Re: PC: Grand Central Terminal

[User <wfdurham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Waller wrote:
> 
> Rob Carlo wrote:
> >
> > Hello all,
> >    Looks like we have a new topic to debate with Grand Central.
> > I for one am very happy to see the terminal restored.     I've only seen TV
> > news reports, but it looks fantastic!
> >    Yes, it is not the terminal it once was, but most of railroading has had
> > to change to stay competitive and in Metro-North territory a lot of what
> > was once "grand" is now gone.   I have fond memories of this area and have
> > mourned many railroad landmarks destroyed for progress, but most commuters
> > just want to get to work on time and I believe Metro-North does a pretty
> > good job.   That is their reason for being.   I'd love to see PC still
> > running to GCT,  but face it, to the average passenger it was a dismal
> > experience with late trains, engine fires, and smoke in the terminal
> > routine.   My brother may soon be a commuter to GCT and as a non railfan,
> > I'm sure he'll appreciate arriving to a sparkling, living terminal versus
> > the drab place it had become.
> 
> I'll have to agree with this!
> 
> >     On the other hand, a restoration of this magnitude and a building with
> > all this history deserves some mention of it's historic past.    True, most
> > people have probably no knowledge of NYC or it's flagship 20th Century
> > Limited.   This railroad and this train more than any other (NH or PC) need
> > some kind of mention or exhibit within GCT to remind those who visit today
> > of what made the terminal great.
> <snip>
> 
> I think the main problem is that few people today, especially the 20s-30s
> age range, know the historic significance of anything.  Few people seem to
> care about the past of our nation. World War II is being forgotten. Too much
> caught up in the present and future, acquiring money. I'm sure few walking
> around the terminal really care about its history. This is the plight of
> modern America.
> 
> That being said, I think the restoration people failed in an opportunity to
> educate the people about not only the terminal's history, but also failed to
> educate them about their city's and our nation's heritage. Such is the
> tragedy of today's planners.
> 
> Still, something is better than nothing. That, my friends, is a major
> backhanded compliment!
> 
> Bob Waller (a guy in his mid-30s who respects our history :)
> Conrail Cyclopedia: http://crcyc.railfan.net/

I have to agree with Bob Waller on Grand Central.  John W's comments on
Grand Central were rather harsh. I think we all owe a debt of gratitude
to Jackie Kennedy for spearheading the fight to save Grand Central. 
Ironically, if it had not been for the destruction of Penn Station in
October, 1963.  If it had not been for her, there would be nothing to
restore. 

I think Metro-North should be commended for spending the money to
restore the station to it's past grandeur.  This is rare for today's
times.  So far as history goes, it's up to folks like us to keep it
alive as we remember that sharp McGinnis New Haven paint scheme and the
New York Central System Oval. Long live the Twentieth Century Limited. 
But let's also be thankful for what heritage we have left. 

Bill Durham
(Another guy in his mid-thirties who cares deeply about our nations
railroad and car-building history.  Incidentally, I am in the early
stages of writing a book on the Budd Company.  Doesanyone have any nice
photos of Penn Central stainless steel Budd passenger cars or any shots
at Red Lion, Philadelphia?  Wouldn't the Penn Central have served Budd
from 1968-1976?