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| Re: Retired R46's (1633882) | |||
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Re: Retired R46's |
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Posted by Edwards! on Fri Jul 12 16:19:39 2024, in response to Re: Retired R46's, posted by zac on Thu Jul 11 20:11:33 2024. That's what I loved about them.You could actually hear yourself think, and talk. They were comfortable, quiet, but had the 'big railroad" feel to them. The other odd thing, is they had a different"feel" to them stepping into the car. I believe it may have had something to do with the flooring.. The 46s didn't have this,nor did any other equipment that came after. This was Not a big deal,in any case. The problem with the 44s were more mechanical,than aesthetic. New technologies,lack of "proper maintenance", and training is what led to the slew of issues involving the early years. Steve has first hand knowledge of the inner workings of the R44s various problems, and I defer to his expertise and experience without question. However, the 44s were essentially victims of bad choices, both design and engineering. St Louis Car built the cars to specs. As a money saving practice, the TA used composite materials to build the car bodies. Stainless steel was used as overlay on Low Alloy,High Tensile Steel(LAHT), with molded fiberglass end bonnets. The mid section, where the belly band is located,was non stainless steel LAHT. Because of this, and other reasons, the cars suffered premature deteriorating in key areas.. According to Train Dude, the cars Were still in relatively good condition, and could be saved,as were the SIR R44 cars were. The MTA,under direction of the "federal government", declared the railcars unsafe, removing them permanently from service. The cars innovative for the subway when introduced, should have received a much more dignified send off. They were not. Slowly withdrawn,they disappeared from the public eye without so much as a "thanks". The last remaining car is present at the Transit Museum,a static display. If you listen to the dull humming coming from it, you might just hear it's story..told sadly to anyone who will listen. |
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