M3a Rehab Discussion and Status

So as noted elsewhere in the forum (M9 Cars Design Delivery and Acceptance, MNRR is not getting any of the M9 options, but are instead rehabbing the M3a's.

This thread will cover that rehab, status and details, etc.

How many more years of service life will they get out of the equipment post-rehab?

Weren't the Metro North M3s rebuilt some years ago, replacing the previous fully openable windows with sealed windows, new interiors, seat covers etc?

If they're getting rehab'ed again, lets hope its a good, thorough one that keeps them going for a long time

The M-3's are getting ACSES gear installed at LIRR Arch st shop by a contractor,with a round trip tow over Hellgate bridge
with tired LIRR MP-15's. The M -7's did this trip for BBD warranty work.The pairs are barefooted to clear LIRR 3rd rail.

"barefooted"... I'm not saying they should do it, but it would be interesting if they were retrofitted with the over/under M8 shoes...

why? they will never operate on other railroad, due to signal incompatibility ?

SeanW wrote: ↑Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:31 pm Weren't the Metro North M3s rebuilt some years ago, replacing the previous fully openable windows with sealed windows, new interiors, seat covers etc?

If they're getting rehab'ed again, lets hope its a good, thorough one that keeps them going for a long time

The windows were never fully openable. If I recall correctly, every third or so window had a transom, hinged at the bottom, that would swing in a couple inches-- similar to the windows on the R-142 etc. subway cars.

While I appreciate vintage equipment as much as the next guy, as a daily MN commuter I've got to say that I wish these were heading off to a museum instead of rehab. The M7's are much more pleasant to ride in-- bigger windows, better seats, better suspension and the bathrooms don't smell.

Ridgefielder wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 11:10 amThe windows were never fully openable. If I recall correctly, every third or so window had a transom, hinged at the bottom, that would swing in a couple inches-- similar to the windows on the R-142 etc. subway cars.

Inward hinged vents, standard on all NYCT cars from R32s and World's Fair R36s onward. Even many rebuilt Redbirds with original drop sash windows had them replaced with inward vents in the early 1990s.

NYCT refers to them as picture windows (R32/R36 and up). Reportedly once AC was installed on older cars (Redbirds), the need for full drop sashes were no longer justified.