Category Archives: Engine Bob

Riding in Style: Club Meeting in the Caboose

Posted on May 3, 2012 by TJ

Our old friend Engine Bob, aka author Robert Klara, shared with us a photo, and a yarn, about the best commuter experience imaginable. Rob says that several decades ago, some rich commuters, dissatisfied with a new batch of commuter cars the … Continue reading →

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TRAINJOTTING TURNS 5: Pride

Posted on January 13, 2012 by TJ

Each day this week, to commemorate our fifth birthday, Trainjotting is publishing memorable posts from the past, grouped under a specific Seven Deadly Sin. Today’s sin is PRIDE. Pride. Hmmm. Gluttony and Sloth and Greed, and occasionally a little Wrath, … Continue reading →

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Track 61 Revisited

Posted on November 8, 2011 by TJ

Gothamist ventured into the famed Track 61 train platform under the Waldorf-Astoria over the weekend, snapping some pix at the sight that former Trainjotting contributor Engine Bob (a.k.a. “FDR’s Funeral Train” author Robert Klara) called “the holy grail” of urban … Continue reading →

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Straphanger Joe Publishes a Novel

Posted on June 2, 2011 by TJ

Seeing our talented Trainjotting correspondents publish books fills us with an extraordinary amount of pride. We were pumped when the brilliant Engine Bob (a.k.a./d.b.a. Robert Klara) published FDR’s Funeral Train, and if it’s possible to be even more psyched, then … Continue reading →

Posted in Engine Bob, FDR, Kindle, Straphanger Joe | 1 Comment

Straphanger Joe’s Book Hits Stores This Spring

Posted on March 21, 2011 by TJ

It is with abundant pride that I announce the pending publication of yet another book from the Trainjotting correspondent family: Straphanger Joe’s brilliant novel Open Wounds. Open Wounds is a very unique book; it’s the life story of an aging … Continue reading →

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TRAINJOTTING TURNS 4: Ask Engine Bob–The Secret Platform

Posted on January 10, 2011 by TJ

Originally ran Feb. 2007 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 … Continue reading →

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NJT Tests Quiet Cars

Posted on September 8, 2010 by TJ

This is fairly revolutionary. New Jersey Transit began testing no-cellphone cars on some trains yesterday, reports the NY Times. Michael Grynbaum has the scoop: As part of a three-month pilot program, 29 express trains between Trenton and Manhattan have acquired … Continue reading →

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THE TRAINJOTTING READER: FDR’s Funeral Train

Posted on June 10, 2010 by TJ

I’m pleased–and mighty relieved–to report that Robert Klara’s FDR’s Funeral Train, which I finished last night, is very, very good. I’m relieved because ol’ Engine Bob is a pal (and former Trainjotting columnist!), and it would be really awkward if … Continue reading →

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What Really Happened on FDR’s Funeral Train: An Interview With the Author

Posted on March 16, 2010 by admin

We’re pleased to report that our old pal Robert Klara–a.k.a. Trainjotting columnist “Engine Bob”–has his new book out today. FDR’s Funeral Train: A Betrayed Widow, a Soviet Spy, and a Presidency in the Balance looks at the train carrying the body … Continue reading →

Posted in Engine Bob, FDR | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

We Three!

Posted on January 13, 2010 by TJ

Three years ago today, Trainjotting was born. Yes, three years ago, we threw up a question and answer with Engine Bob, and Trainjotting had eked its way into the blogosphere. Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg and MTA chief Jay Walder and … Continue reading →

Posted in Engine Bob, Metro North | 1 Comment