(jeb@oscalemag.com). - O Scale Trains Magazine Online

Traction ActionRoger C. ParkerModeling Inspiration on a Budget in New York CityCity Hall Trolley, side view. Steel Plate, 1900: Collection Jack Herbert.New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn HeightsSince many of us visit New York City at one time or anotherduring the course of a year, we should all get to know the NewYork Transit Museum. Their two locations, one in Brooklyn andone at Grand Central Terminal, and their varied workshops andtours provide traction modelers with numerous unique opportunitiesto learn.The starting point for exploring the offerings of the New YorkTransit Museum would be to visit their website [http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/general.htm]. While at the website, be sureyou join their mailing list. You can also join their mailing list bycalling 718-694-3451.Excursions and Special EventsThe word “museum” implies static displays, but this is notwhat the New York Transit Museum is all about. When my 2007calendar arrived in the mail, I was immediately attracted by themany special events available throughout the year. These eventsprovide unequalled opportunities to explore the subways in asafe and organized manner.One of the most fascinating events described was “TheJewel in the Crown: Old City Hall Station”, a series of special“members only” fundraising walks through the station offeringopportunities to view the chandeliers, leaded skylights, vaultedceiling, and decorative tilework.Another event, certain to interest modelers of high-densityurban transit, takes place in April. This one is entitled “ElevatedHeins and La Farge”. This is a walking tour, with transit historianJoe Cunningham, revisiting the early days of the subway andexploring the elevated stations of the IRT designed by architectsHeins and LaFarge.Not all events are historical; some are just plain fun. Forexample, there’s a March event entitled “The L to the MMMMTrain: Hipster Food, Puebla York and Wurst”. This can bedescribed as a walking and eating tour, exploring some of thebest ethnic eateries in Brooklyn and Queens. The train doorsopen, at each stop, on a vast and varied foodscape.Finally, there are numerous excursions to tour locations likethe New York City Transit’s Coney Island Overhaul Shop andYard, the Corona Maintenance Facility, and the 180th StreetMaintenance Shop Tour. Tours cost non-members $25 (memberspay just $20), but how else can you legally and safelyexplore the infrastructure and inner workings of the world’s busiesturban transportation system? Bringing home just one perfectphotograph justifies the modest fees!Museum displaysThe New York Transit Museum hosts a variety of displays atits Grand Central and Brooklyn Heights locations. During theChristmas season, there is an annual holiday train show at theGrand Central location. At the Brooklyn Heights location, thereis an exhibit of photographs by Sam Hollenshead, titled “FrontLines: Rebuilding the Rails after 9/11”.At Grand Central, from March through early July, there willbe an exhibit entitled: “Architects of the NYC Subway, Part l:Heins & LaFarge and the Tradition of Great Public Works”.Talks, Movies and KidsThere are frequent events on weekend afternoons in the EducationCenter at the museum’s Brooklyn Heights location. Theseinclude movies, lectures, readings, and childrens’ story hours. Ifit relates to New York City transit, it’s likely to be featured in anupcoming event.The New York City Transit Museum obviously knows that thebest way to ensure future success is to host pleasurable eventsfor children. Kids can join childrens’ book authors Paul DuBoisJacobs and Jennifer Swender as they present The Deaf Musicians,the story of a jazzman named Lee who performs in thesubway after losing his hearing.Museum StoreAt the online Museum Store, transit modelers located aroundthe world will find access to a wealth of books, posters, umbrellas,t-shirts, jewelry, calendars, memorabilia, tokens, and replicasof important station tiles. Books that are likely to never showup at a local Barnes & Noble or Borders are described andavailable for sale. Even better, you can create an online wish listto help your family and friends choose precisely the best gift forbirthdays and other upcoming holidays.DirectionsThe New York Transit Museum is located at the corner ofBoerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, in Brooklyn Heights.The Gallery Annex and Store is located in the Shuttle Passageadjacent to the Stationmaster’s Office at Grand Central. Bothlocations are open Tuesday through Sunday, and the GrandCentral annex is also open Mondays. Plan your journey at[http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/index.html] and join theirfree mailing list.u12 • O Scale Trains - Mar/Apr ’07