Russian R-1 Tram Abandoned

http://www.metro-report.com/news/single-view/view/russia-one-tram-abandoned.html


Hi Folks:

 Remember in 2014 news came out about a very futuristic Russian tram that was about to go into production.    I just found out (see link above) that the project in 2017 was abandoned because the tram would be very difficult to build and maintain because of its' layout.   Also for this new car, the current trucks {bogies?) would not work.  The Staten Island Ferris Wheel, also something new, seems to be also dead due to legal or financial reasons

It was a beautiful tram.   Shows that form and function do not always follow.  The car looked beautiful but would be very difficult to build and operate.   Good luck to the designers in the future. Some of us here in New York City would be happy if we were able to have a heritage trolley using old, Russian, or any other tram cars from somewhere in the world such as second hand equipment running a few hundred meters.  It does not look like it will happen.  If the Russian R-1 design was successful in being a good operating streetcar, many new communities would have taken a look at trams for city transit.

Good luck next time,
Tramway Null(0)

The Abandoned Myrtle Avenue Station

This photo was taken off the web.  This station, at Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn is not in service.  Originally two local platforms, only the northbound half is partially intact and Manhattan Bridge trains pass it every day.

More to follow this in the future.  Behind the wall are two "express tracks".  I believe the station was abandoned in 1956 due to the total reconstruction of the area to increase through service .  The southbound platform does not exist today and was ripped up to make room for a fifth track in the area.  This was to increase service through the DeKalb Avenue Station once the Christie Street Loop line opened in 1967.  Upstairs, the Myrtle Avenue El was still existing until that time.  Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn was associated with the three forms of electric transit, namely  els, streetcars and serveral underground stations along the way.  In recent years, there has been much residential building in the area and I wonder if opening of the northbound platform to passengers would be helpful.  I believe that the length of the station has not been expanded and that the area of the platform has been taken over by store rooms.  The station, if opened, would require a major investment  of money.  I have no statistics to show if an reopened station would be helpful or how far the station is away from DeKalb Avenue, the station to it's south.

Possibly more to follow.

Here is a 1951 aerial view of the Myrtle Avenue - Flatbush Avenue Ext. Intersection.  I remember, as a child, seeing a green arch near the Myrtle Avenue El at this area ( above the station).  You can make out the arch from the aerial shot below.  Surprisingly, a 1920's aerial does not show the arch.  Perhaps the arch came after Flatbush Avenue was extended for the Manhattan Bridge.

                                                          Flatbush Ave Ext.

Myrtle Avenue is at the center gong from left to right.  You can make out the arch at the Flatbush Avenue - Myrtle Avenue intersection.  The station is underneath with tracks leading to the Manhattan Bridge.