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B&A RR Track Chart Frequently Asked Questions



What is a track chart?

Here is the west end of the Track Chart at Rensselaer, NY, with feature-identifying callouts.




The main line(s) were depicted as straight lines down the center, with every bridge, crossing, town and signal bridge indicated. Also noted were transverse lines indicating mileposts. A pair of saw-toothed lines on the bottom indicated visually the concepts of grade and curvature. These were also presented "digitally", if you will, at the point of occurrence.

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The Legend of the Track Chart



What did you *think* I was talking about? ;-)

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A: Notable Changes to the route since 1950.
  • construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) required the railroad be realigned from MP 4.30 through Riverside MP 10.90 and several passenger stations demolished
  • The Kneeland Street yard was abadoned to permit the Turnpike / Southeast Expressway interchange
  • The Exeter Street Coach Yard gave way to the Prudential tower and the Turnpike.
  • construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) between Route 95 (128) and Boston
  • reduction in the number of tracks, yard and railroad facilities across virtually the whole route


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Overview

The Track Chart consists of three matching booklets: Boston, MA to Springfield, MA, Springfield, MA to Rensselaer, NY and the Branch Lines. Each document is approximately 9.5" x 5.5" x 0.5" (H x W x D) when folded. When fully unfolded, each of the main line documents are approximately 396 inches (33 feet) in length (FWIW, the Track Charts have yet to be displayed where it would be possible to unfold them end-to-end).

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How did I obtain this copy?

I received my copy as part of a collection of B&A ephemera that was once part of the estate of my late grandfather, Elvin Kaufman "Eddie" Mentzer. He was employed by the New York Central System and its allied lines from May 10, 1911 through March 31, 1952, a career that spanned some 40 years and 11 months. His last title was that of Assistant to the General Manager, presumably of the Engineering Department. If you knew or worked with my grandfather, I would like to hear from you.

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Are paper copies available for purchase?

Maybe. If you're only interested in one specific area, try printing the page to the local area (I'm happy to assist you in getting the browser to display exactly what you want). If you're looking for a copy of the whole chart, and your budget is closer to 'champagne' than 'beer', email me. Keep in mind the Chart is 66 feet long x 9.5 inches in height, so copying won't be inexpensive.

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About the Developer

This site was conjured in the mindspace of John B. Mentzer in the belief that the true gift of the internet is the free exchange of information.


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