Ride Quality of Passenger Equipment

As a former NHRR commuter (Bridgeport/Darien) as well as frequent long-distance rail traveler (Bridgeport/Salt Lake City), I've always been interested in ride quality. To me, the stainless-steel NH equipment from the late 40's were the smoothest-riding cars (at least when new) ever to grace steel rails, MUCH smoother than either Amfleet or Superliners. They actually seemed to "float" to their destination! On the other hand, the New Haven's lightweights from the 30's were the ROUGHEST riding equipment I've ever encountered ANYWHERE (as were the "washboards" in their twilight years).

Interestingly, the heavyweight coaches from the 20's "rumbled" but were quite steady riding.

Though I tried on numerous occasions, I was never able to sample the ride on the low-slung speedsters of the mid-50's: the DAN'L WEBSTER or the JOHN QUINCY ADAMS - they were always "out of service" on the days I purchased tickets. Was the riding quality of these two trains similar, or was one better than the other?

The one time I rode the JQA it was not particularly good riding. The UAC turbo train was also not a good riding train.
The 8600's had truck problems which caused them to vibrate, slam and bang from time to time and other problems.
The 4400's, I don't think anybody could say that they were a good riding car.
As for the older stuff, the HW coaches and converted parlors were good riders as were the "American Flyer" coaches.
The old HW MUTS were pretty good riding cars as well.
Noel Weaver

Towards the end of NH era (1960’s) the commuter rides could be pretty rough. My father who commuted into NYC complained about it bitterly. As a child, I remember it being a bit of a milkshake experience as well. This may be due to track maintenance work being held to a minimum. Today, the Acela is pretty good, if you can afford it.

-anyone from the Boston area recall, how was riding quality on the ex-NYW&B Stillwell coaches, compared to the heavyweight equipment generally in use on NH commuter lines?

Roger

Got to ride the Jim Bradley cars when they were brought out of Stonington. All heavyweight Pullmans & they road just fine.

The Amtrak Conductor made us stop in Old Saybrook because he was hearing "noises". I pointed out that it was probably the solid bearing trucks that were making a low sound which got louder as the speed picked up.

They road well on jointed rail as well.

Sitting in a section in the Breslin Tower going up towards Waterbury was quite nice. Too bad there was no porter service....

-at least when they were parked in Jim's yard they had "chowder service."

-what a great thing he did to preserve a part of the New Haven.


Roger