Home · Maps · About
Home > SubChat

[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]

(1642140)

view threaded

[PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025

This LIRR notice spelled the end of an era of rail travel to the Rockaways.
As an era ends, another one begins.
image host

February 26, 1956 newspaper article with photo taken at the Howard Beach station showing progress of construction.

image host

Photo of my copy of the Rockaways newspaper "The Wave" dated June 28, 1956.
There are more articles and photos inside but since I haven't opened this aged newspaper in many years, I decided not to since newspaper stock is extremely brittle.
I had to go to Photoshop to lighten it since the true color is almost brown.
image host

Scan of Subway Sun that was posted all over hailing the achievement of restoring rail travel to and from the Rockaways.
image host

Scan of an invitation to attend the opening ceremony at the Howard Beach station.
Present this card to attend the ceremony and ride the first train to the Rockaways of fairly new R-16's.
image host

The ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the first train carrying passengers to Wave Crest.
image host

I'm going to guess that this is the very same train seen in the photo above from high atop the North Channel bridge.
image host

Opening day At Rockaway Park with R-16's in service.
image host

The following eight photos were taken on June 30, 1956.
Leaving Howard Beach station with station and roadbed looking brand new.
image host

Leaving Hamilton Beach near where the LIRR had a station on the Rockaway division.
I never knew there was a road on the right hand side of the fence.
image host

Broad Channel station with R1/9 cars heading to either Far Rockaway or Rockaway Park
image host

At platform level at Broad Channel, a train of R1/9's are headed to Wavecrest, the temporary terminus of the Far Rockaway line.
image host

The North Channel bridge in the open position. The right of way was a man made island of fill. The old LIRR right of way was suspended on wood pilings.
The same pilings that caught fire thus shutting down the line for good.
image host

The former LIRR Aqueduct station now seeing subway service. It looks like all these photos were taken from the motorman's cab
image host

Leaving Liberty Junction enroute to the Rockaways, the abandoned LIRR right of way was visible like this for many years
has now since resembling an Amazon rain forest covered with trees. The LIRR overpass girders seemed to have been painted in red lead primer.
image host

Fast forward to approximately January 16, 1958, which was the opening day of the new Far Rockaway terminal.
What was that small building to the right, a store ?
image host
THANKS FOR ATTENDING

Post a New Response

(1642142)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 10:16:32 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Wow!
Never saw a photo of the North Channel Bridge in the open position!
Beautiful photo documentation.

Post a New Response

(1642143)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill from Maspeth on Sat Jun 28 10:52:25 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Fabulous photos

Post a New Response

(Sponsored)

iPhone 6 (4.7 Inch) Premium PU Leather Wallet Case - Red w/ Floral Interior - by Notch-It

(1642144)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by South Ferry on Sat Jun 28 11:29:12 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.


Thanks Unca Bill!!

Post a New Response

(1642145)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

I thought due to the sub stations not being completed by opening day, there was a GO in effect for short trains and one one motor per axle pre-war R units only on the line. These photos clearly show R-16s with full trains and dual motors per axle.

Post a New Response

(1642147)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 12:40:28 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025.

They wanted to showcase the newest equipment for the opening. I'm willing to bet those R-16s were yanked after a few days.

Post a New Response

(1642148)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 12:40:43 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Mahvelous, simply mahvelous.

Post a New Response

(1642149)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 13:57:14 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 10:16:32 2025.

Thanks Fish.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642150)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 13:57:37 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Sat Jun 28 10:52:25 2025.

Thank you Bill.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642151)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 13:58:05 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by South Ferry on Sat Jun 28 11:29:12 2025.

You're welcome.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642152)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 14:00:04 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025.

I thought due to the sub stations not being completed by opening day, there was a GO in effect for short trains and one one motor per axle pre-war R units only on the line. These photos clearly show R-16s with full trains and dual motors per axle.

Perhaps the R1/9's draw more current than the R-16's ?

Maybe randyo knows for re.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642153)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 14:00:25 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 12:40:43 2025.

Thank you Steve.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642154)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Jackson Park B Train on Sat Jun 28 14:17:00 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025.

very nice coverage.

Post a New Response

(1642155)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Wallyhorse on Sat Jun 28 14:25:00 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

And that was Aqueduct just before it was rebuilt into a facility that could race in colder weather that opened three years later in 1959. Much of what was the grandstand in that facility is now the casino, the clubhouse was modified again in 1975 to winterize it including the Equestris restaurant that has been there ever since.

Post a New Response

(1642156)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Fisk Ave Jim on Sat Jun 28 14:30:13 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 14:00:04 2025.

"Perhaps the R1/9's draw more current than the R-16's ?"

I doubt it since AFAIK the R1-9s were lighter

Also, The R16s only worked there on opening day. They were gone by the end of the next day.

Post a New Response

(1642157)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by zac on Sat Jun 28 16:15:01 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Very nice set of shots.

Post a New Response

(1642161)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by LuchAAA on Sat Jun 28 18:33:32 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Great roll of photos.

And yes, the fire trestle was intentional.

Post a New Response

(1642162)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 18:45:42 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by LuchAAA on Sat Jun 28 18:33:32 2025.

Great roll of photos.

And yes, the fire trestle was intentional.

Thanks LuchAAA

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642163)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 18:46:17 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by zac on Sat Jun 28 16:15:01 2025.

Very nice set of shots.

Thank you Zac

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642164)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 18:47:42 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Fisk Ave Jim on Sat Jun 28 14:30:13 2025.

Also, The R16s only worked there on opening day. They were gone by the end of the next day.

Correct, the June 30th photos have no R-16's in them.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642165)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 18:48:13 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Jackson Park B Train on Sat Jun 28 14:17:00 2025.

very nice coverage.

Thank you.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642166)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:49:45 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 10:16:32 2025.

Thank you the most!

Post a New Response

(1642167)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:52:16 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 12:40:28 2025.

Haahahaha
A photo op and nothing more

Post a New Response

(1642168)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:53:18 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Wallyhorse on Sat Jun 28 14:25:00 2025.

Thanks for the info

Post a New Response

(1642169)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:54:03 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by LuchAAA on Sat Jun 28 18:33:32 2025.

By the mob?

Post a New Response

(1642170)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 19:00:04 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 13:57:14 2025.

A real treat! Thank you!
I know I was asked if I knew the last time the North Channel subway bridge was opened was and as far I know I had to be in the 70s. The Cross Bay Blvd North Channel bascule bridge was as far as I remember reading in The Wave rendered in operable in 1979. Without that opening the swing bridge would have no purpose in opening.
A good question would be when was the control room removed? I guess late 80s or early 90s?

Post a New Response

(1642172)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by W.B. on Sat Jun 28 19:06:36 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

From what I've been gauging, the type of third rail used on the Rockaway branch in its early decades under TA operation was the same 150 lb. as used on the LIRR - portions of which, ironically, were the basis for the designs of the BMT-IND 150 lb. NMC third rail and the 150 lb. IRT rail as used on Dual Contracts sections of that entity.

Post a New Response

(1642173)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by W.B. on Sat Jun 28 19:10:48 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025.

That GO was the result of a strike by Westinghouse electricians which led to a scramble for what power they had at the onset. It would be several months, from my understanding, before "normalcy" arrived at that stretch.

Post a New Response

(1642174)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill from Maspeth on Sat Jun 28 19:25:01 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 12:06:58 2025.

I'm only guessing that particular train was the only train on the line with the motorman instructed to operate in series. Multiple prohibited, just like the R17 at Branford.

Post a New Response

(1642175)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by LuchAAA on Sat Jun 28 19:31:54 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:54:03 2025.

Yes. LIRR wanted out of the route. Mob took care of it.

Post a New Response

(1642176)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:51:55 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by W.B. on Sat Jun 28 19:10:48 2025.

Correct, but with little power, how did they run R-16s that had 2 motors per axle? I thought they were banned because the substations were not completed.

Post a New Response

(1642177)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:52:30 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Sat Jun 28 19:25:01 2025.

That makes more sense. Must have a slow ride up the bridges.

Post a New Response

(1642178)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:52:54 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Excellent photos and thanks for sharing.

Post a New Response

(1642180)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 20:23:23 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Sat Jun 28 19:25:01 2025.

I heard that when 6688 had just arrived at Shoreline, they took it out onto the mainline and put in multiple. It took off like a bullet!

Post a New Response

(1642181)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 20:25:11 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:51:55 2025.

Everybody out and push!:)

Post a New Response

(1642182)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by TUNNELRAT on Sat Jun 28 20:42:27 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:51:55 2025.

They were banned ehen it was discovered that sand was getting into the motors & damaging them,hello R9`s!

Post a New Response

(1642183)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by TUNNELRAT on Sat Jun 28 20:43:57 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by LuchAAA on Sat Jun 28 19:31:54 2025.

PROOF?

Post a New Response

(1642185)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Keeping the RAPID in Rapid Transit on Sat Jun 28 22:17:52 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

(Far Rockaway terminal) 'What was that small building to the right, a store?'

If it wasn't back in 1958 it definitely is now - the 'Last Stop Deli.'

Bill, can't thank you enough for all these images! They'll be in my mind as I operate to/from Mott Av.

Post a New Response

(1642188)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Wallyhorse on Sun Jun 29 10:56:55 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Catfish 44 on Sat Jun 28 18:53:18 2025.

You're welcome:

Basically, the newer Aqueduct replaced the old Jamaica racetrack not too far away that closed in 1960.

Ironically, the current Aqueduct is scheduled to close next year (the casino will remain) as the land has become too valuable. Racing will be at Belmont Park, rebuilt to handle year-round racing year-round except for Saratoga starting I believe next September.

Post a New Response

(1642195)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sun Jun 29 18:35:39 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Keeping the RAPID in Rapid Transit on Sat Jun 28 22:17:52 2025.

Bill, can't thank you enough for all these images! They'll be in my mind as I operate to/from Mott Av.

Thank you.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642196)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Bill Newkirk on Sun Jun 29 18:36:21 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:52:54 2025.

Excellent photos and thanks for sharing.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

Bill M.

Post a New Response

(1642201)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by randyo on Mon Jun 30 00:32:05 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by italianguyinsi on Sat Jun 28 19:51:55 2025.

Well, they could run a single train of R-16s for opening day if it were the only train on the line.

Post a New Response

(1642204)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Mon Jun 30 08:57:03 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 20:25:11 2025.

lol

Post a New Response

(1642208)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by italianguyinsi on Mon Jun 30 11:38:18 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Sat Jun 28 12:40:28 2025.

That makes more sense. Thanks.

Post a New Response

(1642209)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Mark S. Feinman on Mon Jun 30 13:57:07 2025, in response to [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by Bill Newkirk on Sat Jun 28 10:05:52 2025.

Super super photos!

--Mark

Post a New Response

(1642211)

view threaded

Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways

Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Mon Jun 30 18:55:54 2025, in response to Re: [PHOTOS] June 28, 1956 - New Subway service To The Rockaways, posted by randyo on Mon Jun 30 00:32:05 2025.

The motorman was probably told to take it easy.:)

Post a New Response


[ Return to the Message Index ]