Nostalgia & History > Railroading Under A Roof (SP)

Well, sorta. On SP's former San Francisco Subdivision (the Peninsula commute line) there is a short stretch of track between Tunnels 1 and 2 that is located in a trench, with 23rd Street crossing the trench. Located in the middle is the 23rd Street station. Sometime in the 1970's the Highway Department constructed Interstate 280 directly over the area; in effect, putting a roof over the railroad. Before the freeway 23rd Street station was no more than a shelter. But once the freeway was constructed, I guess they figured that since there was a roof, only a platform was necessary.

On June 6, 1985 -- shortly before Caltrain replaced SP equipment -- an eastward commute (probably No. 44) makes a quick stop to board a couple commuters. The conductor's outline is to the left, the brakeman stands at the head end, still dressed in classic SP togs. In just a moment the conductor's hand will wave a highball and off they go to San Jose.

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Those Brakemen better have good shoes on. Perhaps they bought a pair from the designated Conductor/Mason Shoe salesman. They will get plenty of exercise on this train. In the '70's these Harriman trains made every stop. No PA system. Back and forth, 4-5 cars between each stop calling out the station name. Walking quickly between stops like Broadway and Burlingame, not quite a mile apart. Watching out for a handful of fare evaders who would strategically get off at certain stations, walk on the platform to a different car the busy conductor had already lifted and sold tickets in.

Sphogger

Even though the surrounding area is more upscale now, you still wouldn't catch me on that platform after dark. I can't even hazard a guess about how many people have been mugged there while waiting for a train. I recall one time when a guy mugged a woman who was the sole person on the platform, then climbed onto a train for his escape.

EO

There was a guy that showed up there one day, stark naked, holding up his hand. He was between the rails and had different paints all over his body. Well after the train hit him, it stopped alright and had to wait for the coroner. Really screwed up the fleet that day.


Nudge

Great photo. Please post more SP commutes.
- Eric B.

Wonder why we don't see a number plate
on that signal.

timz Wrote:
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> Wonder why we don't see a number plate
> on that signal.


It's there, set inside of the triangle support. Hard to see. Number plate is 18.

For those who have never read this: Jack Kerouac's "October In The Railroad Earth"

A great glimpse into Southern Pacific and working in thr San Francisco Terminal. Some of this rang true into the 70's. sphogger

https://790newmedia.wikispaces.com/file/view/KerouacRailroadEarth.pdf