Bosco

At least one R62A will remain at Corona for work service, no?

5 hours ago, m7zanr160s said:

Can the M7s be programmed to display what car in the consist you're in?

For right now, no.  That is exclusive to the M9s.

5 hours ago, MNR Beacon Line said:

I don't like this. The new announcer has a really weird inflection. The old guy was kind of a Long Island icon too, randomly loud station names and all.

It's weird, but at least it's clearer.  It will take some getting used to.  I'm also not a fan of the truck-in-reverse like door closing warning.

38 minutes ago, RR503 said:

I had heard the same for that order, but wondered what had changed since the 156s came in on flatcars. Do you know anything about that order? 

Only involvement Kawasaki had on that was the trucks.  Other than that, I'm not really familiar with the R156 so I can't say.

21 minutes ago, MysteriousBtrain said:

Lmao stop mentioning him as your sources. I'm pretty sure he's just as tired as us when you mention his name.

From Dj Hammers himself:

On 8/7/2018 at 9:51 PM, Dj Hammers said:

Just to clear some things up - some people have extrapolated some small bits of information to make various conclusions about how the car assignments will look in the future. Furthermore, a select minority of these conclusions have been attributed to me when that isn't really the case. Some of these extrapolations are fairly well done, but I should make it clear that the resultant detailed numbers and other info from them may in some cases be inaccurate.

In short, I can't really comment about the accuracy of the claims made here because they are not official plans, and I think it would be incorrect to characterize any of those conclusions as coming from myself.

In any event, @Coney Island Av, what difference does it make where 3010-3019 are at this moment?  They are MIA, and at least one unit got sent to Bombardier for modifications.  That's it.  They will come back when the modifications are made and NYCT finds them acceptable.  That is where we are at, and have been at for a few months.  It's one thing to want to keep score of which R179s are in-service, testing, OOS, etc. (although it is sort of redundant).  But the rampant speculation is a waste of time and causes frustration on this group.  And claiming someone as a source who never made the claim in question and has asked that he not be attributed to such claims is unprofessional.  As Dj Hammers said, just because he mentioned something about a particular assignment doesn't mean it's true, and doesn't mean he himself is claiming it (he could've heard it from the grapevine).  Please leave the baseless speculation and misattribution of quotes to Fox News, thank you.

4 minutes ago, RR503 said:

Any idea why they didn't opt for the rail routing? Cost? Class 1s not wanting to accept liability (which, I guess, is also cost)?

I think from the Facebook group, the R142s were towed on a flatbed railcar, not push-pulled because NYCT's cars are not true FRA-rated railcars, and therefore cannot be push-pulled.  And they probably determined it is cheaper overall just to tow them on a tractor trailer.

That is, of course, not considering the liability issue (which has come up with the M9 derailment and has thrown a huge wrench into an already late contract)...

7 hours ago, Lawrence St said:

Anyone know how much it costs to ship one R179 car from Plattsburgh to 207th St?

No clue.  In addition to the gas/toll that the towing company charges (Silk Road), Port Authority charges a hefty fee for crossing the GWB.  I'm not sure whether the MTA covers that cost, or Bombardier.

48 minutes ago, Coney Island Av said:

Okay guys, I have a crazy theory on what could be going on with 3010-3019.

We all know at this point that they were sent up for modifications. And although one (3010-3014) was sitting in 207 St, I can officially confirm that both of them (3010-3014 and 3015-3019) are at Bombardier. Before I could only imply if the former was there. But what if they're still there not just due to modifications, but also because they're also doing additional road testing up there!

It could theoretically be a possibility, considering that there are test tracks up at the facility. We've seen pictures of the prototype set up there doing testing, as well as test programs like the (P) to Plattsburgh and  to Coney Island. If 3010-3019 does indeed have the most bugs/issues out of whole set, it is highly likely that they'd do additional road testing. So what if, what if, 3010-3019 is doing all this testing to prepare for when they return! If so, when the two five-car sets get back, they'll just immediately enter burn-in testing on the ! 

Sounds like good news! Because they wouldn't have to do a lot of testing when they return to MTA property, and it would accelerate their entry into revenue service! 

All we have to do is be patient until they get back. We can't be too far off from a return date. No. Not when they have been gone for months at this point. 

Most, if not all, railcar facilities have a test track (including Kawasaki in Yonkers, although that test track is relatively small).  All trains generally do some tests at the facility.  The modifications are being done there because the MTA does not have the resources, so it's faster and easier to do it there.  The (P) and programs that were spotted were spotted on MTA on existing cars.  That has nothing to do with the issues 3010-3019 have.  So everything you just said is either already true, or is just irrelevant.

It's fine to discuss the status of trains and whatnot, but the amount of energy some people put into certain topics is mind boggling...

8 hours ago, subwaycommuter1983 said:

True. In fact, as a courtesy, Bombardier should build 20 10 car trains instead of 12 10 car trains. Those 20 10 car trains would cover 50% of the A and 100% of the C and I mention the C because they can easily go to the C once the r211's are in service.

While I agree the MTA should've done more 5-car sets (and ideally kept the original assignment of mostly 5-car sets), getting more cars out of something doesn't just happen.  Even added option orders, as was the case with the R142A (technically R142S), PA5, and M8, have to go through extensive negotiations between the contractor and the customer.  Plus, it's not like Bombardier has the resources to build any more trains as they are also way behind on other projects.

On a side note, I did the math and at the current rate of one 4-car or 5-car set per week, the last 4-car set won't be delivered until sometime in February, and the last 5-car set until late June.  I don't see how Bombardier will meet the goal of having all trains on property before the shutdown begins.

2 hours ago, OverlyObsessed said:

Does anybody where the M9 Bumblebees are? Last time I heard of them they were still in Yonkers about a month ago.

9001-9008 are still undergoing repairs, and some of them have already gotten the new scheme.  The derailment caused more damage than initially thought.  The first three production cars from Nebraska (9015-9016, and 9017) are up there as well.

 

On 8/4/2018 at 10:06 PM, jamesman8 said:

Nice to see that the M9's can operate in union with the M7 sets, I doubt that will EVER happen in revenue service, but its good to know that they're capable of operating together.

I think that's only for towing purposes (the R160s could tow a R179 in theory).

3 hours ago, Dj Hammers said:

It's burn-testing on the C out of convenience (The train was already at Pitkin Yard). Once that consist is finished testing it will join the other R179s at East New York Yard.

Had a feeling it was either that, or crew members wanting to troll fans again (like they did with the R160  two weeks ago).

5 hours ago, Lance said:

All this talk about car moves and I'm just sitting here wondering when we'll see those five-car sets. Damn build problems.

If this is still the case, I think the priority is the four-car sets as ENY needs to be 100% NTT before the shutdown begins.  I don't see anything else stopping production of the five-car sets as they are mechanically and electrically the same, just with one extra B-car.

Speaking of which, have 3010-3019 returned?  If so, when can we expect them to enter service?

9017 is being prepped for final assembly at Yonkers.

On 7/6/2018 at 12:38 AM, Around the Horn said:

The R142/As don't have storage space for CBTC equipment since that's where the R143/160/179 has the flag and MTA logo on the bonnet, and on the R142/As that's a window, hence the gigantic cabinet on the right hand side of an R188.

The R142/As also never had provisions for CBTC, at least not initially.  That's why the R142As needed the extensive rebuild to become R188s, and why the original TOD is only one screen.

On 7/6/2018 at 3:45 PM, AlgorithmOfTruth said:

As per the specifications of the R179 design, all units measure 60 1/5 feet. Will all future subway car orders be 60 feet? 

Yes, all future B-division cars will be 60 feet.  The R211s will also be 60 feet.

I'm hoping (don't want to jinx) that this will impact the R179, but...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ttc-bombardier-streetcars-welding-problem-quebec-1.4732985

Out of curiosity, has 9003-9004 been spotted on MTA property or en route to NY?  It's the only pilot pair I haven't seen either at MTA or Yonkers.


 

48 minutes ago, U-BahnNYC said:

Isn't that going to be needed regardless of CBTC? The R62s are approaching 40 years.

Yes, but Byford's plan calls for CBTC for Lexington within the next five years, not ten as originally planned.  This means a new contract would need to come sooner, and then there's the issue of scrapping the R62/As too early (although those can be used as work trains).

The other issue long-term is even if the money is there, how quickly can new cars be built?  Kawasaki will be backlogged through 2025 assuming all R211 options are exercised, Bombardier has a lot of work to do before they regain the MTA's trust, and Alstom will be busy with Acela through 2022.  That means the earliest new cars for the A division can start coming is 2023-4, and that's assuming an ideal situation, which is not the case here.  I am interested to see what happens though regarding post-R211 contracts as the industry has had a lot of shake-ups in recent years.

On 7/1/2018 at 12:47 AM, subwaycommuter1983 said:

Let's see what happens. These are mostly tentative plans that are subject to change, especially with Byford's plan for making QBL, 8th Avenue and other sections CBTC within the next five years.

So far it's confirmed that:

 will get 40 additional cars during the shutdown.

 will be full length.

Agreed.  While I'm cautiously optimistic about Byford's plans, achieving the level of CBTC he wants will not only require both option orders of R211s, but potentially a third and a new contract for the A division.

54 minutes ago, Calvin said:

Mentioned already ^

To put everything together on the last day of June: 

R188s (7211-7590, 7811-7936) are all housed at Corona for the Flushing  line while the R142As (7591-7660, 7666-7810) are all out of Jerome Yard  line. 

*R142s from 6301-7115 are on White Plains line/Nostrand Av  with the  1101-1250, 7116-7180 at Jerome Yard. 

 

So the  is almost exactly 50/50 R142 and R142A... What's the story with 7661-7665 though?  Was that the set that died and was sitting in Westchester for awhile?  Also, has serviced been increased on the or  or do those extra R142s just serve as spares for both lines?

55 minutes ago, RailRunRob said:

What are these guys describing here with  3 propulsion systems? Wouldnt you need an inverter to step from 700V to motor output as well as conversion down from both 12/25kv?  So one box does both inversion and conversion? (DC and AC)?

The three propulsion systems for the M8 are catenary, and two for the dual current collector.  The M8 collectors can run on overhanging (LIRR) or underhanging (MNR) third rails.  This is because the M8s were designed to be able to run into Penn Station, should that ever happen.

While the M7, M8, and M9 propulsions are all supplied by Melco and all use AC traction motors, there are improvements such as size and different pitch curves that affect the sound of the propulsion.  Let's not forget also that the M7 propulsion package is over 15 years old, and the M8 propulsion package is almost 10 years old.  The electronics of rail cars evolve very, very quickly, and it's the electronics that dictate the propulsion sound.  While the R179s and R160s are very similar in terms of overall design, there are actually many electrical differences between the two.

8 hours ago, RailRunRob said:

Gotcha he was the Quality acceptance guy back in the day.. I heard he moved up from someone I know a few years back. Had a great experience and learnt a lot while there I'm sure you'll have success.

He's currently the VP.  Another good guy (many of the people there have great experience and there's a lot to learn from them).

 

21 hours ago, HereComesWhitey said:

New employee, can confirm that crashed cars are with us. Just stripped down the crashed trucks and we're working on the M9 ones as well. ☺️

Welcome aboard!  Definitely a great time to be working at Kawasaki.

2 hours ago, RR503 said:

NJT is ordering EMU versions of the MLV to replace remaining Arrows. I think it’s a safe assumption that those cars will be able to clear Penn, so I see no reason that the LIRR couldn’t order a similar fleet with 3rd rail shoes. They wouldn’t be able to make it into ESA, sure, but any new capacity to Penn is certainly worth investigating. 

Was not aware of this, and the current double-decker trains won't be able to clear ESA anyway.

9015 (along with 9016) are currently being assembled inside Yonkers.

20 hours ago, Calvin said:

From what I've noticing, whenever a R62A pop-ups for garbage duty on the Flushing line, it's mostly 1901-1908 that's seen. 

42 St Shuttle units can be seen doing garbage duty on the mainline. 

--

Speaking of the Flushing units, I wonder if they are going to take out the circle and diamond LED and move them over to the  units (Shuttle units as well).  

What about the 240 St units that are on the ?  If those are being loaned indefinitely, shouldn't they also get those LEDs?

It was really stupid of them to separate 1921-1925 in the first place, perhaps they could reunify that set.

2 hours ago, EphraimB said:

What's the difference between the yellow M9s and the regular M9s. Also, why are the LIRR diesel trains double-decker and the third-rail LIRR trains (M series) single-decker?

1. The yellow M9s were the original paint scheme.  The reason being (which is why the M3s and M7s are also yellow) is to increase visibility at grade crossings.  The color was changed when Emperor Cuomo stepped in and wanted the stripe added like the R160 and R211.   As this was in the middle of production/delivery of the pilot trains, some cars received it, while others have the original scheme.  At least one car (I think either 9005 or 9006) has yellow outside the cab windows, but a silver cab door.

2. Needless to say, the double-decker trains increase capacity.  However, only the diesel trains can be double-decker because the EMUs require individual modules for the propulsion, battery, etc.  The double-decker cars are powerless, so all they need are the HVACs (which IINM are roof-mounted; correct me if I’m wrong) , some electricity for the lighting and doors, and air for the brakes.  And the air supply and electricity comes from the diesel locomotive.

First production car (9016) waiting for final assembly in Yonkers.

7 hours ago, Jemorie said:

Surprised the five-car sets still haven't entered service as of yet. I heard they're going through modifications instead of testing. But good to hear that what is currently 48 in regular passenger service on the  will become 56 in regular passenger service on said line.

They went up to Bombardier a few months ago and they might also be doing tests there since the MTA is short on resources (which was one of the reasons they're doing the mods at Bombardier).  Either way, the priority is the 4-car sets, so the production 5-car sets likely won't be built under the bulk of the 4-car sets are done.

On 6/12/2018 at 5:50 PM, IAlam said:

So I was taking the  and the train went BIE causing it to be delayed. After Broadway Jct the train went express so the C/R changed the FIND system to show all the stops skipped as “Will Not Stop.” Apperently in the R179’s even if the train won’t stop there it stays on the FIND until the train passes the station. Unlike the R160 which just deletes all the stops that the train skips.

Lead car was 3089 train and it went OOS at Jamaica. 

An interesting program change.  When it's OOS entirely, the LCD screen also displays "Route Change: This map is not in use."

4 minutes ago, Calvin said:

3134-3135 on its way to NYC

I know it's been asked a lot, but are there any updates on 3070-3077?  I understand they probably needed to make modifications, but how many modifications were necessary given that it's a production set?

On 6/12/2018 at 10:18 AM, trainfan22 said:

Video of the M9 set at Yonkers (Not mine)

I suspect later on today there will be video of the M9 actually moving since they supposedly went on a rest run today, like what was mentioned in the post above.

I think that might be the car which was damaged in the derailment.