What if the NYW&B was third-railed and set up to NYC subway standards? Might it have survived? The thought hit me that if it had lasted four more years into the WW2 era the gas rationing and non-availability of new cars just might have given it a lease on life into the post-war era.
NYW&B’s likely fate would probably have been similar to that of CNS&M or CA&E, more likely the latter. The lack of a direct connection to the subway and the steam road competition would have doomed it much past 1955.
You’re probably right, being popular didn’t save the North Shore, but I do have to wonder if the post-war expansion of the suburbs in Westchester and points north just might have kept the NYW&B alive carrying commuters.
It’s all speculation of course. It’s fun, if nothing else.
A nice view of MSC 620 at Granby, Que. before the wire came down in 1951.
The carbarn to the rear lasted until recently.
On it’s far side was a lintel stone lettered ’ M&SC ’ facing the adjacent highway.
Codocil
M&SC Stone, Car Barn, Granby.
From Wikipedia.
" The workshop and garage located in Granby was demolished in 2008. A small public place now stands in its place, and the “M&SCRy” stone carving formerly in the facade has been preserved as a monument "