Rotem Cars Discussion (new bi-level cars)

MBTA3247 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:35 pm The only source of incompatibility that *might* exist between MLVs and K cars would be for electronics like door controls and announcements - or if you wanted to run into NY Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal.

Not sure about Grand Central (MNCR)'s loading gauge (but can accommodate up to 14' with P32s and various work diesels), but Grand Central LIRR is restricted to single level M-7 and M-9 MUs only - no LIRR C3s or NJT Multilevels.

I recall reading somewhere that the MLVs can fit into the original levels of Grand Central.

Grand Central Madison is limited to single-level cars due to clearances in the 63rd St Tunnel.

I’m guessing, but I bet bombardier would have little trouble making a version of the MLV that was a little taller for the T

Why would you want to make an existing bilevel car taller?

We run mixed consists every day.

If the T wanted to order more bilevel high platform trains today, they would presumably order more Rotem coaches (from Korea without federal money) order Kawasaki “K” cars, or order from bombardier. No reason to order MLVs unless you plan to pool them with Metro-North or you get a discount price.

Hence that’s why more new rotem coaches are coming such as 1828-31 already in service or about to start service and counting.

Bombardier would probably be the hungriest. Do they still have ability to “bend stainless steel” (make the shells) in the US?

MBTA and Bombardier had a bit of a falling out over the 01800 order and they have not won a bid with the T since.

The T is running out of manufacturers to play ball with.

BandA wrote:Bombardier would probably be the hungriest. Do they still have ability to “bend stainless steel” (make the shells) in the US?

CRail wrote:The T is running out of manufacturers to play ball with.

Bombardier is no longer manufacturing rail cars. That part of the business was sold off in 2021 to Alstom.

As for that question, yes, Plattsburgh does have (since 2009) stainless welding and fabrication capability.

Stainless sheetmetal for roof and car structures (sides and sills) can be cut and welded here. The CTA cars
did have subframes built by a Mexican plant and shipped to Plattsburgh.

Update:

Cars 1828-31, 1834-41, 1843-44 are all in service now
Cars up to 1854 are on property.
Cars 1832 and 33 I believe are in readville or rochester.
Car 1842 is in rochester.
All other not in service cars are scattered around the T's yards.

They seem to be preforming just fine, with no problems with the cabs. The doors have had a problem with playing the chime 4 or 5 times, but thats a simple fix.

The problems seem to originate with the locomotives, which have their own problems.

Middleboro extra was scheduled yesterday 10/28 to pick up Batch #10 of Rotems 1849- 1850- 868- 869 in Middleboro to bring back to Readville for testing this week

Finally there is a complete set of 5 bilevels + 1805 on the Northside. Currently on the Lowell Line on #313 with 2011 on front.