Category Archives: Ask Engine Bob

Engine Bob and ‘FDR’s Funeral Train’

Posted on October 19, 2009 by TJ

It gives me tremendous pleasure to announce the springtime publication of a book about a most unique train ride that chugged through our area nearly 65 years ago. In April 1945, a train hauling the giant bronze casket of Franklin … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, FDR, Grand Central | Leave a comment

Trainjotting Classic: Ask Engine Bob — Why Not a No-Cellphone Car?

Posted on January 14, 2008 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, why don’t have they have a no cell-phone “quiet car” on Metro North, like they do on Amtrak? Surely, enough quiet-seeking commuters could fill a train car?  A: What a fine, fine question. My fingers are twitching … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob | Tagged | 3 Comments

Engine Bob is Back!!!

Posted on August 16, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, I commute to New Jersey from Penn Station, which means my train runs beneath the Hudson River. Somebody once told me that those tunnels are so shallow that they’re not anchored to anything and they “swing” like garden … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Tunnel Bridge | 3 Comments

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on April 30, 2007 by TJ

Q: If my Metro North train is on the underground level, why do I have to go to street level from the (underground) subway, only to descend again for my Metro North train? Shouldn’t I be able to stay underground … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Shuttle, William J. Wilgus | 3 Comments

Ask Engine Bob: What’s that Rumbling in the Men’s Room?

Posted on April 9, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, the other day I was using the men’s room near the bottom of the escalators that lead to the food court downstairs at Grand Central. Suddenly, there was a low rumbling noise that got pretty loud—and then, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Loop Tunnel, Oyster Bar | 3 Comments

Ask Engine Bob: Should Conductors Hold the Door?

Posted on March 29, 2007 by TJ

Q: Some fellow LIRR travelers say that the conductors won’t hold the doors for a passenger who’s boarding in the morning with a cup of coffee in his or her hand, because that suggests they’re lackadaisical about making the train. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, LIRR, Schedule-padding | 1 Comment

Ask Engine Bob: Why Not a No-Cell-Phone Car?

Posted on March 22, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, why don’t have they have a no cell-phone “quiet car” on Metro North, like they do on Amtrak? Surely, enough quiet-seeking commuters could fill a train car?  A: What a fine, fine question. My fingers are twitching … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Badass Gangsta Ho's, cell phone, Engine Bob | Leave a comment

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on March 12, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, the other day I was waiting for my train in Grand Central, I looked up at the huge arch window above the concourse and saw what looked like someone walking around inside of it. What’s the deal?  … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Campbell Apartment, Engine Bob | Leave a comment

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on March 5, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, a couple of years ago I got into an argument with a New Haven Line conductor over something stupid. I had missed my morning southbound Harlem Line train at Fordham Road. A New Haven train pulled in … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Fordham Road, Harlem Line, New Haven Line, Stamford | Leave a comment

Ask Engine Bob: The Secret Platform

Posted on February 27, 2007 by G. Francis

Q: Engine Bob, is there any truth to that old story about a secret train platform beneath the Waldorf-Astoria hotel that Andy Warhol gave a party on? Or is this just urban legend? A: Actually, the story’s true-a good portion … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Grand Central, Secrets, Track 61 | Tagged | 15 Comments