Category Archives: Ask Engine Bob

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on February 15, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, is it legit for Metro North to blame late trains on snow and ice? I mean, how many problems can a few inches of snow really cause a train? A: Believe it or not, quite a few. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Catenary, Engine Bob, Metro North, Snow | 1 Comment

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on February 7, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, Why does my morning train take 48 minutes, while my evening train—with the exact same stops—takes 42 minutes? Does it take longer for people to get on than get off?  A: First, pat yourself on the back … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Grand Central, Schedule-padding, Stamford | Leave a comment

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on February 1, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, I got used to seeing those old-style diesel locomotives pulling my train and then suddenly a few years ago they all disappeared. What happened?  A: Those old engines were among the last relics of post-WWII railroading still … Continue reading →

Posted in Amtrak, Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Metro North | Leave a comment

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on January 26, 2007 by TJ

Q: Engine Bob, what would my commute have been like 50 years ago? A: In some ways, very similar—and in others, worlds different. Fifty years ago, you’d still be joining hundreds of thousands of trenchcoat-clad suburbanites at 5:15 p.m., pounding … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Grand Central | 2 Comments

Ask Engine Bob

Posted on January 13, 2007 by TJ

Q: “Why the hell does it take a Metro North train 15 minutes to get from Grand Central to 125th Street?”  A: Actually, it only takes 10 minutes (check any schedule) but it can seem like 15 minutes or even longer. … Continue reading →

Posted in 125th Street, Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, Grand Central, traffic | 2 Comments