Great history in this video! It is wonderful that Coral Gables, Florida decided to preserve this section of the trolley track that was unearthed. Thank you for finding this preservation exhibit and sharing the information with us!
That is girder rail. It has the extra part to protect the flangeway, as it is intended to be sunk into street pavement. If I recall correctly, streetcars had flanges that were smaller than those on standard RR wheels. Some cities still have streetcar tracks showing through worn pavement, although not as many as when I was a kid in the 1950's and early 60's. If you start getting into streetcars and interurbans a great general resource is the Central Electric Railfan Association (CERA for short), based in Chicago. They have published many fine books that show detailed track plans as well as corporate histories, etc. However, I don't think they have much in the way of coverage for lines in the South. I got interested in such things early in life, as I grew up in Michigan City, Indiana where the shops of the South Shore (a former interurban) are located. Today Melbourne has the most extensive modern tram line, and there are many TH-cam videos covering it.
That is some great insight, Andrew. I appreciate you sharing it with the rest of us. I can't speak for the rest of the South, but in FL trolleys were few and far between. I'm assuming such is the case for places like Alabama and MISS, perhaps GA had a couple. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
I appreciate the kind words, Geoff. More cities around the world should follow this example and honor history. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
WOW, I'm flattered you think so and I appreciate you saying that! Honestly, Rob... I love anything to do with history. I incorporate RR history in my channel because I'm equally passionate about railroads, but I love history in general. From WW2 to the Cold War, to Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan! Thanks as always for the views and comments!
That has been there for at least 5 years. The Seaboard station was at the end of the line near the Coral way bus depot is now. There is an out of print book on Dade County trolleys that I got at the historic museum about 30 years ago. You can find excerpt on line. Something like "Rails by the Bay"
I appreciate the information, Glen. I've driven by that bus depot many times and I've never seen anything resembling an SAL depot. I'm assuming there are no traces of it left?
I love seeing something like that actually being celebrated and not scrapped! Very cool spot! Like I said if I win the lottery we are doing that to that other stretch of historic track! Great video Roly!
I like the way you think my friend. We are an endangered species. Not many people have an appreciation for railroads and history. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Blake!
Wow. Great video. Thank you. I live in Miami and never knew about this. I'll have to get over there. I thought of your channel today, when I had to stop for a train at the RR crossing on Sunset Drive, west of SW 87th Ave. It used to be annoying getting stopped by a train, but now that it's less common, it's fun to watch it go by.
I'm flattered you liked it, J! At what time did the train catch you at Sunset DR? I've been meaning to catch it, but I hear they're running on a modified schedule now due to track maintenance. I never about these trolley tracks until one of my subscribers pointed it out a few weeks ago. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
I'm humbled by your kind words! Thanks so much. I've had Dachshunds my whole life. But I have a soft spot for animals in general. I've stopped traffic before just to help a turtle cross the street.
@@railrol82 Happy is a happy dog! Man's best friend! Rails are incidentally better for the ecology than highways by a mile, but one would never know that from our politicians. It is incredible that the only method of overland transportation that can achieve ZERO emissions right now is rail. That means no pollution. Yet the lobbyists continue to ridicule railways and call them '19th Century technology' like former Mayor Carlos Jimenez did, insulting and ripping it left and right, while promoting a rediculous triple articulated, rubber-tired, 'virtual train' that he and the other commissioners were fond of. They even took a trip to China, at taxpayer expense, where the glorified 3 unit buses, which is what they are, were built. The things were horrendous and Jimenez had nothing to say about them. He actually said with a straight face that the traveling public would not know the difference between these things and a real train. They would supposedly be coming from China to be used on the Homestead to Dadeland busway. To me, if it has rubber tires, it is a bus. As chairman of MDX (Miami Dade Expressway Authority), he bent over backward to make sure rail was never an option for the Miami Dade SMART Plan. I wonder if this was not a conflict of interest? I can't blame Jimenez for the removal of the FEC from Dadeland to Florida City, but I can blame him for not fighting for Trirail to Dadeland, for the removal of rail on the Ludlam corridor, and for letting the CSX line rot, as well as really highballing costs for rail and really lowballing the cost of the Sr. 836 extension. How can a new freeway from the current 836 end at NW 137 Ave. to SW 136 St. be pegged at a cost of fewer than 700 million dollars? The 826/836 interchange alone cost more than this. The planned six-lane toll highway, with 36-foot median, will have more embedded cables and circuitry than a free highway, plus at least four interchanges at SW 8 St, Bird Rd, Kendall Dr, and SW 104 St, as well as at the planned end point at SW 136 St near Tamiami Executive Airport. It stands to reason that these interchanges will cost as much as what they say the entire highway will cost. At the current projected end, the highway would transition into SW 157 Ave, which would have route gaps filled and be converted into a six-lane divided highway all the way to U.S.1. A young lady that went to one of the public meetings being held two years ago pointed out what is called 'induced demand', which means that a new highway fills up very quickly after it is built and traffic does not ease. She said rail was the only way to ease traffic and Mayor Jimenez blasted her and called her stupid, but what she said was correct. Here in New York City, where we make fun of our old, neglected subway system, it still removes an awful lot of traffic from our streets. When a part of this system is down for repairs, the MTA runs shuttle buses along the route and it takes about 30 - 40 buses to replace one 8 car subway train on the M line near where I live and even more buses are needed when the more heavily used L line is down! The buses, while not as heavy as big trucks and tractor-trailers, are still very heavy and pound the daylights out of the streets they go over. Many of our streets are warped, cracked, and pitted. The South Dade Busway is in good condition because it is underused and a failure. Railrol, while I would love to see that last piece of track in Dadeland honored and preserved, like the trolley track in Coral Gables, complete with plaque, I would love the complete restoration of the line even more! I wish there was a way to make these politicians from making a second horrible decision and remove the CSX line also. If they have to remove the ex Seaboard, then they have to admit they were wrong and put back the FEC, including the Ludlam section. From Fl. City to Dadeland, the locals want rail service, and from Miller Dr to Flagler, they don't care one way or the other. The only opposition to rail and love of a trail is in the section between SW 80 St and Miller Dr. Population on this route has grown tremendously since the line was removed 33 years ago. The population density in my opinion justifies passenger rail on this route much more than on the CSX route. It would be awesome to not only have the FEC put back but to have the CSX fixed and have the connection at Homestead be put back. A major source of freight traffic or Brightline or both would be needed to make this happen, I wouldn't hold my breath for the politicians to stop taking highway and trail lobby money and do the right thing. With what they are doing now and have already done or are planning, Brightline is the best hope for the saving of one or both of these lines. Florida City doesn't seem an exciting endpoint for a train ride, but how about Key Largo? If the tracks would be extended to Key Largo, plus long-distance buses matching the trains to go all the way to Key West? The Keys are a tourist destination all on their own. Why not fix the 7-mile and Bahia Honda bridges and route the Brightline buses over them? This would have the benefit of providing emergency escape routes for when hurricanes threaten the Keys. And rail can be extended if traffic grows. One can dream, can't they?
👍👍🚂😃 That is a great history lesson. Many years ago Southern California had a similar but very large trolley system that was eventually dismantled. They are trying to bring it back but it will not be as expansive.
That's pretty cool, there's a park around by me that shows an old steam loco from the Soo Line. I'll have to go over there sometime and document that to show it off.
T, I would to visit TENN and even more so in the summer. I'd get in some white water rafting and ATVing, not to mention railfanning! But this darn pandemic is scary. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
My mom rode the trollers when she was very young she said they were very slow buses are faster maybe that’s another reason they are not in use anymore everybody’s in a hurry today !
@@railrol82 I agree it is sad look at how many railroad stations got torn down because no one thought it was worth saving. All the old SAL ACL station are mostly gone only a hand full are restored or in use.
You would LOVE the town I live in, Roly! It’s a former stop on a trolley line to Hagerstown (I gotta brush up on my research regarding the trolley lines in the region), and the town actually preserved the trolley station! It’s located on property that was part of the old hardware store, and when the store closed down and the town was preparing to build another park entrance on the land adjacent to the store, it was almost mistaken for just another outbuilding and torn down. Fortunately, it was discovered to be the old trolley station on the line and restored as a museum. The old hardware store is also being converted to a museum, this one dedicated to Old Route 40 (aka The National Road) part of which is our Main Street. Man, the things I can tell you about the trolley line and local rail history-here’s hoping the pandemic eases up so you can travel up here and see for yourself! Great catch and stay safe, Roly!
That sounds very picturesque! I'm going to have to include it in my Maryland tour. I hope to meet you guys one day! Thanks as always for the views and comments, DD. Best wishes!
@@railrol82 Warning-you’d probably have to spend a minimum of a WEEK in this area due to all the abandoned/active rail lines and trolley history in the area to explore. But knowing you, you’d be having the time of your life doing it! Stay safe, and give Happy a scratch behind the ears for me-I’m a sucker for dachshunds!
Another great video! I didn’t know the trolley/train lines had rails like that. For some reason, I always thought all train rails were the same. I’ve seen this at crossings but, never knew how they were made. I thought it was a “regular” rail being protected so to speak by what would appear to be a smaller rail on one side of the regular rail. Whew! Hope all of that made sense! Well, if this were aircraft, I’d be able to hold my own in in-depth discussions. Since this is not the case, I’ll remember what my father used to say, “The day isn’t worth a plug nickel if you don’t learn something from it.” He was right again! Thanks again for the fine videos that you produce! They’re packed full of good content. I just wanted to add, pet the pooch for us here in Bradenton. God bless ya!🇺🇸
Thank you for the kind words, James. I really appreciate them. What a small world, you live in Bradenton. I'm guessing the one in FL? My friend lives near the Palmetto Historic District. I was a freight train conductor for a few years, and I never saw a rail like that either! I'm assuming these were exclusively for trolleys. Thanks as always for the views and comments! Best wishes!
@@railrol82 A Conductor, Man, that’s awesome! Hey, I’ve got tons of respect for you folks. FRA’s regs out the... well, you know. I’ve been on the other end with the FAA regs. What’s the saying, “well it’s all in eight!” Palmetto’s right up the road from here. The wife and I’ll check out that historic district. Stay safe out there!🇺🇸
Looks like the years 1925 and 26 were great years for transit and of course the building of the Homestead SAL RR line. A plaque for the overseas connection in the last video might still be a possibility.
Its Its interesting to see the history of rail in all shapes and forms. Im from Round Rock, Tx a growing town north of Austin Tx. About a year ago I was doing research and came across something interesting. The Red trolleys you see or know that are in San Francisco, California actually came from Austin, Tx wayback when. Im assuming the 30s or 40s. Austin had decided to get rid of their trolley line and either donated it or was sold to San Francisco. Till this day I would have never known about the history.
That is some fascinating stuff, Angel. I never knew that about the SF trolleys actually coming from Austin. I appreciate you sharing that with us. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
In the 1980s they replaced RT 32 in Waterford NY and they " found " the trolley line that ran from Albany NY to Mechanicville NY that all the people who were old enough remember riding in the 40s and 50s But for the Young people, they thought they had unearthed something no one knew was ever there. It is really sad. You used to be able to travel so easy from Saratoga Springs to Scotia, Schenectady, Albany, all over the Capital District area and then from Albany you could take the Penn Central, NY Central or D&H to NYC and to Binghamton NY and Allentown PA and to all the little towns in eastern PA and down to Philadelphia So sad
It's funny how you said how people used to be able to travel to Albany and all those areas in the past, yet we as humans think that as time passes we progress, but that isn't always the case. Thanks as always for the views and comments, OC!
Great video! 103 lb rail sounds about right for a streetcar system. System only lasted 10 years doesn’t seem to be right. Lots of inter urban systems were discontinued in the twenties but streetcar lines didn’t really decline until after ww2. It’s too bad because those cars oils have been a great tourist attraction. Thanks for the presentation interesting and informative. Until Sunday Edward
Ford and the oil companies were THE diving force behind discarding most street car systems in the US. That's why busses painted up like trolley cars are that much more sinister. There are some of those here in Tampa too, and the trolley line is great but it's more of a tourist funnel than a genuine attempt at light rail transit.
I've read several articles on how oil companies wanted to do away with street car systems. Good call on the bus painted as trolleys being sinister, I like how you think! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Kyle!
The flange guard was to keep pavement, tar, asphalt etc. from interfering with the wheel flanges. All rail cars and locomotives have a wheel flange. BS is Bethlehem Steel (PA). When ever rail is used at street level, the notch is on the rail for "street running". You can see this in San Francisco on the Embarcadero trolley line done by the wharf area.
@@railrol82 yes. Same rail for same reason. In grade crossings they do a special construction for same reason so wheel flanges don’t get hung up on pavement.
This is fascinating. My city, Toledo, also used to have street trolleys and interurban railroads (big, fast, long distance electric trolleys, basically, for travel from city to city, but on a smaller scale than typical passenger rail). So cool that they preserved a bit of the history. It was an interesting period, as the automobile was really taking off, making mass rail service for passengers much less economical. In the late 1800's, it seemed like the way of the future, but I guess ol' Henry Ford put a monkey wrench in those plans. Great vid, Roly!
You're right on the money about Henry Ford. It was the beginning of the end for mass rail service there. And the last nails in the coffin were trucking and outsourcing. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Rob! Hope all is well.
Yes. Some of them are turned into trails. The trail near me was a former railroad line that stretched from Terre haute to Indianapolis. If you look closely in certain areas you will be able to find evidence of the tracks. I did last year.
@@Kathrynyoder-x2j I don't agree with turning them into trails. I rather let them go gracefully as they are and maybe one day they will be rehabilitated.
Not making fun of you my friend, but its sad you never been on a Trolley. I used to ride them in Maryland when i was age 4 to 5. It is what got me interested in rail transportation. Very fun to ride also.
No offense taken, I was born and raised in a place where there weren't any around. Even nowadays, FL doesn't have any trolleys to the best of my knowledge. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Glenn!
Interesting as far as the lip on the tracks from what I've seen with tracks in the street for trollies on trains that do street running all the rails are built like that probably to keep the road surface In place
Yes, sad but true. I heard about that. I'm only trying to go out for necessary things like groceries. One can't be too safe during a pandemic. Thanks as always for the views and comments! Best wishes
I take it, this Coral Gables area would be an area where some of the Dolphins, Marlins, and Heat athletes would reside? Just like Orchard Park, NY where Bills Stadium is located and Bills players reside as well
Correct, some do live here and also a neighboring city called Pinecrest. I remember Al Michaels saying "We are coming to you live from Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY". Thanks for the info and comment, Jeffrey. Hope all is well!
As H LeFurgy commented BS stands for Bethlehem Steel. So BS co. Stands for Bethlehem Steel company. Which is what it says on most of the Rails by me on the ol Catskill Mountain Branch line.
@@railrol82 there are a couple of places you can go to the Hopewell Junction Depot and there's abandoned tracks on RT9 in fishkill if your at the Cracker Barrel go north on rt9 and they are right near the gas station..
Very cool find! It's nice to see a piece of history. It's interesting to see how that track is different than normal train tracks. I wonder if the trolley has shorter rail wheels? Haha BS company.
Good observation on the shorter wheels, you may be on to something there. I've never seen/ much less ridden a trolley, but what you said sounds logical. LOL, I knew you'd like the BS company. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Those tracks for probably made by Bethlehem Steel hence the letters BS. Bethlehem Steel was out of Pennsylvania. My father-in-law worked there at one of their plants years ago.
@@railrol82 Probably the first one ''anyone'' documented. So where the tracks are on the island, that island or back then the center of the road if the road was there then was the actual route I'm guessing. Anyway, well done as always. Stay safe.
@@chaosdemonwolf1 Based on that map, I would say this, if not a few feet away was their original spot. Thanks as always for the views and comments, CD! Best wishes!
Basically after ww2 most trolleys were abandoned they needed the rubber and fuel for the war effort after the war no more rationing and diesel buses took over
You have to read that conspiracy what really happened gm goodyear and Firestone and multiple oil companies bought up the transit lines and replaced trolleys with diesel buses gm of course powered by Detroit Diesel engines also made by gm rolling on Goodyear or Firestone tires get it
cool R this is interesting history, guy thanks and i see your dong the Z Z Top think, COOL and awesome dog my cat would him he is dog friendly :-) thanks again
@@railrol82 aww R i am a huge animal person i am with PETA and love and care about ALL ANIMALS and btw my birthday is in November as well and i hope you all doing good as well and please stay safe Mijo :-)Erik
Last trolley in nyc was in April 1957 going over the queensboro bridge last in queens July 1949 last in Brooklyn oct 31 1956 last in green point Brooklyn January 1951
Basically today there is no nostalgia there are no rail fans or truck lovers among shippers or receivers whatever mode of transportation gets their freight deliveried quickly and efficiently gets the contract
Great history in this video! It is wonderful that Coral Gables, Florida decided to preserve this section of the trolley track that was unearthed. Thank you for finding this preservation exhibit and sharing the information with us!
I don't think many cities would do this, Thomas. Most would discard it as if it never happened. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
That is girder rail. It has the extra part to protect the flangeway, as it is intended to be sunk into street pavement. If I recall correctly, streetcars had flanges that were smaller than those on standard RR wheels. Some cities still have streetcar tracks showing through worn pavement, although not as many as when I was a kid in the 1950's and early 60's. If you start getting into streetcars and interurbans a great general resource is the Central Electric Railfan Association (CERA for short), based in Chicago. They have published many fine books that show detailed track plans as well as corporate histories, etc. However, I don't think they have much in the way of coverage for lines in the South. I got interested in such things early in life, as I grew up in Michigan City, Indiana where the shops of the South Shore (a former interurban) are located. Today Melbourne has the most extensive modern tram line, and there are many TH-cam videos covering it.
That is some great insight, Andrew. I appreciate you sharing it with the rest of us. I can't speak for the rest of the South, but in FL trolleys were few and far between. I'm assuming such is the case for places like Alabama and MISS, perhaps GA had a couple. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Very interesting historic information. So nice they have preserved this and provided a marker explaining how all this came about. Thanks for sharing..
I'm glad you liked it, CD. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
That’s a nice find
A piece of history right there, glad they kept it.
More cities should follow this example! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Douglas.
Wow is the trail of line still visible
I love abandoned videos!
Unfortunately no, this is the only trace of it. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Lovely dog. The preserved bit of track is wonderful, nicely displayed too with the history plaque.
I appreciate the kind words, Geoff. More cities around the world should follow this example and honor history. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
IMHO, one of your best videos...trolleys open up a whole new area of archeology for you...thank you so much...
WOW, I'm flattered you think so and I appreciate you saying that! Honestly, Rob... I love anything to do with history. I incorporate RR history in my channel because I'm equally passionate about railroads, but I love history in general. From WW2 to the Cold War, to Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan! Thanks as always for the views and comments!
@@railrol82 I’ve been a history buff my whole life... welcome aboard, sir...
@@robertdwyer5486 Thank you and great minds think alike!
Very cool. Thank you for sharing another very interesting video Railrol82.
I'm glad you liked it, JB. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
That has been there for at least 5 years. The Seaboard station was at the end of the line near the Coral way bus depot is now. There is an out of print book on Dade County trolleys that I got at the historic museum about 30 years ago. You can find excerpt on line. Something like "Rails by the Bay"
I appreciate the information, Glen. I've driven by that bus depot many times and I've never seen anything resembling an SAL depot. I'm assuming there are no traces of it left?
I love seeing something like that actually being celebrated and not scrapped! Very cool spot! Like I said if I win the lottery we are doing that to that other stretch of historic track! Great video Roly!
I like the way you think my friend. We are an endangered species. Not many people have an appreciation for railroads and history. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Blake!
Wow. Great video. Thank you. I live in Miami and never knew about this. I'll have to get over there. I thought of your channel today, when I had to stop for a train at the RR crossing on Sunset Drive, west of SW 87th Ave. It used to be annoying getting stopped by a train, but now that it's less common, it's fun to watch it go by.
I'm flattered you liked it, J! At what time did the train catch you at Sunset DR? I've been meaning to catch it, but I hear they're running on a modified schedule now due to track maintenance. I never about these trolley tracks until one of my subscribers pointed it out a few weeks ago. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
@@railrol82 Hi. The train went through that crossing yesterday (We’d 3/24) about 11:10 am.
@@jflo2012 Thanks for the heads up!
That is one fine looking piece of history! Props to coral gables for preserving a part of the past. Nice find! Stay safe my friend! 🛤
Every city in the US should rip a page out of Coral Gables' book! Thanks as always for the views and comments, John. Hope all is well.
The memorial marker in Coral Gables is perfect ! Presenting another great video from the Railroad Archeologist ! PS: I love Dachshunds.
I'm humbled by your kind words! Thanks so much. I've had Dachshunds my whole life. But I have a soft spot for animals in general. I've stopped traffic before just to help a turtle cross the street.
@@railrol82 Happy is a happy dog! Man's best friend! Rails are incidentally better for the ecology than highways by a mile, but one would never know that from our politicians. It is incredible that the only method of overland transportation that can achieve ZERO emissions right now is rail. That means no pollution. Yet the lobbyists continue to ridicule railways and call them '19th Century technology' like former Mayor Carlos Jimenez did, insulting and ripping it left and right, while promoting a rediculous triple articulated, rubber-tired, 'virtual train' that he and the other commissioners were fond of. They even took a trip to China, at taxpayer expense, where the glorified 3 unit buses, which is what they are, were built. The things were horrendous and Jimenez had nothing to say about them. He actually said with a straight face that the traveling public would not know the difference between these things and a real train. They would supposedly be coming from China to be used on the Homestead to Dadeland busway. To me, if it has rubber tires, it is a bus. As chairman of MDX (Miami Dade Expressway Authority), he bent over backward to make sure rail was never an option for the Miami Dade SMART Plan. I wonder if this was not a conflict of interest? I can't blame Jimenez for the removal of the FEC from Dadeland to Florida City, but I can blame him for not fighting for Trirail to Dadeland, for the removal of rail on the Ludlam corridor, and for letting the CSX line rot, as well as really highballing costs for rail and really lowballing the cost of the Sr. 836 extension. How can a new freeway from the current 836 end at NW 137 Ave. to SW 136 St. be pegged at a cost of fewer than 700 million dollars? The 826/836 interchange alone cost more than this. The planned six-lane toll highway, with 36-foot median, will have more embedded cables and circuitry than a free highway, plus at least four interchanges at SW 8 St, Bird Rd, Kendall Dr, and SW 104 St, as well as at the planned end point at SW 136 St near Tamiami Executive Airport. It stands to reason that these interchanges will cost as much as what they say the entire highway will cost. At the current projected end, the highway would transition into SW 157 Ave, which would have route gaps filled and be converted into a six-lane divided highway all the way to U.S.1. A young lady that went to one of the public meetings being held two years ago pointed out what is called 'induced demand', which means that a new highway fills up very quickly after it is built and traffic does not ease. She said rail was the only way to ease traffic and Mayor Jimenez blasted her and called her stupid, but what she said was correct. Here in New York City, where we make fun of our old, neglected subway system, it still removes an awful lot of traffic from our streets. When a part of this system is down for repairs, the MTA runs shuttle buses along the route and it takes about 30 - 40 buses to replace one 8 car subway train on the M line near where I live and even more buses are needed when the more heavily used L line is down! The buses, while not as heavy as big trucks and tractor-trailers, are still very heavy and pound the daylights out of the streets they go over. Many of our streets are warped, cracked, and pitted. The South Dade Busway is in good condition because it is underused and a failure. Railrol, while I would love to see that last piece of track in Dadeland honored and preserved, like the trolley track in Coral Gables, complete with plaque, I would love the complete restoration of the line even more! I wish there was a way to make these politicians from making a second horrible decision and remove the CSX line also. If they have to remove the ex Seaboard, then they have to admit they were wrong and put back the FEC, including the Ludlam section. From Fl. City to Dadeland, the locals want rail service, and from Miller Dr to Flagler, they don't care one way or the other. The only opposition to rail and love of a trail is in the section between SW 80 St and Miller Dr. Population on this route has grown tremendously since the line was removed 33 years ago. The population density in my opinion justifies passenger rail on this route much more than on the CSX route. It would be awesome to not only have the FEC put back but to have the CSX fixed and have the connection at Homestead be put back. A major source of freight traffic or Brightline or both would be needed to make this happen, I wouldn't hold my breath for the politicians to stop taking highway and trail lobby money and do the right thing. With what they are doing now and have already done or are planning, Brightline is the best hope for the saving of one or both of these lines. Florida City doesn't seem an exciting endpoint for a train ride, but how about Key Largo? If the tracks would be extended to Key Largo, plus long-distance buses matching the trains to go all the way to Key West? The Keys are a tourist destination all on their own. Why not fix the 7-mile and Bahia Honda bridges and route the Brightline buses over them? This would have the benefit of providing emergency escape routes for when hurricanes threaten the Keys. And rail can be extended if traffic grows. One can dream, can't they?
@@ascendeddoge6080 You always bring your A game my friend! BRAVO! Yes, we can dream lol. Keep up the good work!
So many years driving by there and didn't know this was there!
You and me both!
Trolley tracks, thats awesome.
These were my 1st... I'll never forget them lol! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Celio.
👍👍🚂😃 That is a great history lesson. Many years ago Southern California had a similar but very large trolley system that was eventually dismantled. They are trying to bring it back but it will not be as expansive.
Is that the same one that SF is iconic for?
@@railrol82 No, that is the Pacific Electric Railway.
@@dp2475 Gotcha
That's pretty cool, there's a park around by me that shows an old steam loco from the Soo Line. I'll have to go over there sometime and document that to show it off.
Yes, you must! Steam locomotives are an endangered species these days. Thanks as always for the views and comments, C.
I love these videos!! You are doing a good job on this!! I hope to meet you one day!
T, I would to visit TENN and even more so in the summer. I'd get in some white water rafting and ATVing, not to mention railfanning! But this darn pandemic is scary. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Love your work keep it up !
My mom rode the trollers when she was very young she said they were very slow buses are faster maybe that’s another reason they are not in use anymore everybody’s in a hurry today !
I mean trolleys
🖐Hi Happy!.....oh hey Roly. Nice Video.
TY
Very cool most cities like you said would trash those. Trolley tracks need to be documented just like railroads
It's sad how history has become a nuisance. I like to keep all of their memories alive. Thanks as always for the views and comments, CSD!
@@railrol82 I agree it is sad look at how many railroad stations got torn down because no one thought it was worth saving. All the old SAL ACL station are mostly gone only a hand full are restored or in use.
@@FortWorthMobileMechanic Sad but true my friend.
Amazing discovery! As many times as I passed by there and never stopped to read it. And it looks the SAL depot is my present place of employment.
I appreciate that, Joe. So I'm guessing there is no traces of the SAL depot left? Thanks as always for the views and comments.
Great video railrol and that a great piece of history
Glad you enjoyed it, Alan. Thanks.
You would LOVE the town I live in, Roly! It’s a former stop on a trolley line to Hagerstown (I gotta brush up on my research regarding the trolley lines in the region), and the town actually preserved the trolley station! It’s located on property that was part of the old hardware store, and when the store closed down and the town was preparing to build another park entrance on the land adjacent to the store, it was almost mistaken for just another outbuilding and torn down. Fortunately, it was discovered to be the old trolley station on the line and restored as a museum. The old hardware store is also being converted to a museum, this one dedicated to Old Route 40 (aka The National Road) part of which is our Main Street. Man, the things I can tell you about the trolley line and local rail history-here’s hoping the pandemic eases up so you can travel up here and see for yourself! Great catch and stay safe, Roly!
That sounds very picturesque! I'm going to have to include it in my Maryland tour. I hope to meet you guys one day! Thanks as always for the views and comments, DD. Best wishes!
@@railrol82 Warning-you’d probably have to spend a minimum of a WEEK in this area due to all the abandoned/active rail lines and trolley history in the area to explore. But knowing you, you’d be having the time of your life doing it! Stay safe, and give Happy a scratch behind the ears for me-I’m a sucker for dachshunds!
Great video never knew that was there, the rails are really cool
I wasn't aware of them either until one of my subscribers pointed it out on Google Maps. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Doug!
Very cool. The state/ government needs to do more things like this.
I agree preservation of history is an important thing in society.
Another great video! I didn’t know the trolley/train lines had rails like that. For some reason, I always thought all train rails were the same. I’ve seen this at crossings but, never knew how they were made. I thought it was a “regular” rail being protected so to speak by what would appear to be a smaller rail on one side of the regular rail. Whew! Hope all of that made sense! Well, if this were aircraft, I’d be able to hold my own in in-depth discussions. Since this is not the case, I’ll remember what my father used to say, “The day isn’t worth a plug nickel if you don’t learn something from it.” He was right again! Thanks again for the fine videos that you produce! They’re packed full of good content. I just wanted to add, pet the pooch for us here in Bradenton. God bless ya!🇺🇸
Thank you for the kind words, James. I really appreciate them. What a small world, you live in Bradenton. I'm guessing the one in FL? My friend lives near the Palmetto Historic District. I was a freight train conductor for a few years, and I never saw a rail like that either! I'm assuming these were exclusively for trolleys. Thanks as always for the views and comments! Best wishes!
@@railrol82
Yes. We’re over here in Florida. 🇺🇸
@@railrol82
A Conductor, Man, that’s awesome! Hey, I’ve got tons of respect for you folks. FRA’s regs out the... well, you know. I’ve been on the other end with the FAA regs. What’s the saying, “well it’s all in eight!” Palmetto’s right up the road from here. The wife and I’ll check out that historic district. Stay safe out there!🇺🇸
@@jamesnull6010 You're right on the money about the FRA regs my friend. FRA, FAA it's like saying 6 or a half dozen lol. Best wishes!
Around here any that were left are buried and forgotten, except one spot where the rails of a long gone trolley line are still in a sidewalk.
Usually not many cities care about old rails and their history. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Roy!
Buried light rail tracks were found in St.Paul Minnesota when the new line was being built several years ago.
Hopefully they preserved those too. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Nice dog very fascinating video
I appreciate the kind words, Chris. My dog and I thank you!
Awesome that railroad must be (Gangstas Paradise). 😂 Nice video my friend!
HA! What a throwback! That was/is one of my fav songs. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Arrow.
Very interesting film my friend!
Greetings :-)
I'm glad you liked it, HZ. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Looks like the years 1925 and 26 were great years for transit and of course the building of the Homestead SAL RR line. A plaque for the overseas connection in the last video might still be a possibility.
Awesome comment by you, Tommy! You're right on the money about 1925 and 1926. What a time to be alive! Thanks as always for the views and comments!
👍awesome video
Thanks as always for the views and comments, Michael!
Great Vid. Good Job Coral Gables 👍
Coral Gables deserves a round of applause! Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Very interesting 😊👍👍👍👍👍
I'm glad you liked it, Georgette!
Its Its interesting to see the history of rail in all shapes and forms. Im from Round Rock, Tx a growing town north of Austin Tx. About a year ago I was doing research and came across something interesting. The Red trolleys you see or know that are in San Francisco, California actually came from Austin, Tx wayback when. Im assuming the 30s or 40s. Austin had decided to get rid of their trolley line and either donated it or was sold to San Francisco. Till this day I would have never known about the history.
That is some fascinating stuff, Angel. I never knew that about the SF trolleys actually coming from Austin. I appreciate you sharing that with us. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Really great. It is awesome.
I'm glad you think so! Thanks!
In the 1980s they replaced RT 32 in Waterford NY and they " found " the trolley line that ran from Albany NY to Mechanicville NY that all the people who were old enough remember riding in the 40s and 50s
But for the Young people, they thought they had unearthed something no one knew was ever there.
It is really sad.
You used to be able to travel so easy from Saratoga Springs to Scotia, Schenectady, Albany, all over the Capital District area and then from Albany you could take the Penn Central, NY Central or D&H to NYC and to Binghamton NY and Allentown PA and to all the little towns in eastern PA and down to Philadelphia
So sad
It's funny how you said how people used to be able to travel to Albany and all those areas in the past, yet we as humans think that as time passes we progress, but that isn't always the case. Thanks as always for the views and comments, OC!
this reminds me of a town I visited at some point that was also unearthing trolley tracks but they were not saved :( , well great video.
What town was that? It sounds like a potential video...
Thanks as always for the views and comments, Warren!
@@railrol82 I forgot, it was a few years ago. the only thing I can remember that it was in Ohio ( I live in Ohio )
@@warrenkec374 Hopefully I can make it to Ohio one day.
Ohhh happy puppy. 🐕
That's my boy! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Dennis!
Great video! 103 lb rail sounds about right for a streetcar system. System only lasted 10 years doesn’t seem to be right. Lots of inter urban systems were discontinued in the twenties but streetcar lines didn’t really decline until after ww2. It’s too bad because those cars oils have been a great tourist attraction. Thanks for the presentation interesting and informative. Until Sunday Edward
I'm guessing Henry Ford had something to do with the decline of the passenger rail service! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Edward.
very nice!
Thanks as always for the views and comments, Leonardo!
Ford and the oil companies were THE diving force behind discarding most street car systems in the US. That's why busses painted up like trolley cars are that much more sinister. There are some of those here in Tampa too, and the trolley line is great but it's more of a tourist funnel than a genuine attempt at light rail transit.
I've read several articles on how oil companies wanted to do away with street car systems. Good call on the bus painted as trolleys being sinister, I like how you think! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Kyle!
This was very cool
Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Got that beard 🧔 game going strong primo !!
Thank you sir, I'm getting an early start on no shave November!
No shave November? I’m in!!
@@conrailjohn6682 That's what I'm talking about!
The flange guard was to keep pavement, tar, asphalt etc. from interfering with the wheel flanges. All rail cars and locomotives have a wheel flange. BS is Bethlehem Steel (PA). When ever rail is used at street level, the notch is on the rail for "street running". You can see this in San Francisco on the Embarcadero trolley line done by the wharf area.
I appreciate you sharing that info with us, Seth. So I assume street running freight trains have the same rail? Thanks as always for the support
@@railrol82 yes. Same rail for same reason. In grade crossings they do a special construction for same reason so wheel flanges don’t get hung up on pavement.
@@sethtaylor5938 Gotcha! Thanks again for the info.
@@sethtaylor5938 we had the same thing when we did street running in Brooklyn ny with the freight trains flange rail
You and your dog look great.
Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate it!
This is fascinating.
My city, Toledo, also used to have street trolleys and interurban railroads (big, fast, long distance electric trolleys, basically, for travel from city to city, but on a smaller scale than typical passenger rail).
So cool that they preserved a bit of the history. It was an interesting period, as the automobile was really taking off, making mass rail service for passengers much less economical. In the late 1800's, it seemed like the way of the future, but I guess ol' Henry Ford put a monkey wrench in those plans.
Great vid, Roly!
You're right on the money about Henry Ford. It was the beginning of the end for mass rail service there. And the last nails in the coffin were trucking and outsourcing. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Rob! Hope all is well.
Growing up in green point Brooklyn ny used to have lots of trolley tracks sticking up out of the ground were all torn up in recent years
Good one
Thanks as always for the views and comments, CP! Hope all is well.
Thos are some unique rails. They have just removed all the rails for the trolleys on Wabash Avenue here in Terre haute Indiana not long ago.
Are there a lot of abandoned rails in Indiana?
Yes. Some of them are turned into trails. The trail near me was a former railroad line that stretched from Terre haute to Indianapolis. If you look closely in certain areas you will be able to find evidence of the tracks. I did last year.
@@Kathrynyoder-x2j I don't agree with turning them into trails. I rather let them go gracefully as they are and maybe one day they will be rehabilitated.
Not making fun of you my friend, but its sad you never been on a Trolley. I used to ride them in Maryland when i was age 4 to 5. It is what got me interested in rail transportation.
Very fun to ride also.
No offense taken, I was born and raised in a place where there weren't any around. Even nowadays, FL doesn't have any trolleys to the best of my knowledge. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Glenn!
@@railrol82 Yes, that is sad we lost them. Only place i know for sure that runs them is San Francisco
@@glennjohnston2267 Ditto
Interesting as far as the lip on the tracks from what I've seen with tracks in the street for trollies on trains that do street running all the rails are built like that probably to keep the road surface In place
I think you're right. In all my years of freight railroading, I've never seen one of these. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Alfonse!
There were some of those old tracks on Palatine I seen before. But they’re gonna be taken away.
You should film them before, like that they will be given eternal life!
Any update about the new video of sunset derailment?, last week
Next week I will be going out to film more videos and l will definitely do a before and after on it. Thanks again for the heads up!
Awesome video there's some covid-19 variants hanging around stay safe railrol 82 God bless
Yes, sad but true. I heard about that. I'm only trying to go out for necessary things like groceries. One can't be too safe during a pandemic. Thanks as always for the views and comments! Best wishes
@@railrol82 You're welcome stay safe
I take it, this Coral Gables area would be an area where some of the Dolphins, Marlins, and Heat athletes would reside? Just like Orchard Park, NY where Bills Stadium is located and Bills players reside as well
Correct, some do live here and also a neighboring city called Pinecrest. I remember Al Michaels saying "We are coming to you live from Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY". Thanks for the info and comment, Jeffrey. Hope all is well!
Interesting.
I'm glad you liked it, Charles. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
As H LeFurgy commented BS stands for Bethlehem Steel. So BS co. Stands for Bethlehem Steel company. Which is what it says on most of the Rails by me on the ol Catskill Mountain Branch line.
Gotcha. I appreciate the info, PL. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Cool
Thank you as always for the views and comments, CMP!
Érdekes videó!😀 Nyomtam egy like.👍
Azt hittem hogy az lesz rá írva a sín szálra hogy Diósgyőri acél művek Ma de in Hungary!😁😊😉
Miamival az a probléma, hogy mivel olyan közel van az óceánhoz, só van a levegőben, és annyira rozsdásítja a sínt, hogy néha nem tudja elolvasni.
@@railrol82 👍
Nice Video. 🚂🚂🇮🇳
Thanks as always for the views and comments, Taslim!
it looks totally different then it did way back then when the trains were running..
That was nearly 100 years ago. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Oscar!
@@railrol82 I live in Dutchess County New York and I found a lot of abandoned train tracks up here..
@@neilonicko1 I would love to visit that area and document stuff once the pandemic is over. I'm sure there is a lot of RR treasure there.
@@railrol82 there are a couple of places you can go to the Hopewell Junction Depot and there's abandoned tracks on RT9 in fishkill if your at the Cracker Barrel go north on rt9 and they are right near the gas station..
@@neilonicko1 You know your stuff. I'll let you know before heading out, so you can give me the run down.
Is that flange like rail because it was in the street ??
I'm assuming so, because in all my years of railroading (freight railroading) I've never seen a rail with that flange before.
Very cool find! It's nice to see a piece of history.
It's interesting to see how that track is different than normal train tracks. I wonder if the trolley has shorter rail wheels?
Haha BS company.
Good observation on the shorter wheels, you may be on to something there. I've never seen/ much less ridden a trolley, but what you said sounds logical. LOL, I knew you'd like the BS company. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Would be cool if they put a trolley on the tracks
Yeah, I agree, to give it some more of a historic feel. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
the city of oak hill save a pice of rail line near here build by the white oak rail way in 1925 last use in 2003 after the mine close
Good stuff, Walter. In what state is that? Thanks as always for the views and comments!
@@railrol82 west virginia
@@walterlangston4253 Gotcha!
103 LB girder groove rail made by Bethlehem Steel!
I appreciate the info, JB. Thanks as always for the views and comments!
Trolleys were lighter than locomotives and freight cars
I would've imagined so. Thanks for the info!
@@railrol82 rail was a little lighter
Think a pcc trolley car weighed about 34000 lbs or 17 tons just a little heavier than a modern day bus
Those tracks for probably made by Bethlehem Steel hence the letters BS. Bethlehem Steel was out of Pennsylvania. My father-in-law worked there at one of their plants years ago.
He sounds like a man's man. I'd think you'd have to be one to work at a steel plant. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Kman!
So this was a street car line?
Yes sir, the 1st one l ever document!
@@railrol82 Probably the first one ''anyone'' documented. So where the tracks are on the island, that island or back then the center of the road if the road was there then was the actual route I'm guessing. Anyway, well done as always. Stay safe.
@@chaosdemonwolf1 Based on that map, I would say this, if not a few feet away was their original spot. Thanks as always for the views and comments, CD! Best wishes!
@@railrol82 ✌
They gotta put a caboose on there
Or some variation of the original trolley! Thanks as always for the views and comments, MF300.
Buses painted to look like trolleys are just ripoffs
YES!! I'm glad someone said it! Great minds think alike, Cade. Thanks as always for the views and comments.
@@railrol82 Buses painted like trolleys are an insult to rails everywhere! I love what these local people did to honor the past!
@@ascendeddoge6080 I share your disgust with the buses painted as trolleys!
Yes it’s part of the history of America yes I think that they should leave it there permanently👍👍
Truer words have never been spoken! Thanks as always for the views and comments, Scott.
Danny has been in the area but I never have.
Miami is an acquired taste lol.
Basically after ww2 most trolleys were abandoned they needed the rubber and fuel for the war effort after the war no more rationing and diesel buses took over
That makes a whole lot of sense! Thanks as always for the views and comments!
@@railrol82 wish it were different as an ex railroader and railfan but what can you do ?
@@railrol82 love your work I also feel sadness when I see abandoned rail lines
You have to read that conspiracy what really happened gm goodyear and Firestone and multiple oil companies bought up the transit lines and replaced trolleys with diesel buses gm of course powered by Detroit Diesel engines also made by gm rolling on Goodyear or Firestone tires get it
@@ernestpassaro9663 Thanks for the kind words my friend! I feel the same.
girder rail
Look at you! You know your stuff.
@@railrol82 we got streetcars out here ;-)
@@melperry3576 That's right, you live in California correct?
@@railrol82 SF to be precise ;-)
@@melperry3576 Oh man, I was there in 2019! I wish I knew, I would've said hello!
cool R this is interesting history, guy thanks and i see your dong the Z Z Top think, COOL and awesome dog my cat would him he is dog friendly :-) thanks again
Yeah mijo, I'm getting an early start on no shave November! I'm an animal lover too. Hope all is well, E!
@@railrol82 aww R i am a huge animal person i am with PETA and love and care about ALL ANIMALS and btw my birthday is in November as well and i hope you all doing good as well and please stay safe Mijo :-)Erik
Trolley buses a lame attempt at trolleys lol
I like the way you think, Ernest!
Last trolley in nyc was in April 1957 going over the queensboro bridge last in queens July 1949 last in Brooklyn oct 31 1956 last in green point Brooklyn January 1951
But if you really think about it tracks and overhead lines are very true to maintain
I mean very expensive to maintain
Basically today there is no nostalgia there are no rail fans or truck lovers among shippers or receivers whatever mode of transportation gets their freight deliveried quickly and efficiently gets the contract
Maybe BS is Bethlehem Steel.
I agree with that. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Trish!
Am I a nice person?
One of the nicest I know!
Aww thanks
BS Bethlehem Steel
I appreciate the info. Thanks as always for the views and comments, Jim!