro North.
reply
-lightningbot85
It makes sense that Amtrak doesn-t run the NE corridor through grand central because it doesn-t have any through-running tracks, but all the trains that end in NYC from further north should stop at Grand Central. It-s such an amazing station!
reply
It makes sense that Amtrak doesn-t run the NE corridor through grand central because it doesn-t have any through-running tracks, but all the trains that end in NYC from further north should stop at Grand Central. It-s such an amazing station!
reply
-ellenfalls1330
The plan is to have some Amtrak rerouted to Grand Central in the coming years. This will be a relief, ,so I don't have to use the subway after I come down the Hudson River and need to transfer to a MNR train to get to a NYC area concert.
reply
The plan is to have some Amtrak rerouted to Grand Central in the coming years. This will be a relief, ,so I don't have to use the subway after I come down the Hudson River and need to transfer to a MNR train to get to a NYC area concert.
reply
-voidlessfleet2310
Next time you-re in New York please take the metro north all the way to Poughkeepsie! Between Croton and Poughkeepsie is where the scenery is best and you get to ride through cute little railroad towns with amazing main streets.
reply
Next time you-re in New York please take the metro north all the way to Poughkeepsie! Between Croton and Poughkeepsie is where the scenery is best and you get to ride through cute little railroad towns with amazing main streets.
reply
-alpenroseable
the station is wonderful, the platforms depressing, the view realy good, they should invest a few billions, but it is hard everybody has a gun, this is not good for public transportation, best trains are in austria and germany
reply
the station is wonderful, the platforms depressing, the view realy good, they should invest a few billions, but it is hard everybody has a gun, this is not good for public transportation, best trains are in austria and germany
reply
-charlesbaran1106
Did you notice the #1 subway train at 8: 07 crossing the river at Marble Hill Station? Marble Hill is actually part of the Borough of Manhattan, stranded there after the Harlem River/Spuyten Duyvil Creek was straightened.
reply
Did you notice the #1 subway train at 8: 07 crossing the river at Marble Hill Station? Marble Hill is actually part of the Borough of Manhattan, stranded there after the Harlem River/Spuyten Duyvil Creek was straightened.
reply
-billlonergan2366
Amtrak-s Lake Shore Limited was leaving from Grand Central relatively recently while they did some track work. Also, they are working on Long Island Rail trains coming into Grand Central. Seven levels down!
reply
Amtrak-s Lake Shore Limited was leaving from Grand Central relatively recently while they did some track work. Also, they are working on Long Island Rail trains coming into Grand Central. Seven levels down!
reply
-BCAmtrak1
I rode Amtrak from New York (Penn Station) a few years ago, but had to divert to Grand Central as the Amtrak Empire corridor was closed from Penn Station to Sputyen Duyvil (connection to the Metro North line
reply
I rode Amtrak from New York (Penn Station) a few years ago, but had to divert to Grand Central as the Amtrak Empire corridor was closed from Penn Station to Sputyen Duyvil (connection to the Metro North line
reply
-JoeyLovesTrains
4: 46 that actually switch to diesel right after they leave grand central- turns out they-re not powerful on electric mode. So when they enter the park Ave tunnel, they start up the diesel motors.
reply
4: 46 that actually switch to diesel right after they leave grand central- turns out they-re not powerful on electric mode. So when they enter the park Ave tunnel, they start up the diesel motors.
reply
-Alfis_Official
-Correctection, the systems that use it are Metro-North, Long Island Railroad, The NYC subway consisting of the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S train, and in the near future possibly NJ Transit and Vision42.
reply
-Correctection, the systems that use it are Metro-North, Long Island Railroad, The NYC subway consisting of the 4, 5, 6, 7 and S train, and in the near future possibly NJ Transit and Vision42.
reply
-zacharyelder349
Well i was at Grand Central Station over last summer because my brother and i took the Metro North Hudson Line to Yankees East 153rd street for a baseball games with the New York Yankees.
reply
Well i was at Grand Central Station over last summer because my brother and i took the Metro North Hudson Line to Yankees East 153rd street for a baseball games with the New York Yankees.
reply
train
Legend has it that a guy in to tower once accidentally sent a commuter train to the tracks for the 20th Century Limited, resulting in a hoard of baffled commuters getting the red carpet treatment-
reply
Legend has it that a guy in to tower once accidentally sent a commuter train to the tracks for the 20th Century Limited, resulting in a hoard of baffled commuters getting the red carpet treatment-
reply
-seprishere
OK, I-ve been getting trains from Rotterdam CS to various places over the last week and that is a completely different experience (not least because I can just use an anonymous OV-chipkaart.
reply
OK, I-ve been getting trains from Rotterdam CS to various places over the last week and that is a completely different experience (not least because I can just use an anonymous OV-chipkaart.
reply
-skintslots
I really hate that US tv style 'And this is what's on today's video' before showing parts of the video. I want to be surprised and delighted, not see what happens beforehand.
reply
I really hate that US tv style 'And this is what's on today's video' before showing parts of the video. I want to be surprised and delighted, not see what happens beforehand.
reply
-hersheykisses4507
In my opinion, you reviewed the higher quality train set. The other train set you wanted to review is older and more worn down, similar to the Boston commuter train
reply
In my opinion, you reviewed the higher quality train set. The other train set you wanted to review is older and more worn down, similar to the Boston commuter train
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
