The Elevated Railways of Brooklyn and the BMT Subway
Volume Three: The Photographs and Rosters

Rapid transit in Brooklyn began with steam railroads on the streets and various rights-of-way on the surface. As the population of Brooklyn grew, steam hauled trains running at high speed together with pedestrian and other traffic became unsustainable. New lines were built and older lines were either moved to elevated structures, embankments or open cuts.

The development of electrically propelled trains changed much, but many lines still operated on the surface for years afterward. To this day, the 14th Street Line still operates on its original steam train surface right-of-way between E105th Street and Rockaway Parkway along with the Sea Beach and West End Lines for short distances north of Coney Island Creek. As subway lines were built, the elevated lines that could not support steel cars were destined for demolition.

This Volume starts with views of the Fulton Street, Lexington Avenue and Myrtle Avenue Lines during their last days of existence.

We then look at the last days of the BRT/BMT's first generation of steel cars, the last of which would leave regular service in 1969.

The extensive roster section gives a detailed look at the history of the entire BRT/BMT fleet from the 186os through 1969.

Eric R. Oszustowicz
Design by Sandy Campbell
Published by the Electric Railroaders Association