Way back in time,the mid 1940’s I would play around in a railroad yard that ran steam switchers. I’m remembering back over sixty years so please forgive me my lack of details. I lived in Manhatten close to the George Washington bridge, 177th & Wadsworth. I remembered crossing over to the Bronx around High Bridge and playing in the RR yard, even being invited up onto the switcher while it was being worked. That would never happen today. Does anyone know where that yard was and what kind of engines were in use? I know from research that there is a big yard in the south Bronx but I would not have gone way down there. Also I would take the 7th ave. Subway north to Van Cortland park and watch the steam engines there.
Thanks for reading this and any help you may offer.
I was able to Google the satellite imagery and “virtually” ride up the 7th Ave subway to Van Cortland park where the subway line ends. One can see the subway yard and the end of the line at 243 st in the bronx. scrolling east from there one can make out the old rr right of way that goes by a lake in Van Cortland park. We used to put pennies on the track, by an old wooden trestle there, and after the train wheels flattened them we would polish them and make fishing lures to use in that same lake. It’s funny how we sometimes come full circle…After a stint as an airline pilot I’m now a flyfishing guide in the Florida Keys and am getting real interested in HO rail modeling. I always loved fishing AND steam locomotives.