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MARCH
2002 INDEX
The Longest Day - Continued
by Bob Mintz
 The
last time we detrained, I left you with a thought as to what this
signal was all about.
Since the parking lot of my train station is adjacent
to the tracks, the signal is a reminder that the
train may still be in the station to those who have
just dropped off loved ones and are heading home
across the tracks, to take care of their next "job".
 Jamaica
Station is the "hub" of the morning and evening commute. Every
train, except those that depart or go to Port Washington and some
express trains that may bypass it, converges here.
When one gets to Jamaica, unless their train goes
exactly to where they are headed, they must transfer
for another train.
 Diesel
trains are prohibited from entering New York City proper, in other
words, Penn Station. Only electrified equipment is permitted.
The rest of New York City can be polluted, but the diesel fumes
entering the tunnels would cause quite a problem. The latest GMC
diesel electrics are divided into two categories, the single mode
"400 series" and the dual mode "500 series." Most of eastern Long
Island has yet to be electrified. MUs (multiple units) dominate
the fleet though, and the latest MU-7s should be delivered by
next month.
Three different lines merge at Jamaica Station.
Trains either heading to or departing from Penn
Station New York, Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn and
Hunters Point in Long Island City, Queens, all come
together for the "Dashing Dan" dance, as commuters
transfer to another train to take them either to
work or home.
So what happens when you arrive on Track 1 and
your next train is located on Track 3?
Well, if you are in good enough shape, you run
down the platform, up the stairs, cross the tracks
and head back down and run towards an open door
to hopefully find a place to stand or maybe even
a place to sit.
 Or,
like the Army Corps of Engineers, you wait for the proper train
to pull into the station to form a "train-bridge" as we show you
here.
This all works except when commuters block the
doors, and you have to punch your way through.
Just some of the fun and games you have as a commuter
on the LIRR. And you thought you were a couch potato?
You need to be a sprinter, track coach-(pun intended)
analyzing the best route, and a blocker all in one.
"MTA, going your way!"
 I
will leave you with the following thought: What is that mysterious
material located on either side of this welded rail track located
on concrete ties, and what is its' function?
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