I had to go to Rockaway on Saturday, and I was lucky enough to catch an R42. What a ride that was! I was by the railfan window, and the train suddenly stopped by that small bridge between Howard Beach and Broad Channel. We were just stuck there and didn't move for at least 45 minutes. From what I could tell, the T/O couldn't communicate with the Conductor. The T/O left his booth and walked to the back of the train (to the conductor, I assume). While he was gone, someone decided to get out of the train and start walking to Broad Channel. Finally after over 45 minutes, the conductor got back and we started moving again. A few minutes later, I hear from the T/O's booth "What the f' is this n'er doing hitchhiking on the side of the tracks?" So we had to stop for another 10 minutes to get him back on the train. At Broad Channel, they took the train out of service, and the conductor said he was bringing the train into the shop.
Hopefully they'll keep the 42s. As bad as that ride was, I love that railfan window!