|
|
| CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL (1639437) | |
 |
|
| Home > SubChat | |
[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]
|
| (1639437) | |
CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL |
|
|
Posted by Jersey Mike on Mon Feb 24 13:26:01 2025 In 2003 SEPTA was on the verge of closing Frankford Terminal, the last un-rebuilt portion of the Frankford Elevated that now makes up the eastern half of the Market-Frankford El. While I have covered the final day of service in another post, I had ventured out a few days before to visit Frankford Terminal, followed by a trip to the Broad Street Line's Fern Rock terminal. The entire set of these classic photos can be viewed here ( mirror ).In this first image we are approaching the old Frankford Terminal with what I'll call an Approach Medium indication on the 26L signal, while an outbound train led by M-IV car #1095 pulls out on the opposite track. While the old Frankford elevated alignment followed the street below, SEPTA was able to clear the necessary property to create a straighter alignment into the Frankford layover yard. The operation to swap from the old to new terminal was scheduled over a weekend and involved cranes lifting in pre-fabricated track segments to connect with the 1980's rebuilt El structure, which in the photo ends where the stone ballast begins.  The old Frankford Terminal east headhouse, seen here, would survive the rebuild and would connect with the new terminal via an elevated skyway.  My inbound train had been led by M-IV car #1172, seen here with red markers illuminated as the operator changed ends and also posing behind the 14L reverse direction dwarf signal. Frankford's closing would also mark the end of traditional block and interlocking signaling on the MFL as the new terminal would also commission the last section of cab signals that had been slowly making their way east from 69th St.   The new terminal as seen from the center platform of the old terminal.  SEPTA M-IV car #1121 pulling into Frankford Terminal's north track.  Departing Frankford Terminal over the curved scissors crossover with its combined diamond turnout. Complex track structures like this were common back in the day, but modern increases in labor costs have forced the transition to infrastructure with less maintenance overhead, which also includes concrete elevated structures instead of painted steel.  Passing an outbound train led by M-IV car #1084 at Church.  After the trip out to Frankford I rode the BSL up to Fern Rock which included a trip around the yard loop. Here we see the ready service equipment still in the orange stripe livery.  There was something about this era of SEPTA that didn't prioritize weed control.   A lot has changed in centre city since 2003 as well. Here we can see Philadelphia City Hall in the midst of of being sand blasted to remove the discoloration caused by 20th century industrial pollutants. Due to the cleaner air of the 21st century economy, the clean look has endured.  Here we can see the fountain in the iconic Love Park, a few years before it was completely demolished and rebuilt in a form that would deter skateboarders. For example the new fountain is flush mounted and lacks a pool. The blue color was due to the use of dyes to officially and unofficially color the fountain for various events or causes.  I might have been traveling to a Phillies game that day because I also have photos from Veterans Stadium while the name on the Spectrum was being changed from First Union to Wachovia.   That's all I have for this blast from the past. |
|
|
| (1639438) | |
Re: CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL |
|
|
Posted by chicagomotorman on Mon Feb 24 14:06:48 2025, in response to CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL, posted by Jersey Mike on Mon Feb 24 13:26:01 2025. Very cool. |
|
|
| (1639440) | |
Re: CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL |
|
|
Posted by Wallyhorse on Mon Feb 24 15:45:50 2025, in response to CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL, posted by Jersey Mike on Mon Feb 24 13:26:01 2025. That was the last season of The Vet, Lincoln Financial Field would open late that summer and Citizen Bank Park, the replacement for The Vet would open the following spring. |
|
|
(Sponsored) |
iPhone 6 (4.7 Inch) Premium PU Leather Wallet Case - Red w/ Floral Interior - by Notch-It |
|
| (1639453) | |
Re: CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL |
|
|
Posted by Jersey Mike on Tue Feb 25 08:20:29 2025, in response to Re: CLASSIC PHOTOS: MFL FRANKFORD TERMINAL, posted by Wallyhorse on Mon Feb 24 15:45:50 2025. I believe the Linc was already in service at that point. |
|
|
