After being "stored" in reserve, R42s returned in service 1/8/20.
MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:14 am
Everyone: The R42 cars saw decades of service for the NYC Subway system.
These cars were the first full series that were of an MTA design - built in 1970-71.
With a full overhaul and rebuild they would literally reach 50 years of service until their retirement.
What I am not sure of is what subsequent cars had backlit advertising installed and when it was formally
discontinued. The use of plastic advertising cards was primarily during the 70s and 80s as I recall.
The first cars under the MTA auspices were the last 100 R40s - "modified" or straight cars with a straight nose in response to the criticism of the slanted nose as designed by Raymond Loewy. They were basically slanted R40s with the new nose added on while on the assembly line - an afterthought by late MTA Chairman Ronan. The 100 "modified" R40s rolled out of St. Louis between early January and late March 1969, with the R42s following afterward. The 400 R42s were similar to the last 100 R40s, with different side sheetmetal, seating and end doors. They now had solid state converters with lighting inverters, which meant no blinking on power gaps. The 400 cars were delivered between April 1969 and early 1970.
R44, R46, R62, R62A, R68 and R68A also had backlit ads, to this date.
Since my friend continues to chain smoke nonstop, she is probably an Alco.