Check out our books and merch at the LTV Press store

Phelps Dodge Narrow Gauge Railroad Remains

Published on: April 28th, 2011 | Last updated: June 5, 2013 Written by:

Last week, I mentioned the former Phelps Dodge site in Maspeth in this mission file about some nearby abandoned houses.

Currently the only building on the former Phelps Dodge property is a large warehouse used as a Restaurant Depot outlet. Behind the building though, one might find some remains of the narrow gauge railroad which used to exist inside the confines of the refinery (“Narrow Gauge” refers to the small width between the two rails – as opposed to the ‘standard gauge’ that most railroads as we know them utilize).

These tracks are a crazy swirl of rails with tight curve radius’s and close proximity to each other. It would be a neat project for any modeling nerd to try and replicate what the complete railroad looked like.

Hopefully, if and when this land gets developed (there’s some calm NYS Dot will create a park under the replacement for the Kosciusko Bridge), some sort of historic reminder of what this property used to be (like these tracks) will be preserved as a reminder of the areas former industrial might. Personally though, I think the space should be left exactly as it is now: hidden in plain sight and very secluded feeling. Once beyond the parking lot area the only persistent sign of life were the airliners making their way to LaGuardia.

NOTE: Argumentative comments completely devoid of facts (supply links to support your arguement) will not be published.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

<
  • About The Author

    Bad Guy Joe

    Bad Guy Joe
    Bad Guy Joe knows more about the NYC underground than anyone else on or below the surface of this planet. He has spent nearly 30 years sneaking into NYC's more forbidden locations. When not underground, he's probably bitching about politicians or building something digital. 
  • Recent Comments

  • Newsletter: All Things Exploring

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter.
  • What is…

    LTVSquad.com is the blog of NYC's most notorious team of explorers. We bring you a unique roasted blend of content culled from the fringes and dark underbelly of this fine city. Consider us an Autodidact's guide to urban exploration, adventure and fringe art. Mixed with 2 part photography and video, 1 parts social commentary and (ill)legal mentality.

    All text and original photographs are copyrighted material. LTV Squad is fully staffed by a team of lawyers and we absolutely love to get our litigation on.

    Inquiries, private comments, etc: Contact Control{@}ltvsquad.com.

  • Calendar Ov Posts

    April 2011
    S M T W T F S
     12
    3456789
    10111213141516
    17181920212223
    24252627282930
  • -->