| Long Island used modified Alco FA's to provide train hotel power, and as control cabs. They were typically on the west end of trains, making photography of them leading somewhat problematic on their morning westbound runs. This one is pulling away as the train heads through Nassau interlocking and up the Oyster Bay branch. Of note are two buildings in the background. The first, seen above the second car from the FA, is Nassau tower. The Long Island may have the most active towers of any railroad in America at this point in history. The second notable structure is the ivy covered building immediately behind the FA. It was once a power station for the LIRR electrified lines, which, in addition to the Main Line west, also included third rail to East Williston on the Oyster Bay branch, and on the line that turned south here to reach Garden City and Hempstead. It was once possible to go from Mineola to West Hempstead and Valley Stream by train. |