RFW ride on LIRR Grand Central to Jamaica. Was able to get behind cab door for a view. 1/26/23

You really get to see how the tunnel looks. This video should also provide interest to those interested in signals and signal indications. This topped off a fantastic couple of days riding the Grand Central Shuttle. (you may hear an occasional rattling sound. That is just the door but it’s not too bad.)

[@lifenetter7287]

Wow Tim, I was hoping for this but not expecting it! Thanks for the diligence that I'm sure it took to find a cooperative crew. Love the lighting in the tunnels- was able to get a sense of the steepness of the grade.

[@jeffreyharrison4752]

I think the camera angle is deceiving on the steepness. I worked on that job for 7 years.

[@lifenetter7287]

@@jeffreyharrison4752 Ah, interesting- I heard it was 3%.

[@alkendall7950]

@@jeffreyharrison4752😅😅

[@Bobrogers99]

I'm impressed with how neat and clean the tunnel is. So different from subway tunnels! An interesting, if also very, very slow trip!

[@ronbirdman]

Very boring and very slow, but interesting.

[@KODATHEDOG]

So now an easier way to get to JFK from Metro North via GCT

[@rayrayz51233]

I never seen the new tunnel like this before it looks amazing for 21 century style 😎

[@longislandfanvictor3812]

The tunnel is beautiful but still reminds of the early 20th century style, just cleaner and new like the old east river tunnels must have looked like in 1910.

[@John-ru5ud]

The underwater portion was built in the 1960s. It was renovated.

[@EpicThe112]

There are two types of tunnels 1960s-1970s and 2000s-2010s

[@harrykatsos]

@@longislandfanvictor3812 that's exactly what I was thinking

[@harrychest4303]

Beautiful!!!!!!!! Finally, LIRR GCT. Great to see that 10+ years of work is over.

[@michaelscott7706]

You can tell when the train is in the 63rd st tube. Squared ceilings and follows the same hill as the F Line above.

[@bizmen81]

It was nice of the conductor to give additional commentary!

[@longislandfanvictor3812]

Great view from the front, makes me less nervous and the tunnel ride seems shorter then the old Penn Tunnels. The catwalks are wide and the lighting is bright. When I ventured down to the platform on the first day it opened during my usual lunchtime walk, i did feel it was very very deep and did get a bit of anxiety, will need to over come that. Thanks for the TRIPLE AAA view on the train. It appears they did some great engineering down there.

[@iannarita9816]

Hate to say this, in a few years it will be just as dingy as any railway or underground tunnel.

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

Oh I see a Track worker... Must be John Galt.. Seriously, thank you for this wonderful video! When you say J- interlocking, in Kew Gardens, there's a red brick apartment building on the left. My bedroom looked out over these tracks that started my love of trains, 60 years ago. My father would get on the LIRR every morning and go into Penn Station?? (1965) I loved watching him come and go! ❤️❤️

[@durrelljohnson4726]

Thanks for your videos sir. I have now added to my bucket list the desires to ride GCT to Long Island city and back....just because! 👍🤪

[@roberttapken1139]

You brought me back 60+ years to riding the A train to East NY to visit my Grandparents. I'd press my nose on the big front window of the R-10 cars to see the tunnel. Thanks!

[@Clavichordist]

I did the same when visiting my aunt and my great grandmother. My aunt brought me up on the L in the Queens and we rode across to Manhattan. I had my nose pressed against the window taking it all in.

[@8avexp]

I rode at the RFW on many an R-10 A up CPW, the ultimate joyride.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Nice ride. Thanks for taking us "back to Jamaica!"

[@davidspiegel9110]

Thanks for the front window! I'd like to see the front window of northbound Tri-Rail from Miami Airport to Magonia Park.

[@Jeff-uj8xi]

Wonderful Tim !! Sure beats looking at a blank tunnel wall. I'm glad you were able to pull this off. Your calling out the signals and interlockings is very helpful. Interesting how well lighted the interlockings in the tunnel are. It will be interesting when trains from out on the Island go directly to Grand Central. A one seat ride. It took a long time and a lot of money, but I think it was worth it. It's what we call connectivity. It gives another 'good' reason not to drive into Manhattan from Long Island. The traffic, the time lost, the pollution, the outrageous parking charges, the cost of gasoline, the tolls, etc., etc., etc. Wait until the next blizzard and see what happens. Need I say more.....

[@kevinbrooks6078]

Great video, a lot has changed from when I lived in Queens back in the 60's and 70's and train watch along the Woodside to Jamaica tracks. And I can not believe that they finally finished the ESA, they have been working on that project since I lived in Queens. Thank you for taking the time in videoing the LIRR.

[@steveember8972]

If anyone could! I'd been hoping you'd take us on this journey, Tim. Even the tunnels are showing that "New York Proud" with their nice lighting. What a project - so great to see it finally realized.

[@alanmusicman3385]

Greetings from the UK! Loved this. A slow ride with yellows a lot of the way which was great cos we got to take some time and get a good look at all this superb new infrastructure. Over the Christmas holidays I was watching the two PBS documentaries on the building of Grand Central and also the one about building Penn Station - big big stuff!

[@mgarner1227]

I love the explanations of what the tracks do and where they go. Thank you for the detail.

[@fredashay]

It was really nice of the driver to talk into the camera explaining what everything is. Kudos to him!

[@stefano3202]

That’s actually the owner of the KZbin channel talking, he’s an expert on everything LIRR

[@craigcohen3682]

The video is wonderful. I hate seeing where I have been. I love the forward looking view. This video is literally tunnelvision

[@CTrail1711]

It was great to meet and ride with you yesterday to and from Jamaica! Great engineer, and I learned so much!

[@user-bv5my4pz3n]

Wow love all the videos!

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Congrats for the first "cab view" vids through the new tunnel ! I can't wait to visit the new terminal "annex" the next time I'm in NY.

[@jaminova_1969]

Everything is so clean and nice! Taking the train to Woodside was always a treat since the #7 EL was cheaper! So thanks again for taking us along for the ride :)

[@scottyerkes1867]

Love the forward view. Reveals the signals, interlockings better. I've ridden in this tunnel on the F to/from Roosevelt Island. Thanks Tim😀💚

[@officialmcdeath]

Most instructive, thank you - still haven't worked out how 3 approach tunnels match up with 4 mainline tracks but this gets me a lot closer - thanks again \m/

[@3985uprr]

Switchwork at Harold

[@jfmezei]

With all the gazillions of billions of dollars spent, I was expecting the ride from GC-M to be straight and fast in the tunnel. Surprised at the all the curves and slow speed. I assume that by opening day, the tracks would have been well tested and no longer under initial slow orders so this is the permanent service speed? Also., must get equipment manufacturers to change from portrait to landscape windows on the front doors :-)

[@ats90mph]

I’m amazed at how quickly you got to Harold, only 7 minutes.

[@ronniecathcart2484]

Thanks for the cab view ride from GCM to Jamaica and calling out the signals, interlocking and trains passing

[@richardgearhart8090]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking the trouble to explain the signals and what they mean.

[@NurseLadyVLOGS]

Thank GOD for Jamaica Central ❤

[@joscallinet6260]

I understand that part of the tunnel to Grand Central Terminal is the 63rd Street Tunnel - is it the squarish-shaped part of the tunnel by contrast with the rounded shape of the rest of the tunnelling? Thanks for this and yesterday's premiere ride on the first train into Grand Central!

[@3985uprr]

I believe it is

[@EnthusiastTheFanner]

Them tunnels look fresh 💯

[@steveib724]

The rat's are going to love it

[@NYCSKYSCRAPERS-hp6pm]

Thank you so much for the the rail fan view my friend.

[@mandulis]

About Time ! Grand Central to Jamaica. But they have to still iron out the scheduling. The timing and connections makes some trains leaving Jamaica much more crowded. 😶‍🌫

[@DjOcaso]

Thanks for this! Brought back some nostalgia as a kid who loved to sit and watch the front view on the M3's. Hope you catch a front view into Grand Central.

[@3985uprr]

I hope so too!

[@AL-pu7ux]

Great footage!

[@jimstraveladventures3961]

Thanks for getting a head end view of the new line.

[@gregoryedwards8781]

Rode it yesterday Terminal looks great. Ride was quick and smooth.

[@robpeters5204]

Incredible engineering!

[@JohnR-wf2hh]

I was thinking we wouldn't get this for a while. Wow! Thanks.

[@wesrobinson7366]

Awesome to learn about everything on the way. Hope they can speed it up over time.

[@maestromecanico597]

And thank you very much for posting this. Maybe someday I’ll make it back there to see it in the flesh.

[@rdbarne]

Always wondered what the lower level looked like on the 63rd Street tunnel. I wonder if they’ll ever use the bell mouths on the upper level east of 21st Street station

[@sethtriggs]

Fantastic view! Ahhh if only the 63rd Street tunnel were high enough for the bilevel cars...what could've been...this is a great video and I'm glad there's still RFWs available sometimes.

[@3985uprr]

Got lucky

[@NickyD]

you wont see RFW after a week its only because GCT is new crews arent suppsoed to have it opened

[@isleman9473]

Thanks Tim for another great one!

[@TheSeaddy10473]

You should do one going the opposite way and explain where it diverted from Grand Central and penn

[@3985uprr]

Hopefully soon

[@denisryan8757]

Beautiful catch! Thanks.

[@robertcantore330]

This is beyond amazing!!!!

[@PassengersUnited]

Great video. Thank you for posting

[@joeshotsgarcia5138]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve been waiting to see what the new tunnel looks like in front car.

[@RonDevito]

Thanks for this. Enjoyed much, and learned a few things.

[@doctorzaius4084]

Wow thanks for this incredible video, didn't think it would be possible to capture. Almost 10 years ago (or maybe more?) I got to see some of these tunnels under construction and thought they would never be finished. Looking forward to riding my first LIRR train to/from Grand Central!

[@tomy.1846]

Extremely awesome!!!!! Thank you so much! Very interesting to see. 😀😀😀

[@petergwolf9538]

Blue Point here. There's a difference between some of these guys. Some just like to make noise. same guys that love fireworks.

[@merccadoosis8847]

As you said, "great ride". Thanks for sharing.

[@prestontamaica1]

I’ve been waiting for this,thanks.

[@stuartaaron613]

Nice video, thank you for the ride. You were lucky they let you have the front window view.

[@billdobkins3535]

Great job!

[@8avexp]

Not much time spent underground. Nice to see the lower level of the 63rd St. tunnel finally being put to use!

[@robroy6374]

I've seen you on SubChat! The gig is up, Steve B!

[@8avexp]

@@robroy6374 You and a host of others. If I ever come out to New York again, I will check it all out.

[@robroy6374]

@@8avexp i'm not on subchat though!

[@MDTASHA0926]

This was great. Very informative as always. Taking me places I can’t go. I do get to do another bucket list item this summer by taking the Acela from DC all the way to Boston and back. Get to go across the hell gate twice and through parts of CT I used to live in.

[@pleiades.puppets]

Great video, thank you! I was peripherally involved with this project way back in its design phase and some the issues involving Harold Interlocking. It's rare that one can get a front and center view like this. I really enjoyed.

[@3985uprr]

Crews knew how significant this was for fans.

[@saml4849]

Great video. Enjoyed the cab/tunnel view and the changing signals.

[@Caprica-od6oc]

Wow, Can't wait to try this new tunnel and see the station

[@EJ109]

Awesome video. I really like your content. They are very informative. I've learned quite a bit from your videos regarding the LIRR.

[@kennethmcclure29]

Sir thanx for the ride and signal info! Thanx Ken from gpt ms

[@gerardmoran9560]

Great video! Love the historical references. I always wondered why all of the trestle bridges between Woodhaven and about 1 mile west of Forest Hills were built for 6 tracks. I wonder if there were any stations. I suppose we're seeing a learning curve with the dispatchers, half of the run was below track speed due to signals. Cheers

[@dwmiller9313]

Extra tracks were for the train to Far Rockaway coming on to the main line at “Whitepot Junction” near Rego Park.

[@1575murray]

@@dwmiller9313 The underpass that westbound trains used to reach the northernmost track at Rego Park has long been sealed up but from a passing eastbound train you can see vestiges of the old tracks of the Rockaway Beach branch. The branch was supposed to connect with the IND subway in this area after the city bought it but the decision was made to connect it at Liberty Avenue instead and as a result the rest of the line was abandoned in 1962 after the service had been reduced to one daily train operating on a single track.

[@alexthemtaandr211weatherfa2]

@@1575murray interesting

[@johncamp2567]

Very interesting video! Commentary adds perspective…thanks!

[@JohnMlakar]

never ridden the LIRR. Looking forward to taking a ride someday. Great video.

[@arniegreenberg2719]

Thanks for the video. My first forward view from GCT to points east.

[@PreciousFifi]

Interesting ride. I like how informative this guy is. Thank you.

[@jess.hawkins]

Yayy cabview of the new extension thanks!

[@strafrag1]

Great video. I especially liked the talk from the very knowledgeable driver. Thank you.

[@markrickard4795]

Hi again this is the irish emd fan thanks forboth videos on the esa to gct

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Thank you!

[@Garythefireman66]

Great video. I can smell the fresh concrete in the tunnel

[@MrMaster767]

Excellent!

[@dan5979]

I have a request, do a series on the A line. I worked the A line for 11 years & love to hear your commentary on the line, Thanks.

[@k2197]

thank you!!

[@stephen8623]

Just like I remember it. Slow as molasses in January...a nightmare!!!

[@3985uprr]

It looks slow because of the zoom

[@stephen8623]

@@3985uprr The LIRR was and likely still is the slowest train ever. It crawled in and around Jamaica and elsewhere. They should have paid us to endure it.

[@Mrbeahz1]

Once I saw the GCT references, I had to check the date on this! Yes, it references the new Grand Central service for the LIRR.

[@Italman45]

WOW ! Lots of interlocking and tunnels underground. Incredible structures ! Gez, those new cars make a lot of noise and very creeky...... Give me a Budd M-1 anyday ...Great video but the ride was torture and slow as hell !

[@con17guitar]

YOU ARE THE MAN!!!

[@stripervince1]

Nice video. Lirr needs to get rid of these old signals and get into the 21st century. Just basic norac h2 signal heads. These old B and O seaboard position lights or what ever they are need to go. Standardize the entire country

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Have a great new week!! 🚇

[@longislandfanvictor3812]

Once they put in a regular schedule, I will start commuting to Grand Central to my mid town office, and only use Penn Trains for the commute home if there is a better option to escape from New York every day after work.

[@jameskerner7782]

Boy! Very good! I'm going out to Hicksville on Tuesday to take pictures of the Penn Sta.eagle and going to GCT. Madison.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Seriously, some of those horns sounded like dying wailing cat's 🐈 😻...

[@travelandeats8518]

Nice video, from Connecticut and visit nyc often. I’m seeing some new “grand central Madison”. I’m guessing that’s just grand central a new section opend that takes folks to Long Island direction? Hence the video title says GCT to queens.

[@stephenheath8465]

They pretty much sacrifice speed for capacity it seems.Harold Junction is still a work in progress lol

[@electro_sykes]

where the ceiling becomes flat is the lower level of the IND 63rd subway

[@EpicThe112]

4:00 to 5:46 this was the Original 1970s Build tunnel modified in the 2000s to 2010s. LIRR German version S-Bahn Hamburg you will need to deal with Double Yellow Indusi PZB 85 kmh max then down to 45 kmh 500hz 25 kmh 15 mph before a 2000hz magnet inside the tunnel

[@3985uprr]

Yes. It’s pretty much the area between GCT6 and Plaza. I could see the difference in the tunnel shape.

[@pamellajebode4782]

New tunnels an very clean to no garbage on them

[@elirosen1391]

Did you capture head-end footage of the train going into GCM from Jamaica?

[@Mike-wt7jq]

For railfans, this boondoggle is priceless!!! 😂😂😂

[@trainrover]

its branch-line status seems apparent with crawlings for departures..or for arrivals thereabouts

[@u1zha]

Great video! Sweet commuting awaits. Though heck how slowly it creeps out of GCT, even if I account for zoom.

[@pauludulutch4353]

Nice. I didn’t see any dead people on the tracks this trip.

[@3985uprr]

I would hope not to see any in the tunnel

[@jwslijm7278]

With slippery conditions and a red signal above it will be a challenge to exit the tunnel and keep the train going.

[@rikardlalic7275]

Retired Hornfan? Else very nice.