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American Experience

Grand Central: Crisis Leads to Opportunity

2m 19s

Following a deadly train crash in 1902, steam locomotives were banned in Manhattan. Grand Central's Chief Engineer William Wilgus pioneered a new technology by harnessing electricity to power the New York Railroad's trains. By using electric trains, he could do away with Grand Central's massive train shed and dig tunnels below ground, cover the train yards, and have an underground station.

Aired: 02/03/08
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.