The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project in 1910 involved a significant expansion of the Pennsylvania Railroad into New York City. What was one of the key goals of this expansion?
- To build a new tunnel under the Hudson River.
- To create a new transfer station and yard to switch between steam and electric power.
- To expand the railroad’s network in New Jersey.
- To build a new passenger terminal in downtown Manhattan.
Correct Answer: To create a new transfer station and yard to switch between steam and electric power.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project aimed to connect the Pennsylvania Railroad to the new Pennsylvania Station in New York City. To do this, they needed a transfer yard where trains could transition from steam engines to electric motors, and vice versa.
The Meadows Division, a key part of the expansion, was a 5.08-mile stretch of double-track railroad that connected the Harrison Transfer Station to the Bergen Hill Tunnels. What was a significant challenge faced during the construction of the Meadows Division?
- Building bridges over multiple railroads and roads.
- Excavating through solid rock formations.
- Installing a complex system of signals and switches.
- Securing funding from the city government.
Correct Answer: Building bridges over multiple railroads and roads.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division required the construction of numerous bridges over various railroads, roads, and the Hackensack River. This was a complex engineering task due to the terrain and the need to ensure the safe operation of all involved rail lines.
The Harrison Transfer Station played a crucial role in the new transportation system. What was a unique feature of the station’s design?
- It had a large turntable for turning locomotives.
- It had a separate track for freight trains.
- It had platforms that were over 1,100 feet long.
- It used a unique system of pneumatic doors.
Correct Answer: It had platforms that were over 1,100 feet long.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Harrison Transfer Station was designed for quick and efficient transfers. The platforms, at over 1,100 feet long, allowed multiple trains to be accommodated simultaneously, maximizing passenger flow.
The project also involved the construction of a large embankment in the Hackensack Meadows. What material was used extensively for the embankment construction?
- Concrete blocks
- Stone and brick
- Cellar earth from New York City
- Timber logs
Correct Answer: Cellar earth from New York City
Correct Answer Explanation: Due to the soft ground conditions, the embankment was constructed using cellar earth excavated from New York City, along with rock and earth from other construction projects. This was a cost-effective and efficient solution for building the embankment.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge, a critical element of the Meadows Division, was designed with a unique feature to ensure safe operation. What was this unique feature?
- A system of traffic lights to signal approaching ships.
- A manual crank system for opening and closing the bridge.
- A lift rail and a new rail-locking device.
- A set of retractable pontoons to support the bridge.
Correct Answer: A lift rail and a new rail-locking device.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge was designed with a lift rail and a rail-locking device, a sophisticated system that allowed the bridge to safely open and close while ensuring the security of the rails for passing trains.
The Pennsylvania Railroad, in its pursuit of modernization, made a significant investment in the electrification of rail lines. What was the primary reason for this shift?
- To reduce the number of train accidents.
- To reduce the amount of coal used for steam engines.
- To increase the speed and efficiency of trains.
- To eliminate the need for train conductors.
Correct Answer: To increase the speed and efficiency of trains.
Correct Answer Explanation: Electrification of rail lines was a major technological advancement of the time. Electric motors were faster and more efficient than steam engines, allowing for greater speed and less maintenance. This was particularly important for the busy and growing transit network in New York City.
In building the embankment for the Meadows Division, engineers had to take into account the unstable nature of the ground. What specific measures were taken to minimize settlement?
- The embankment was built on a layer of concrete.
- The embankment was built on a bed of crushed stone.
- The embankment was built in layers, allowing for compaction.
- The embankment was built using prefabricated concrete sections.
Correct Answer: The embankment was built in layers, allowing for compaction.
Correct Answer Explanation: To prevent the embankment from settling on the soft ground, engineers built it in layers, compacting each layer before adding the next. This technique ensured that the embankment would be stable and would not sink or shift.
The Meadows Division, while designed for efficient travel, also had to meet specific clearance requirements for other railroad lines it crossed. What was the clearance requirement above the rail of the Erie Railroad branches?
- 15 feet
- 18 feet
- 21 feet
- 24 feet
Correct Answer: 18 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division’s design required specific clearance heights above the rails of other railroads to ensure safe passage of trains. The Erie Railroad branches required a clearance of 18 feet.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge was a complex engineering feat. What type of girders were used for the bridge’s spans?
- Truss girders
- Arch girders
- Deck plate girders
- Box girders
Correct Answer: Deck plate girders
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge utilized deck plate girders, a common type of structural element for bridges, which are strong and efficient for carrying heavy loads.
The Harrison Transfer Yard was a crucial part of the new system, offering storage facilities for both steam engines and electric motors. How many steam engines could the main engine storage yard accommodate?
- 5
- 10
- 15
- 20
Correct Answer: 10
Correct Answer Explanation: The Harrison Transfer Yard had a dedicated storage area for steam engines, which could accommodate up to 10 locomotives.
The Harrison Transfer Yard included a variety of facilities to support the operations of the locomotives. Which of the following was NOT included in the main engine storage yard?
- A turntable
- A sand hopper
- An ash pit
- An inspection pit
Correct Answer: A turntable
Correct Answer Explanation: The main engine storage yard had a variety of facilities for maintaining and servicing locomotives. However, it did not include a turntable. Turntables were typically located at a separate roundhouse where locomotives could be turned for servicing or shifting.
The Meadows Division’s construction involved the use of a specialized type of steel rail for its tracks. What was the type of steel used for the running rails?
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Open-hearth steel
- Stainless steel
Correct Answer: Open-hearth steel
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division used open-hearth steel, a high-quality steel that was commonly used for railroad rails in the early 20th century. This type of steel was known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for carrying heavy loads.
The Meadow Division was designed to integrate electric power for train operations. What specific element of the track was used to carry the electric current?
- The running rails
- A separate overhead wire
- A third rail
- A buried cable
Correct Answer: A third rail
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division utilized a third rail system, which is a common method for delivering electric power to trains. The third rail ran alongside the running rails and provided the electrical current for the electric locomotives.
The Meadows Division had a specific clearance requirement to accommodate the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. What was that clearance requirement?
- 18 feet
- 19 feet
- 20 feet
- 21 feet
Correct Answer: 21 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division’s design incorporated a clearance of 21 feet above the rail of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s main line to ensure safe passage of trains and prevent collisions.
The construction of the Meadow Division involved a large amount of earthwork. Which of these methods was NOT used to move materials for the embankment?
- Narrow-gauge cars
- Scows
- Locomotives from elevated railroads
- Heavy-duty trucks
Correct Answer: Heavy-duty trucks
Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of the Meadows Division relied on a variety of methods to move materials, including narrow-gauge cars, scows (flat-bottomed boats), and locomotives from elevated railroads in New York City. Heavy-duty trucks were not a common means of transportation for large construction projects at that time.
The Pennsylvania Railroad, in its pursuit of modern passenger amenities, required all trains entering the new Pennsylvania Station to be equipped with what feature?
- Air conditioning
- Automated doors
- Vestibules
- Electric lighting
Correct Answer: Vestibules
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pennsylvania Railroad emphasized passenger comfort and safety. To ensure this, they required all trains entering the Pennsylvania Station to be equipped with vestibules, which were enclosed areas at the ends of the cars that provided protected passageways for passengers.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge was a significant engineering project. How many spans of deck plate girders were used for the bridge?
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
Correct Answer: Six
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge was made up of six individual spans of deck plate girders, each 110 feet long, creating a draw span of 300 feet.
The Harrison Transfer Station played a critical role in connecting trains from the new Pennsylvania Station with other lines. What was the primary purpose of the Harrison Transfer Yard?
- To provide storage for freight cars.
- To change motive power between steam and electric.
- To repair and maintain locomotives.
- To facilitate passenger transfers between trains.
Correct Answer: To change motive power between steam and electric.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Harrison Transfer Yard was specifically designed to enable trains to switch from steam engines to electric motors, and vice versa. This allowed trains to access the new Pennsylvania Station, which was equipped for electric locomotives.
The Meadows Division required the construction of numerous bridges, but one specific bridge presented a unique engineering challenge. Which bridge required the installation of a rail-locking device?
- The Passaic River Bridge
- The Hackensack River Drawbridge
- The Erie Railroad Bridge
- The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Bridge
Correct Answer: The Hackensack River Drawbridge
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge was the only bridge on the Meadows Division that required a rail-locking device. This complex system ensured that the movable section of the bridge could not be raised or lowered until the lift rails were properly in place, ensuring the safety of trains.
The construction of the Meadows Division and Harrison Transfer Yard involved the collaboration of multiple departments within the Pennsylvania Railroad. Which of these departments was NOT directly involved in the project?
- Engineering
- Operating
- Electrical
- Marketing
Correct Answer: Marketing
Correct Answer Explanation: The successful construction of the Meadow Division and Harrison Transfer Yard involved the collaboration of the engineering, operating, and electrical departments of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The marketing department, while crucial for promoting the new transportation system, was not directly involved in the construction process.
The Meadow Division, a crucial link in the new rail network, had a specific length. What was the total length of the Meadow Division?
- 3.57 miles
- 4.08 miles
- 5.08 miles
- 6.08 miles
Correct Answer: 5.08 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadows Division was a 5.08-mile stretch of double-track railroad, spanning from the Harrison Transfer Station to the Bergen Hill Tunnels.
The Meadow Division’s construction involved several significant engineering decisions. What type of ballast was used for the Meadow Division’s tracks?
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Stone
- Sand
Correct Answer: Stone
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division used stone ballast, a durable and stable material that was commonly used for railroad tracks in the early 20th century. Stone provided a firm foundation for the tracks, allowing for efficient train operation.
The Meadows Division, while connecting the Harrison Transfer Yard to the Bergen Hill Tunnels, also had a specific gradient. What was the gradient of the Meadows Division?
- 0.25%
- 0.50%
- 1.00%
- 1.50%
Correct Answer: 0.50%
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadows Division had a gradual gradient of 0.50%, a relatively mild slope that was necessary for trains to navigate the terrain smoothly and efficiently.
The Harrison Transfer Yard included a variety of facilities for handling locomotives. What was the purpose of the ash pit in the main engine storage yard?
- To store coal for steam engines.
- To dispose of ashes from steam engines.
- To repair and maintain locomotive wheels.
- To provide water for steam engines.
Correct Answer: To dispose of ashes from steam engines.
Correct Answer Explanation: The ash pit was an essential part of the engine storage yard. It served as a place to dispose of ashes generated by steam engines. These ashes were collected in a pit beneath the engines, allowing for a more efficient and environmentally conscious method of disposal.
The Meadow Division’s construction involved a unique method for integrating the third rail for electric power. How were the third rails attached to the ties?
- They were welded directly to the ties.
- They were bolted directly to the ties.
- They were supported on insulators.
- They were hung from overhead wires.
Correct Answer: They were supported on insulators.
Correct Answer Explanation: To prevent electrical short circuits, the third rails were supported on insulators, which were mounted on every fifth tie. The insulators ensured that the electric current flowed through the third rail without coming into contact with the wooden ties.
The Harrison Transfer Yard featured a unique design for handling locomotives. How many stalls of the existing roundhouse were extended to accommodate the new motive power?
- 6
- 10
- 12
- 18
Correct Answer: 12
Correct Answer Explanation: The Harrison Transfer Yard had an existing roundhouse that was expanded to accommodate the new motive power. Twelve stalls of the roundhouse were extended to provide sufficient space for repairing and maintaining the locomotives.
The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project was a major undertaking that required careful coordination. How long did it take to complete the Meadow Division?
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 19 months
- 24 months
Correct Answer: 19 months
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division, a complex engineering project, was completed within 19 months. This time frame demonstrates the efficiency and speed at which the construction was carried out.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge was designed with a unique system to ensure safe operation. What was the length of the lift rails on the drawbridge?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet 4 inches
- 10 feet
Correct Answer: 8 feet 4 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge featured lift rails that were 8 feet 4 inches long, a crucial part of the rail-locking device that prevented the drawbridge from being raised or lowered until the rails were properly in place, ensuring safe train operation.
The Meadow Division’s design involved careful consideration of the terrain. How many curves were included in the Meadow Division’s alignment?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Correct Answer: 3
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division, while primarily straight, incorporated three curves to navigate the terrain effectively.
The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project was a testament to the ingenuity of engineers at the time. What type of rails were used for the Meadows Division?
- 75-lb. rails
- 90-lb. rails
- 100-lb. rails
- 120-lb. rails
Correct Answer: 100-lb. rails
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadows Division was built using 100-lb. open-hearth steel rails. These rails were designed to withstand heavy loads and ensure the smooth operation of trains.
The Harrison Transfer Station was a key part of the new transportation system. What was the width of each platform at the station?
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
- 25 feet
- 28 feet
Correct Answer: 28 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The platforms at the Harrison Transfer Station were designed to handle multiple trains simultaneously, with a width of 28 feet, providing ample space for passengers to board and disembark efficiently.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge, a complex engineering project, required significant power for its operation. How many electric motors were used to operate the drawbridge?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Correct Answer: 2
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hackensack River Drawbridge was operated by two powerful 70-horsepower electric motors, providing the necessary power to raise and lower the bridge’s movable span.
The Meadow Division was built to facilitate the transition from steam power to electric power. What was the specific purpose of the two 50,000-gallon water tanks in the main engine storage yard?
- To store water for steam engines.
- To provide water for cooling electric motors.
- To supply water to the new Pennsylvania Station.
- To provide water for fire suppression.
Correct Answer: To store water for steam engines.
Correct Answer Explanation: The two 50,000-gallon water tanks in the main engine storage yard were specifically designed to provide a substantial supply of water for steam engines. These water tanks were essential for operating the steam engines that were still in use at the time.
The Meadow Division, while a major project, presented several significant challenges for the engineers. What was the most notable challenge faced during the construction of the Meadow Division?
- The construction of bridges over various bodies of water.
- The construction of tunnels under the Hackensack River.
- The construction of an embankment on unstable ground.
- The electrification of the rail line.
Correct Answer: The construction of an embankment on unstable ground.
Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of the embankment on the soft ground of the Hackensack Meadows presented a unique and significant challenge to the engineers. The ground was prone to settlement, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the stability and integrity of the embankment.
The Harrison Transfer Yard was an important hub in the new transportation system. What was the primary purpose of the shifting tracks in the yard?
- To allow trains to pass each other.
- To allow trains to be switched between tracks.
- To allow trains to be stored.
- To allow trains to be repaired.
Correct Answer: To allow trains to be switched between tracks.
Correct Answer Explanation: The shifting tracks were strategically placed within the Harrison Transfer Yard to facilitate the maneuvering of locomotives and trains. These tracks allowed for efficient switching between different tracks, ensuring smooth movement and transitions for trains entering and exiting the yard.
The Meadows Division was a significant engineering feat that exemplified the technological advancements of the time. What was the primary reason for the electrification of the Meadows Division?
- To reduce the cost of operation.
- To improve the speed and efficiency of trains.
- To reduce air pollution from steam engines.
- To provide a more comfortable experience for passengers.
Correct Answer: To improve the speed and efficiency of trains.
Correct Answer Explanation: The electrification of the Meadows Division was driven by the desire to improve the speed and efficiency of trains. Electric motors, being faster and more powerful than steam engines, allowed for quicker travel times and reduced maintenance. This was crucial for a growing and busy transportation network like the Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad.
The Meadow Division’s construction involved the use of a unique system for handling electric power. What was the purpose of the bonds placed at all the joints of the running rails?
- To prevent rust from forming on the rails.
- To ensure the smooth flow of electric current.
- To provide extra support for the rails.
- To prevent the rails from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.
Correct Answer: To ensure the smooth flow of electric current.
Correct Answer Explanation: The bonds placed at all the joints of the running rails were essential for the smooth flow of electric current. These bonds, which were typically made of copper or other conductive materials, ensured that the current passed seamlessly from one rail section to the next without interruption.
The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project was a testament to the engineers’ ability to overcome challenges. What was the most common method used to transport materials for the construction of the embankment?
- Heavy-duty trucks
- Scows
- Narrow-gauge cars
- Locomotives from elevated railroads
Correct Answer: Scows
Correct Answer Explanation: Scows, flat-bottomed boats, were the most common method used to transport materials for the construction of the embankment on the Meadow Division. These boats allowed for efficient movement of materials across the waterways, making them a cost-effective and reliable solution for a large-scale construction project.
The Meadow Division’s construction required the use of a specialized type of rail for its tracks. What was the section number of the 100-lb. steel rails used?
- 1900
- 1905
- 1909
- 1915
Correct Answer: 1909
Correct Answer Explanation: The Meadow Division was constructed using Pennsylvania Section, 1909, 100-lb., open-hearth steel rails. This specific section number indicated the specific design and specifications of the rails, ensuring their strength, durability, and suitability for the heavy loads they were expected to carry.
The Meadow Division’s construction involved careful planning and coordination. Which of these factors was NOT a major challenge faced during the construction of the Meadow Division?
- The soft and unstable ground conditions.
- The need to cross multiple existing railroad lines.
- The availability of suitable construction materials.
- The need to integrate electric power into the rail system.
Correct Answer: The availability of suitable construction materials.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the other factors presented significant challenges, the availability of suitable construction materials was not a major concern during the Meadow Division’s construction. At the time, materials such as steel, concrete, stone, and earth were readily available for large-scale construction projects like the Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad.
The Hackensack River Drawbridge was a complex engineering marvel that required a unique system to ensure the safety of trains. What was the primary purpose of the rail-locking device on the drawbridge?
- To prevent the bridge from being raised while a train is passing.
- To prevent the bridge from being lowered while a train is passing.
- To prevent the bridge from being opened while a ship is passing.
- To prevent the bridge from being closed while a ship is passing.
Correct Answer: To prevent the bridge from being raised while a train is passing.
Correct Answer Explanation: The rail-locking device on the Hackensack River Drawbridge was designed to prevent the movable section of the bridge from being raised until the lift rails were securely in place. This prevented the bridge from being raised accidentally while a train was passing, ensuring the safety of train operations.
The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project was a major undertaking that transformed transportation in New York City. Which of these elements was NOT a crucial part of the new transportation system?
- The Harrison Transfer Yard
- The Meadow Division
- The Bergen Hill Tunnels
- The New York City Subway System
Correct Answer: The New York City Subway System
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project was primarily focused on connecting the Pennsylvania Railroad to the new Pennsylvania Station in New York City. While the New York City Subway System was a major part of the city’s transportation network, it was not directly involved in or connected to the Pennsylvania Tunnel and Terminal Railroad project.
The Meadow Division’s construction involved several significant engineering decisions. What was the primary reason for using concrete for the substructures of the bridges?
- Concrete was more durable than other materials.
- Concrete was less expensive than other materials.
- Concrete was more readily available than other materials.
- Concrete was easier to work with than other materials.
Correct Answer: Concrete was more durable than other materials.
Correct Answer Explanation: Concrete was chosen for the substructures of the bridges on the Meadow Division primarily because of its durability. Concrete was known for its strength, resistance to weathering, and ability to withstand the heavy loads and stresses imposed by the trains.
The Harrison Transfer Yard, a critical hub in the new transportation system, had a specific purpose. What was the main function of the Harrison Transfer Yard?
- To store and repair locomotives.
- To switch trains between steam and electric power.
- To facilitate passenger transfers between trains.
- To provide a waiting area for passengers.
Correct Answer: To switch trains between steam and electric power.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Harrison Transfer Yard’s primary purpose was to allow trains to transition smoothly between steam engines and electric motors. This was essential for integrating the Pennsylvania Railroad’s existing steam-powered trains with the new electric-powered system serving the new Pennsylvania Station.