Lackawanna Legacy - The DL&W Electrics

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In 1931, the Lackawanna Railroad inaugurated electric suburban service from Hoboken to Dover, Gladstone and Montclair. Thomas Edison himself was at the controls of the first multiple-unit (MU) train to leave Hoboken Terminal. Since then, virtually unchanged, the Lackawanna MUs faithfully carried commuters until withdrawn in 1984.

This program skillfully traces the history of the Lackawanna MUs and presents a comprehensive portrait of these venerable trains during their last summer of operation. Beginning at Hoboken Terminal, the "wickerliners" - named for their early wicker seats - are followed along the main line to Dover and on the branch lines to Gladstone and Montclair. Pauses are made at all major locations to observe the action. The sounds of the old MUs are clearly heard, from grinding traction motors to that familiar compressor "chunking"!

The program concludes with scenes of the last MU runs to Dover and Gladstone, followed by scenes of diesel hauled MUs while the overhead voltage was being changed, and a quick look at their replacements, the "Jersey Arrows".

60 Minutes *VHS* Full Color Archive Film and Video - Stereo Soundtrack
Written, Produced and Edited by Marc S. Balkin - Narrated by Jim Boyd