Speed Record

[Boomerang503]

I apologize if this was asked before. I've read that the R44 subway cars hold the current record for the fastest subway train at 87.75 miles per hour. Does anyone know if subsequent cars have attempted to break the record? Also, is it even possible for later-model cars?

[Fan Railer]

I apologize if this was asked before. I've read that the R44 subway cars hold the current record for the fastest subway train at 87.75 miles per hour. Does anyone know if subsequent cars have attempted to break the record? Also, is it even possible for later-model cars?

 

Mechanically speaking, before field shunting was removed from the DC traction motors of the cars of the pre-ntt series, most cars routinely hit 45-50 in service. AFAIK no other attempt was made to break that record with any subsequent car class because by the time the R68's were ordered, they did not have field shunting included with the DC traction package, and their weight precludes any balancing speed above 40 or so mph. All ntt cars (R142 and higher) with AC traction motors have their computers govern speed at 55 mph, that is, if the train is to exceed that speed going down a tunnel, say the queensbound 60th street tunnel (fastest portion of track in the system), the onboard traction computer automatically cuts power to the traction motor until train speed drops back below 55 mph.

 

It is also important to note that the R44 speed record was set on LIRR track, on which the voltage is higher, allowing the traction motors to achieve greater ratings at speed. AFAIK, no other car after the R44 was tested on LIRR track.