When were the Blueliner MU's retired?

So the PRR's MP-54s were basically as gutless as the LIRR version? IIRC, the LIRR ones topped at around 50-55.

I'm guessing they couldn't get out of their own way acceleration wise either?

THanks for the good information, all.

-otto-

Nasadowsk wrote:So the PRR's MP-54s were basically as gutless as the LIRR version? IIRC, the LIRR ones topped at around 50-55.

I'm guessing they couldn't get out of their own way acceleration wise either?

None of the MP-54 cars could do more than 50-55mph, and they tended to burn out their traction motors if they ran at those speeds for very long---- The only difference between the LIRR and PRR MP 54's was that the LIRR versions were built with an arch roof while the PRR versions had the "Railroad" Roof.

Nasadowsk wrote:
From what I've heard, they were faster than the MP-54s were. Though pretty much everything was, it seemed. When did the last of those clunkers go away, anyway?

According to Under Pennsy Wires Conrail owned 59 MP 54's as late as 1977. Some of the cars came to Baltimore and ran on what is now MARC's Penn Line for a while in the late 1970's. ( MARC didn't exist then, that service was simply MDOT service)---- They were not well received.

To add to blueduck's comment, the switch to the siding that the "toolshed" and boxcar are sitting on has been removed, further reducing the chances that this car will ever roll again.

Thought they were called "Blue Birds". Cool Rattan seats. Loud traction motors!
Once, SEPTA had a problem with the hollow axles in the Silverliners. They were limited to 25mph. The Blue Birds had solid axles - no problem!

Heard that USDOT made SEPTA retire them.