|
|
| Re: Breaking News: MBTA Green Line Boeing LRVs -- *FINAL DAY* (402595) | |||
 |
|||
| Home > SubChat | |||
|
[ Read Responses | Post a New Response | Return to the Index ] |
|
||
|
Re: Breaking News: MBTA Green Line Boeing LRVs -- *FINAL DAY* |
|
|
Posted by RiverLINE3501 on Fri Mar 16 19:41:46 2007, in response to Breaking News: MBTA Green Line Boeing LRVs -- *FINAL DAY*, posted by Canton Viaduct on Fri Mar 16 02:34:38 2007. Here's my contribution:  Now, the story about those cars: Originally, there were THREE systems involved [along with the Feds] in the design and implementation of the Boeing cars, MUNI, MBTA and SEPTA. When the designs came out, SEPTA took one look and said "No Thanks" and walked away from the project. The Feds and Boeing whipped up a modified design of the car [single end operation, between 47 and 50 feet in length] to get SEPTA on board, but SEPTA still said no because the cars' design was fundamentally flawed [and SEPTA caught hell for it because the existing PCC fleet was held together with spit, chewing gum, rubber bands and Elmer's glue]. When the Boeings debuted in Boston in 1977 many were embarrased in Philly. Then MUNI got theirs in '78-'79. By then SEPTA had ordered the K cars from Japan [1978], and caught even more shit, especially from Delco politicians where the Boeing Plant was located. But guess who got the last laugh? That's right, it was SEPTA! While MUNI and the T were dealing with the Boeing's shortcomings and defects, SEPTA put the K cars on the tracks here with little or no bugs or defects, and now that the K cars has been running for about 25-26 years in reliable service, while those Boeings that SEPTA's critics were jealous about have been turned into scrap! |
|
|
|