Re: NYC Subway Update-November 17, 2008
Hello Everyone:
As the Holiday Season approaches, a number of unexpected twists are occurring with NYCT’s ever-changing equipment picture, like so many side-trips on a long journey. Progress has remained solid and has even accelerated in bringing the R-160’s on board, while the Slant R-40’s have received yet another reprieve. More R-42’s have been removed from their long-time home at East New York, though several trains’ worth remain, and the stage is now definitely set for the R-38’s final run, straight into a retirement that should take place by early 2009. Finally, the Second Option to the R-160 contract has been finalized just in time for this Update to be compiled, bringing the present level of commitment to a quantity of 1,662 cars. This is up from the previous 1,574 and there may be even more to come in the future.
1) IRT Events
A number of R-62’s on the 3 and R-62A’s on the 7 continued to receive unique “waist band” external advertising for The History Channel through the balance of October, but it appears that a lot of it has already been removed by mid-November. On October 27, 2008 R-142As 7716-7720 were discovered back in service on the 4, with B-car 7718 exhibiting a little bit of remedial body work. By November 3, Corona-based R-62A single unit 2077 had finally received purple striping beneath its number boards to complete the “labeling” of this fleet several years past its reassignment.
2) IRT Car Assignment-November 17, 2008
1/9 (Red, 240 St. Yard, Bronx)-385 cars
385 WH R-62A 1826-1830, 1841-1900, 2156-2475 (5-car unitized).
2-385 cars (239 St., Bronx)
385 Am R-142 6301-6685 (5-car unitized).
--Am R-142 from 2 used on 5 as required.
--Am R-142 from 5 used on 2 as required.
3 (Orange, Livonia Yard, Brooklyn)-290 cars
290 GE R-62 1301-1315, 1321-1365, 1376-1434, 1438, 1441-1530, 1546-1625 (5-car unitized).
--WH R-62A from S used on 3 as required.
4 (Orange; Jerome Yard, Bronx)-425 cars
25 GE R-62 1316-1320, 1371-1375, 1531-1545 (5-car unitized).
60 Am R-142A 7671-7730 (5-car unitized).
80 Am R-142S 7731-7810 (5-car unitized).
260 Am R-142 1101-1250, 7071-7180 (5-car unitized).
5 (East 180 St., Bronx)-385 cars
385 Am R-142 6686-7070 (5-car unitized). Used on OPTO.
--Am R-142 from 2 used on 5 as required.
--Am R-142 from 5 used on 2 as required.
6 (Westchester Yard, Bronx)-460 cars
460 Am R-142A 7211-7670 (5-car unitized).
7 (Purple, Corona Yard, Queens)-409 cars
185 WH R-62A 1651-1825, 1831-1840 (5-car unitized).
224 WH R-62A 1901-1904, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1911, 1913-1916, 1923, 1928, 1932, 1934, 1938, 1939, 1942-1944, 1947-1949, 1954, 1957-2155 (single units).
S (Blue, Livonia Yard, Brooklyn)-10 cars
30 WH R-62A 1905, 1908, 1912, 1917-1922, 1924-1927, 1929-1931, 1933, 1935-1937, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950-1953,
1955, 1956 (cars 1921, 1926, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1956 have full-width
cabs)
--WH R-62A from S used on 3 as required.
3) R-160 Progress
R-160A/Dash 2’s 8688-8702 were on hand by October 24, 2008, with the final 10 cars of the group (8703-8712) arriving on NYCT property as of October 30. This completed delivery of all 660 cars in the original contract as approved in July 2002, and was trailed immediately by the first 10 Option I R-160A/Dash 2’s, which were shunted from 207 Street to Pitkin to commence testing on November 6. Numbered 9233-9242, these were followed by unit 9243-9247 on November 14, and all will eventually operate in passenger service out of Jamaica. In that vein crews from the E and F, as well as Department of Car Equipment personnel based at Jamaica shop, have been training on various R-160 trains throughout October and November. In fact, Kawasaki-built, Alstom-equipped R-160B set 8773-8777 was farmed out to Jamaica from Coney Island on October 17 strictly for this purpose, being joined by R-160A/Dash 1 set 8605-8608 from East New York by November 7. Of late there is indication that the R-160’s assigned to Jamaica will find their way to both IND lines, and for the first time serious consideration is being given to the future allocation of some R-160’s to the A (and perhaps C).
The first new 10-car train of R-160A/Dash 2’s (8663-8672) went into service at Coney Island (on the N) starting October 24, with two more trains (8673-8692) following one week later. Through November 17, 2008 R-160A/Dash 2’s 8683-8702 had also been activated on the N, Q and W lines, leaving just one more 10-car set (8703-8712) to be accepted. As of November 7, it was noted that at least three Coney Island-based R-160 consists were spread around the N and Q lines composed of five Alstom-built R-160A/Dash 2’s and five Kawasaki-built R-160B’s (all possessing Alstom Onix propulsion equipment). This may be a preview of future operations both there and at Jamaica.
As of October 30, 2008 Option I R-160B’s 9088-9102 were delivered, followed by 9003-9007 in the first week of November and 9008-9012 by November 14. These represented the last cars of this group to be equipped with Siemens propulsion, and had been “missing” since June when they encountered inspection problems and deliveries were continued without them. As of November 17, 2008 Option I R-160B’s 9103-9107, which revert to the Alstom Onix propulsion package, were also on hand. When accepted this group of 130 units will be divided for service between Coney Island and Jamaica, though their assignments could be changed when Option II equipment is delivered later on. Through November 17, 2008 Option I R-160Bs 9053-9057 and 9068-9102 were newly-accepted for revenue service on the N, Q and W. As forecasted in the last Update, this opened the door for withdrawal of the remaining 144 Slant R-40’s from Coney Island starting on October 29, but for reassignment elsewhere and not outright retirement.
By November 17, 2008, deliveries totaled 340 R-160A/Dash 1’s, 75 R-160A/Dash 2’s and 395 R-160B’s for a combined quantity of 810. Of these, there were 340 R-160A/Dash 1’s in service at East New York (J/Z, L, M) and 50 R-160A/Dash 2’s plus 380 R-160B’s running at Coney Island (N, Q, W).
On November 10, 2008 the MTA awarded a contract for 382 more R-160’s to Alstom under Option 2, which increases the ongoing tally to 1,662 cars. This represents an addition of 90 to the commitment reached in July 2007, and creates the possibility of an Option 3 for another 238 cars in the future, which would finalize the R-160 acquisition at a grand total of 1,900 cars. This is 200 more than the original maximum total of 1,700 that was forecast in 2002. As previous, production of the 382 Option II R-160’s will be divided between Kawasaki (which is due to provide 140 more R-160B’s, again half with Siemens and half with Alstom Onix propulsion) and the Alstom facility at Hornell, which will deliver 210 cars in 5-car sets, and a revised allotment of 32 CBTC-equipped cars in 4-car sets for East New York. Aside from the obvious addition of at least 8 more R-160A/Dash 1’s in 4-car sets for East New York, the exact composition of Option 3, should it come to pass, is not as yet decided.
4) 60-Foot SMEE News
Some items of unfinished business: The first train of Jamaica-assigned MK R-42’s was operated on the F of September 10, 2008, with this equipment making irregular appearances through the next several weeks. Since October 28, there have most typically been between one and four trains of MK R-42’s on the F each weekday, and even one witnessed by Bill Zucker on Sunday, November 2. There have also been intermittent, confirmed observations of MK R-42’s on the R since mid-September. Secondly, MK R-42’s 4580-4605 were “reassigned” from Pitkin to 207 Street on September 19, 2008, though in reality they stayed in service on the A. They were joined by 4550-4559 in a similar fashion on October 20 to begin setting the stage for withdrawal of the R-38 fleet. This too was simply a “paper” transfer, with the actual cars remaining in service on the A. Finally, the full consist of the train containing the last Phase II R-32’s in passenger service (3421/3558), was (N) 3558/3421-3876/3877-3551/3550-3856/3857-3454/3455 (S), on the F during the morning rush hour of October 13, 2008.
As the latest round of Kawasaki-built Option I R-160B’s was activated at Coney Island, the first Slant R-40’s were transferred to 207 Street. These included the “last” 20 cars that remain (4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439 and 4448/4449) on October 29, 2008. The “next” 20 Slants (4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403) followed two days later, joined by 20 additional MK R-42’s from East New York on November 1 (4764/4765, 4768-4785). Together with the 36 MK R-42’s already at 207 Street and the 100 R-40 Modifieds assigned to Pitkin, all have been allocated for assignment to the C in 8-car trains, as well as to the A in 10-car trains, to enable the corresponding withdrawal of the R-38 fleet to begin. Unforeseen technical issues involving the 8-car R-42 Conductors’ Boards (which were installed at the appropriate C Line IND stations in October) have delayed the actual implementation of this plan until at least mid-November. Nevertheless, the first three trains of Slant R-40’s, as well as a solid consist of ex-East New York MK R-42’s in the 4764-4785 group were in A service on Friday, November 7, 2008 and remained in daily operation there through November 17. Though the retirement of the 144 remaining Slant R-40’s is still anticipated at some point, it will likely be delayed until replacement equipment for the A and C lines is deployed at Pitkin and 207 Street very late in the process, perhaps the last part of 2009 or sometime in 2010. On the other hand, removal of the R-38 fleet is imminent (as ultimately determined by the progress of R-160 activation at Coney Island, which will free up Slant R-40’s for redeployment), with the first six actually removed from service by October 31, 2008.
5) 60-Foot SMEE Retirements & Restorations
The following were taken out of service, or restored to operation through November 17, 2008:
October 2008: GE R-38 4014/4015, 4022/4023, 4078/4079 withdrawn from 207 Street (A, C).
November 2008: GE R-38 4056/4057, 4086/4087 withdrawn from 207 Street (A, C).
6) The 75-Footers (R-44, R-46, R-68, R-68A)
With transfer of the Slant R-40’s out of Coney Island, and a quickening of the pace in the acceptance of R-160A/Dash 2’s and Option I R-160B’s, the R-68’s and R-68A’s have taken a more dominant role than ever on the B, now being in the clear majority. As well, R-68’s have resumed regular appearances on the Q (on weekdays at least), where they team up with the usual R-68A’s to supplement the R-160B’s. In numbers varying from day to day (but in a definite minority), both R-68’s and R-68A’s can also still be found on the N and W lines, and this is expected to remain the case for the long term.
GE-equipped R-44’s 388-399, which were reassigned from the A to Staten Island when overhauled in the early 1990’s, are incrementally returning to Coney Island Shops for a re-overhaul process, particularly focused on treating car body wear and tear. 395 and Staten Island “native” 456 were actually brought over during 2007 and had a thorough analysis performed on them before remedial work commenced. In the late summer of 2008 they were joined by 388 and 389, which are also working their way around the shop as of November 17. It is anticipated that all will return to Staten Island when this work is completed.
7) Reefing Renewed
The empty Weeks barge was back at 207 Street on October 25, and was reloaded through the next two days (October 27-28). Group #9 then departed for Redbird Reef (Delaware) on Saturday, November 1 with the following 44 car shells aboard:
Phase II R-32’s 3348, 3392, 3393, 3508, 3509, 3549, 3554, 3555, 3580, 3581, 3604, 3605, 3626, 3627, 3640, 3641, 3696, 3697, 3744, 3745, 3826, 3827, 3838, 3839, 3874, 3875, 3884, 3885, 3914, 3915, 3916, 3917, 3930, 3931 (34); Slant R-40’s 4232, 4233, 4334, 4335, 4340, 4341 (6); and CI R-42’s 4840, 4841, 4842, 4843 (4).
As of November 14, 2008 there was still 1 retired Slant R-40 at 207 Street (4277), as well as 60 Phase II R-32 shells that were ready to be loaded on the next outbound barges in November and December.
8A) BMT/IND Car Assignments-October 31, 2008
207 Street (A, C)-264 cars
92 GE R-38 3950-3989, 3992-3999, 4002-4013, 4016-4021, 4024-4049.
96 GE R-38 4050-4077, 4080-4087, 4090-4149.
--Used on A, C.
40 GE R-40 4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403, 4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439, 4448/4449.
--For A, C. NOT IN SERVICE.
36 GE R-42 (MK) 4550-4559, 4580-4605.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
Pitkin (A, C, S-Rockaway Park)-372 cars
100 GE R-40M 4450-4459, 4460/4665, 4462-4549.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
272 WH R-44 5202-5247, 5249-5281, 5284, 5286-5318, 5320-5401, 5403-5479 (4-car unitized).
--Used on A, S-Rockaway Park, Lefferts OPTO.
Concourse (D)-284 cars
228 WH R-68 2500-2727 (4-car unitized).
56 WH R-68-1 2728-2783 (4-car unitized).
--Used on D.
Jamaica (E, F, G, R, V)-1,208 cars
96 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3354-3361, 3370/3371, 3374-3377, 3380/3381, 3383/3890, 3384/3385, 3388/3389, 3394-3397, 3400/3401, 3404-3407, 3410-3417, 3419/3740, 3424-3443, 3444/3777, 3445/3468, 3446-3449, 3452/3453, 3454/3455, 3460/3461, 3464/3465, 3469/3592, 3471/3658, 3472/3473, 3476/3477, 3484/3485, 3488/3489, 3492-3497.
54 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3500/3501, 3504/3505, 3510-3515, 3518/3519, 3520/3891, 3522/3523, 3538/3539, 3548/3593, 3550-3553, 3574/3575, 3578/3579, 3586/3587, 3590/3591, 3606/3607, 3610/3611, 3614/3615, 3618/3619, 3621/3644, 3624/3625, 3628/3669, 3630/3631, 3634/3635, 3642/3643, 3646/3647.
84 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3650/3767, 3654/3655, 3660-3665, 3670-3673, 3676/3677, 3682/3683, 3688-3691, 3694/3695, 3698/3699, 3704-3709, 3714-3721, 3726-3733,3736-3739, 3742/3743, 3746/3747, 3750/3751, 3756/3757, 3770-3775, 3778-3787, 3792-3795, 3796/3797, 3798/3799.
56 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3804/3805, 3806/3807, 3810/3811, 3818-3823, 3828/3829, 3834-3837, 3840/3841, 3856/3857, 3864/3865, 3868/3869, 3870/3871, 3872/3873, 3876-3879, 3886-3889, 3894-3897, 3900/3901, 3912/3913, 3922-3925, 3928/3929, 3932/3933, 3938/3939.
--Used on E, F, R.
166 GE R-42 (MK) 4560-4579, 4606-4623, 4626-4663, 4666-4679, 4682/4683, 4684/4727, 4686-4713, 4716-4725, 4728/4729, 4732-4763.
--Used on E, F, sometimes R.
726 GE R-46 5482-6207 (4-car unitized, 6206/6207 open-end).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
26 GE R-46 6208-6258 (even only, paired).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
5 Am R-160B 8773-8777 (5-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
East New York (J/Z, L, M)-618 cars
70 GE R-42 (MK) 4764-4765, 4768-4785, 4788-4817, 4820-4839.
--Used on J/Z.
208 Bd R-143 8101-8276, 8281-8312 (4-car unitized; CBTC-equipped).
--Used on L.
340 Am R-160A-1 8313-8652 (4-car unitized).
--Used on J/Z, L, M (and OPTO).
Coney Island [B, N, Q, W, S-Franklin]-845 cars
30 GE R-40 4152/4153, 4154/4155, 4170/4171, 4174-4179, 4186/4187, 4212/4213, 4216-4219, 4226/4227, 4240-4243, 4246-4249.
74 GE R-40 4250/4251, 4254-4257, 4262-4267, 4270-4275, 4278-4295, 4300-4305, 4308-4311, 4314-4321, 4330-4333, 4338/4339, 4342/4343, 4346/4347, 4354-4361.
--Used on B.
132 WH R-68-1 2784-2915 (4-car unitized).
--Used on B, N, W and Q.
9 WH R-68-1 2916-2924 (single units).
--Used on S (Franklin).
200 WH R-68A 5001-5200 (4-car unitized).
--Used on Q, B, N and W.
125 Am R-160B 8713-8772, 8778-8842 (5-car unitized).
130 Sm R-160B 8843-8972 (5-car unitized).
100 Sm R-160B (I) 8973-9002, 9013-9082 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N, Q, W.
--Am R-160B and Sm R-160B are generally operated in separate consists.
(20 Sm R-160B (I) 9083-9102 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
40 Am R-160A-2 8653-8692 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N.
(20 Am R-160A-2 8693-8712 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
8B) BMT/IND Car Assignments-November 17, 2008
207 Street (A, C)-280 cars
92 GE R-38 3950-3989, 3992-3999, 4002-4013, 4016-4021, 4024-4049.
92 GE R-38 4050-4055, 4058-4077, 4080-4085, 4090-4149.
--Used on A, C.
40 GE R-40 4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403, 4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439, 4448/4449.
--Used on A.
56 GE R-42 (MK) 4550-4559, 4580-4605, 4764/4765, 4768-4785.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
Pitkin (A, C, S-Rockaway Park)-372 cars
100 GE R-40M 4450-4459, 4460/4665, 4462-4549.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
272 WH R-44 5202-5247, 5249-5281, 5284, 5286-5318, 5320-5401, 5403-5479 (4-car unitized).
--Used on A, S-Rockaway Park, Lefferts OPTO.
Concourse (D)-284 cars
228 WH R-68 2500-2727 (4-car unitized).
56 WH R-68-1 2728-2783 (4-car unitized).
--Used on D.
Jamaica (E, F, G, R, V)-1,208 cars
96 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3354-3361, 3370/3371, 3374-3377, 3380/3381, 3383/3890, 3384/3385, 3388/3389, 3394-3397, 3400/3401, 3404-3407, 3410-3417, 3419/3740, 3424-3443, 3444/3777, 3445/3468, 3446-3449, 3452/3453, 3454/3455, 3460/3461, 3464/3465, 3469/3592, 3471/3658, 3472/3473, 3476/3477, 3484/3485, 3488/3489, 3492-3497.
54 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3500/3501, 3504/3505, 3510-3515, 3518/3519, 3520/3891, 3522/3523, 3538/3539, 3548/3593, 3550-3553, 3574/3575, 3578/3579, 3586/3587, 3590/3591, 3606/3607, 3610/3611, 3614/3615, 3618/3619, 3621/3644, 3624/3625, 3628/3669, 3630/3631, 3634/3635, 3642/3643, 3646/3647.
84 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3650/3767, 3654/3655, 3660-3665, 3670-3673, 3676/3677, 3682/3683, 3688-3691, 3694/3695, 3698/3699, 3704-3709, 3714-3721, 3726-3733,3736-3739, 3742/3743, 3746/3747, 3750/3751, 3756/3757, 3770-3775, 3778-3787, 3792-3795, 3796/3797, 3798/3799.
56 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3804/3805, 3806/3807, 3810/3811, 3818-3823, 3828/3829, 3834-3837, 3840/3841, 3856/3857, 3864/3865, 3868/3869, 3870/3871, 3872/3873, 3876-3879, 3886-3889, 3894-3897, 3900/3901, 3912/3913, 3922-3925, 3928/3929, 3932/3933, 3938/3939.
--Used on E, F, R.
166 GE R-42 (MK) 4560-4579, 4606-4623, 4626-4663, 4666-4679, 4682/4683, 4684/4727, 4686-4713, 4716-4725, 4728/4729, 4732-4763.
--Used on E, F, sometimes R.
726 GE R-46 5482-6207 (4-car unitized, 6206/6207 open-end).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
26 GE R-46 6208-6258 (even only, paired).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
5 Am R-160B 8773-8777 (5-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
4 Am R-160A-1 8605-8612 (4-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
15 Am R-160A-2 (I) 9233-9247 (5-car unitized).
--Delivered.
East New York (J/Z, L, M)-594 cars
50 GE R-42 (MK) 4788-4817, 4820-4839.
--Used on J/Z.
208 Bd R-143 8101-8276, 8281-8312 (4-car unitized; CBTC-equipped).
--Used on L.
336 Am R-160A-1 8313-8604, 8609-8652 (4-car unitized).
--Used on J/Z, L, M (and OPTO).
Coney Island [B, N, Q, W, S-Franklin]-875 cars
30 GE R-40 4152/4153, 4154/4155, 4170/4171, 4174-4179, 4186/4187, 4212/4213, 4216-4219, 4226/4227, 4240-4243, 4246-4249.
74 GE R-40 4250/4251, 4254-4257, 4262-4267, 4270-4275, 4278-4295, 4300-4305, 4308-4311, 4314-4321, 4330-4333, 4338/4339, 4342/4343, 4346/4347, 4354-4361.
--Used on B.
132 WH R-68-1 2784-2915 (4-car unitized).
--Used on B, N, W and Q.
9 WH R-68-1 2916-2924 (single units).
--Used on S (Franklin).
200 WH R-68A 5001-5200 (4-car unitized).
--Used on Q, B, N and W.
125 Am R-160B 8713-8772, 8778-8842 (5-car unitized).
130 Sm R-160B 8843-8972 (5-car unitized).
120 Sm R-160B (I) 8973-9002, 9013-9102 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N, Q, W.
--Am R-160B and Sm R-160B are generally operated in separate consists.
(10 Sm R-160B (I) 9003-9012 (5-car unitized)).
(5 Am R-160B (I) 9103-9107 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
50 Am R-160A-2 8653-8702 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N.
(10 Am R-160A-2 8703-8712 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
B-Division “New Car” count on November 17, 2008: 770 cars. (This includes R-160A/1s, R-160A/2s and R-160Bs in service.)
B-Division “Reef Bait” count on November 17, 2008: 590 cars. (Includes R-32 through R-42 cars retired since June 2007).
9) Conclusion
So at last we have our answer as to how retirement of the “classic” R-38 fleet will be achieved, once a handful of short-term operational hurdles are overcome. In the near term we should also see the concluding introduction of up to 510 R-160A/Dash 2’s and R-160B’s at Coney Island, then witness the project as it moves on to Jamaica, where up to 780 of the R-160’s (both Alstoms and Kawasakis) are projected to ultimately reside by the end of Option II. Needless to say the face of the Queens IND as we’ve known it for many years is in the advent of a significant change, so as historical observers please be governed accordingly.
Happy Thanksgiving, and all the Best for the Holiday Season ahead.
Regards,
George Chiasson Jr.
([email protected])
ps. i'm not george...
Hello Everyone:
As the Holiday Season approaches, a number of unexpected twists are occurring with NYCT’s ever-changing equipment picture, like so many side-trips on a long journey. Progress has remained solid and has even accelerated in bringing the R-160’s on board, while the Slant R-40’s have received yet another reprieve. More R-42’s have been removed from their long-time home at East New York, though several trains’ worth remain, and the stage is now definitely set for the R-38’s final run, straight into a retirement that should take place by early 2009. Finally, the Second Option to the R-160 contract has been finalized just in time for this Update to be compiled, bringing the present level of commitment to a quantity of 1,662 cars. This is up from the previous 1,574 and there may be even more to come in the future.
1) IRT Events
A number of R-62’s on the 3 and R-62A’s on the 7 continued to receive unique “waist band” external advertising for The History Channel through the balance of October, but it appears that a lot of it has already been removed by mid-November. On October 27, 2008 R-142As 7716-7720 were discovered back in service on the 4, with B-car 7718 exhibiting a little bit of remedial body work. By November 3, Corona-based R-62A single unit 2077 had finally received purple striping beneath its number boards to complete the “labeling” of this fleet several years past its reassignment.
2) IRT Car Assignment-November 17, 2008
1/9 (Red, 240 St. Yard, Bronx)-385 cars
385 WH R-62A 1826-1830, 1841-1900, 2156-2475 (5-car unitized).
2-385 cars (239 St., Bronx)
385 Am R-142 6301-6685 (5-car unitized).
--Am R-142 from 2 used on 5 as required.
--Am R-142 from 5 used on 2 as required.
3 (Orange, Livonia Yard, Brooklyn)-290 cars
290 GE R-62 1301-1315, 1321-1365, 1376-1434, 1438, 1441-1530, 1546-1625 (5-car unitized).
--WH R-62A from S used on 3 as required.
4 (Orange; Jerome Yard, Bronx)-425 cars
25 GE R-62 1316-1320, 1371-1375, 1531-1545 (5-car unitized).
60 Am R-142A 7671-7730 (5-car unitized).
80 Am R-142S 7731-7810 (5-car unitized).
260 Am R-142 1101-1250, 7071-7180 (5-car unitized).
5 (East 180 St., Bronx)-385 cars
385 Am R-142 6686-7070 (5-car unitized). Used on OPTO.
--Am R-142 from 2 used on 5 as required.
--Am R-142 from 5 used on 2 as required.
6 (Westchester Yard, Bronx)-460 cars
460 Am R-142A 7211-7670 (5-car unitized).
7 (Purple, Corona Yard, Queens)-409 cars
185 WH R-62A 1651-1825, 1831-1840 (5-car unitized).
224 WH R-62A 1901-1904, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1911, 1913-1916, 1923, 1928, 1932, 1934, 1938, 1939, 1942-1944, 1947-1949, 1954, 1957-2155 (single units).
S (Blue, Livonia Yard, Brooklyn)-10 cars
30 WH R-62A 1905, 1908, 1912, 1917-1922, 1924-1927, 1929-1931, 1933, 1935-1937, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950-1953,
1955, 1956 (cars 1921, 1926, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1956 have full-width
cabs)
--WH R-62A from S used on 3 as required.
3) R-160 Progress
R-160A/Dash 2’s 8688-8702 were on hand by October 24, 2008, with the final 10 cars of the group (8703-8712) arriving on NYCT property as of October 30. This completed delivery of all 660 cars in the original contract as approved in July 2002, and was trailed immediately by the first 10 Option I R-160A/Dash 2’s, which were shunted from 207 Street to Pitkin to commence testing on November 6. Numbered 9233-9242, these were followed by unit 9243-9247 on November 14, and all will eventually operate in passenger service out of Jamaica. In that vein crews from the E and F, as well as Department of Car Equipment personnel based at Jamaica shop, have been training on various R-160 trains throughout October and November. In fact, Kawasaki-built, Alstom-equipped R-160B set 8773-8777 was farmed out to Jamaica from Coney Island on October 17 strictly for this purpose, being joined by R-160A/Dash 1 set 8605-8608 from East New York by November 7. Of late there is indication that the R-160’s assigned to Jamaica will find their way to both IND lines, and for the first time serious consideration is being given to the future allocation of some R-160’s to the A (and perhaps C).
The first new 10-car train of R-160A/Dash 2’s (8663-8672) went into service at Coney Island (on the N) starting October 24, with two more trains (8673-8692) following one week later. Through November 17, 2008 R-160A/Dash 2’s 8683-8702 had also been activated on the N, Q and W lines, leaving just one more 10-car set (8703-8712) to be accepted. As of November 7, it was noted that at least three Coney Island-based R-160 consists were spread around the N and Q lines composed of five Alstom-built R-160A/Dash 2’s and five Kawasaki-built R-160B’s (all possessing Alstom Onix propulsion equipment). This may be a preview of future operations both there and at Jamaica.
As of October 30, 2008 Option I R-160B’s 9088-9102 were delivered, followed by 9003-9007 in the first week of November and 9008-9012 by November 14. These represented the last cars of this group to be equipped with Siemens propulsion, and had been “missing” since June when they encountered inspection problems and deliveries were continued without them. As of November 17, 2008 Option I R-160B’s 9103-9107, which revert to the Alstom Onix propulsion package, were also on hand. When accepted this group of 130 units will be divided for service between Coney Island and Jamaica, though their assignments could be changed when Option II equipment is delivered later on. Through November 17, 2008 Option I R-160Bs 9053-9057 and 9068-9102 were newly-accepted for revenue service on the N, Q and W. As forecasted in the last Update, this opened the door for withdrawal of the remaining 144 Slant R-40’s from Coney Island starting on October 29, but for reassignment elsewhere and not outright retirement.
By November 17, 2008, deliveries totaled 340 R-160A/Dash 1’s, 75 R-160A/Dash 2’s and 395 R-160B’s for a combined quantity of 810. Of these, there were 340 R-160A/Dash 1’s in service at East New York (J/Z, L, M) and 50 R-160A/Dash 2’s plus 380 R-160B’s running at Coney Island (N, Q, W).
On November 10, 2008 the MTA awarded a contract for 382 more R-160’s to Alstom under Option 2, which increases the ongoing tally to 1,662 cars. This represents an addition of 90 to the commitment reached in July 2007, and creates the possibility of an Option 3 for another 238 cars in the future, which would finalize the R-160 acquisition at a grand total of 1,900 cars. This is 200 more than the original maximum total of 1,700 that was forecast in 2002. As previous, production of the 382 Option II R-160’s will be divided between Kawasaki (which is due to provide 140 more R-160B’s, again half with Siemens and half with Alstom Onix propulsion) and the Alstom facility at Hornell, which will deliver 210 cars in 5-car sets, and a revised allotment of 32 CBTC-equipped cars in 4-car sets for East New York. Aside from the obvious addition of at least 8 more R-160A/Dash 1’s in 4-car sets for East New York, the exact composition of Option 3, should it come to pass, is not as yet decided.
4) 60-Foot SMEE News
Some items of unfinished business: The first train of Jamaica-assigned MK R-42’s was operated on the F of September 10, 2008, with this equipment making irregular appearances through the next several weeks. Since October 28, there have most typically been between one and four trains of MK R-42’s on the F each weekday, and even one witnessed by Bill Zucker on Sunday, November 2. There have also been intermittent, confirmed observations of MK R-42’s on the R since mid-September. Secondly, MK R-42’s 4580-4605 were “reassigned” from Pitkin to 207 Street on September 19, 2008, though in reality they stayed in service on the A. They were joined by 4550-4559 in a similar fashion on October 20 to begin setting the stage for withdrawal of the R-38 fleet. This too was simply a “paper” transfer, with the actual cars remaining in service on the A. Finally, the full consist of the train containing the last Phase II R-32’s in passenger service (3421/3558), was (N) 3558/3421-3876/3877-3551/3550-3856/3857-3454/3455 (S), on the F during the morning rush hour of October 13, 2008.
As the latest round of Kawasaki-built Option I R-160B’s was activated at Coney Island, the first Slant R-40’s were transferred to 207 Street. These included the “last” 20 cars that remain (4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439 and 4448/4449) on October 29, 2008. The “next” 20 Slants (4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403) followed two days later, joined by 20 additional MK R-42’s from East New York on November 1 (4764/4765, 4768-4785). Together with the 36 MK R-42’s already at 207 Street and the 100 R-40 Modifieds assigned to Pitkin, all have been allocated for assignment to the C in 8-car trains, as well as to the A in 10-car trains, to enable the corresponding withdrawal of the R-38 fleet to begin. Unforeseen technical issues involving the 8-car R-42 Conductors’ Boards (which were installed at the appropriate C Line IND stations in October) have delayed the actual implementation of this plan until at least mid-November. Nevertheless, the first three trains of Slant R-40’s, as well as a solid consist of ex-East New York MK R-42’s in the 4764-4785 group were in A service on Friday, November 7, 2008 and remained in daily operation there through November 17. Though the retirement of the 144 remaining Slant R-40’s is still anticipated at some point, it will likely be delayed until replacement equipment for the A and C lines is deployed at Pitkin and 207 Street very late in the process, perhaps the last part of 2009 or sometime in 2010. On the other hand, removal of the R-38 fleet is imminent (as ultimately determined by the progress of R-160 activation at Coney Island, which will free up Slant R-40’s for redeployment), with the first six actually removed from service by October 31, 2008.
5) 60-Foot SMEE Retirements & Restorations
The following were taken out of service, or restored to operation through November 17, 2008:
October 2008: GE R-38 4014/4015, 4022/4023, 4078/4079 withdrawn from 207 Street (A, C).
November 2008: GE R-38 4056/4057, 4086/4087 withdrawn from 207 Street (A, C).
6) The 75-Footers (R-44, R-46, R-68, R-68A)
With transfer of the Slant R-40’s out of Coney Island, and a quickening of the pace in the acceptance of R-160A/Dash 2’s and Option I R-160B’s, the R-68’s and R-68A’s have taken a more dominant role than ever on the B, now being in the clear majority. As well, R-68’s have resumed regular appearances on the Q (on weekdays at least), where they team up with the usual R-68A’s to supplement the R-160B’s. In numbers varying from day to day (but in a definite minority), both R-68’s and R-68A’s can also still be found on the N and W lines, and this is expected to remain the case for the long term.
GE-equipped R-44’s 388-399, which were reassigned from the A to Staten Island when overhauled in the early 1990’s, are incrementally returning to Coney Island Shops for a re-overhaul process, particularly focused on treating car body wear and tear. 395 and Staten Island “native” 456 were actually brought over during 2007 and had a thorough analysis performed on them before remedial work commenced. In the late summer of 2008 they were joined by 388 and 389, which are also working their way around the shop as of November 17. It is anticipated that all will return to Staten Island when this work is completed.
7) Reefing Renewed
The empty Weeks barge was back at 207 Street on October 25, and was reloaded through the next two days (October 27-28). Group #9 then departed for Redbird Reef (Delaware) on Saturday, November 1 with the following 44 car shells aboard:
Phase II R-32’s 3348, 3392, 3393, 3508, 3509, 3549, 3554, 3555, 3580, 3581, 3604, 3605, 3626, 3627, 3640, 3641, 3696, 3697, 3744, 3745, 3826, 3827, 3838, 3839, 3874, 3875, 3884, 3885, 3914, 3915, 3916, 3917, 3930, 3931 (34); Slant R-40’s 4232, 4233, 4334, 4335, 4340, 4341 (6); and CI R-42’s 4840, 4841, 4842, 4843 (4).
As of November 14, 2008 there was still 1 retired Slant R-40 at 207 Street (4277), as well as 60 Phase II R-32 shells that were ready to be loaded on the next outbound barges in November and December.
8A) BMT/IND Car Assignments-October 31, 2008
207 Street (A, C)-264 cars
92 GE R-38 3950-3989, 3992-3999, 4002-4013, 4016-4021, 4024-4049.
96 GE R-38 4050-4077, 4080-4087, 4090-4149.
--Used on A, C.
40 GE R-40 4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403, 4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439, 4448/4449.
--For A, C. NOT IN SERVICE.
36 GE R-42 (MK) 4550-4559, 4580-4605.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
Pitkin (A, C, S-Rockaway Park)-372 cars
100 GE R-40M 4450-4459, 4460/4665, 4462-4549.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
272 WH R-44 5202-5247, 5249-5281, 5284, 5286-5318, 5320-5401, 5403-5479 (4-car unitized).
--Used on A, S-Rockaway Park, Lefferts OPTO.
Concourse (D)-284 cars
228 WH R-68 2500-2727 (4-car unitized).
56 WH R-68-1 2728-2783 (4-car unitized).
--Used on D.
Jamaica (E, F, G, R, V)-1,208 cars
96 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3354-3361, 3370/3371, 3374-3377, 3380/3381, 3383/3890, 3384/3385, 3388/3389, 3394-3397, 3400/3401, 3404-3407, 3410-3417, 3419/3740, 3424-3443, 3444/3777, 3445/3468, 3446-3449, 3452/3453, 3454/3455, 3460/3461, 3464/3465, 3469/3592, 3471/3658, 3472/3473, 3476/3477, 3484/3485, 3488/3489, 3492-3497.
54 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3500/3501, 3504/3505, 3510-3515, 3518/3519, 3520/3891, 3522/3523, 3538/3539, 3548/3593, 3550-3553, 3574/3575, 3578/3579, 3586/3587, 3590/3591, 3606/3607, 3610/3611, 3614/3615, 3618/3619, 3621/3644, 3624/3625, 3628/3669, 3630/3631, 3634/3635, 3642/3643, 3646/3647.
84 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3650/3767, 3654/3655, 3660-3665, 3670-3673, 3676/3677, 3682/3683, 3688-3691, 3694/3695, 3698/3699, 3704-3709, 3714-3721, 3726-3733,3736-3739, 3742/3743, 3746/3747, 3750/3751, 3756/3757, 3770-3775, 3778-3787, 3792-3795, 3796/3797, 3798/3799.
56 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3804/3805, 3806/3807, 3810/3811, 3818-3823, 3828/3829, 3834-3837, 3840/3841, 3856/3857, 3864/3865, 3868/3869, 3870/3871, 3872/3873, 3876-3879, 3886-3889, 3894-3897, 3900/3901, 3912/3913, 3922-3925, 3928/3929, 3932/3933, 3938/3939.
--Used on E, F, R.
166 GE R-42 (MK) 4560-4579, 4606-4623, 4626-4663, 4666-4679, 4682/4683, 4684/4727, 4686-4713, 4716-4725, 4728/4729, 4732-4763.
--Used on E, F, sometimes R.
726 GE R-46 5482-6207 (4-car unitized, 6206/6207 open-end).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
26 GE R-46 6208-6258 (even only, paired).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
5 Am R-160B 8773-8777 (5-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
East New York (J/Z, L, M)-618 cars
70 GE R-42 (MK) 4764-4765, 4768-4785, 4788-4817, 4820-4839.
--Used on J/Z.
208 Bd R-143 8101-8276, 8281-8312 (4-car unitized; CBTC-equipped).
--Used on L.
340 Am R-160A-1 8313-8652 (4-car unitized).
--Used on J/Z, L, M (and OPTO).
Coney Island [B, N, Q, W, S-Franklin]-845 cars
30 GE R-40 4152/4153, 4154/4155, 4170/4171, 4174-4179, 4186/4187, 4212/4213, 4216-4219, 4226/4227, 4240-4243, 4246-4249.
74 GE R-40 4250/4251, 4254-4257, 4262-4267, 4270-4275, 4278-4295, 4300-4305, 4308-4311, 4314-4321, 4330-4333, 4338/4339, 4342/4343, 4346/4347, 4354-4361.
--Used on B.
132 WH R-68-1 2784-2915 (4-car unitized).
--Used on B, N, W and Q.
9 WH R-68-1 2916-2924 (single units).
--Used on S (Franklin).
200 WH R-68A 5001-5200 (4-car unitized).
--Used on Q, B, N and W.
125 Am R-160B 8713-8772, 8778-8842 (5-car unitized).
130 Sm R-160B 8843-8972 (5-car unitized).
100 Sm R-160B (I) 8973-9002, 9013-9082 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N, Q, W.
--Am R-160B and Sm R-160B are generally operated in separate consists.
(20 Sm R-160B (I) 9083-9102 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
40 Am R-160A-2 8653-8692 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N.
(20 Am R-160A-2 8693-8712 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
8B) BMT/IND Car Assignments-November 17, 2008
207 Street (A, C)-280 cars
92 GE R-38 3950-3989, 3992-3999, 4002-4013, 4016-4021, 4024-4049.
92 GE R-38 4050-4055, 4058-4077, 4080-4085, 4090-4149.
--Used on A, C.
40 GE R-40 4364/4365, 4370/4371, 4376/4377, 4382/4383, 4388-4391, 4398-4403, 4404-4407, 4410/4411, 4414/4415, 4418/4419, 4422/4423, 4432/4433, 4436-4439, 4448/4449.
--Used on A.
56 GE R-42 (MK) 4550-4559, 4580-4605, 4764/4765, 4768-4785.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
Pitkin (A, C, S-Rockaway Park)-372 cars
100 GE R-40M 4450-4459, 4460/4665, 4462-4549.
--Used on A.
--R-40M/R-42 are commonly mixed in trains.
272 WH R-44 5202-5247, 5249-5281, 5284, 5286-5318, 5320-5401, 5403-5479 (4-car unitized).
--Used on A, S-Rockaway Park, Lefferts OPTO.
Concourse (D)-284 cars
228 WH R-68 2500-2727 (4-car unitized).
56 WH R-68-1 2728-2783 (4-car unitized).
--Used on D.
Jamaica (E, F, G, R, V)-1,208 cars
96 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3354-3361, 3370/3371, 3374-3377, 3380/3381, 3383/3890, 3384/3385, 3388/3389, 3394-3397, 3400/3401, 3404-3407, 3410-3417, 3419/3740, 3424-3443, 3444/3777, 3445/3468, 3446-3449, 3452/3453, 3454/3455, 3460/3461, 3464/3465, 3469/3592, 3471/3658, 3472/3473, 3476/3477, 3484/3485, 3488/3489, 3492-3497.
54 GE R-32A (Phase I) 3500/3501, 3504/3505, 3510-3515, 3518/3519, 3520/3891, 3522/3523, 3538/3539, 3548/3593, 3550-3553, 3574/3575, 3578/3579, 3586/3587, 3590/3591, 3606/3607, 3610/3611, 3614/3615, 3618/3619, 3621/3644, 3624/3625, 3628/3669, 3630/3631, 3634/3635, 3642/3643, 3646/3647.
84 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3650/3767, 3654/3655, 3660-3665, 3670-3673, 3676/3677, 3682/3683, 3688-3691, 3694/3695, 3698/3699, 3704-3709, 3714-3721, 3726-3733,3736-3739, 3742/3743, 3746/3747, 3750/3751, 3756/3757, 3770-3775, 3778-3787, 3792-3795, 3796/3797, 3798/3799.
56 GE R-32 (Phase I) 3804/3805, 3806/3807, 3810/3811, 3818-3823, 3828/3829, 3834-3837, 3840/3841, 3856/3857, 3864/3865, 3868/3869, 3870/3871, 3872/3873, 3876-3879, 3886-3889, 3894-3897, 3900/3901, 3912/3913, 3922-3925, 3928/3929, 3932/3933, 3938/3939.
--Used on E, F, R.
166 GE R-42 (MK) 4560-4579, 4606-4623, 4626-4663, 4666-4679, 4682/4683, 4684/4727, 4686-4713, 4716-4725, 4728/4729, 4732-4763.
--Used on E, F, sometimes R.
726 GE R-46 5482-6207 (4-car unitized, 6206/6207 open-end).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
26 GE R-46 6208-6258 (even only, paired).
--Used on F, G, R, V (sometimes E).
5 Am R-160B 8773-8777 (5-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
4 Am R-160A-1 8605-8612 (4-car unitized).
--Training Unit.
15 Am R-160A-2 (I) 9233-9247 (5-car unitized).
--Delivered.
East New York (J/Z, L, M)-594 cars
50 GE R-42 (MK) 4788-4817, 4820-4839.
--Used on J/Z.
208 Bd R-143 8101-8276, 8281-8312 (4-car unitized; CBTC-equipped).
--Used on L.
336 Am R-160A-1 8313-8604, 8609-8652 (4-car unitized).
--Used on J/Z, L, M (and OPTO).
Coney Island [B, N, Q, W, S-Franklin]-875 cars
30 GE R-40 4152/4153, 4154/4155, 4170/4171, 4174-4179, 4186/4187, 4212/4213, 4216-4219, 4226/4227, 4240-4243, 4246-4249.
74 GE R-40 4250/4251, 4254-4257, 4262-4267, 4270-4275, 4278-4295, 4300-4305, 4308-4311, 4314-4321, 4330-4333, 4338/4339, 4342/4343, 4346/4347, 4354-4361.
--Used on B.
132 WH R-68-1 2784-2915 (4-car unitized).
--Used on B, N, W and Q.
9 WH R-68-1 2916-2924 (single units).
--Used on S (Franklin).
200 WH R-68A 5001-5200 (4-car unitized).
--Used on Q, B, N and W.
125 Am R-160B 8713-8772, 8778-8842 (5-car unitized).
130 Sm R-160B 8843-8972 (5-car unitized).
120 Sm R-160B (I) 8973-9002, 9013-9102 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N, Q, W.
--Am R-160B and Sm R-160B are generally operated in separate consists.
(10 Sm R-160B (I) 9003-9012 (5-car unitized)).
(5 Am R-160B (I) 9103-9107 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
50 Am R-160A-2 8653-8702 (5-car unitized).
--Used on N.
(10 Am R-160A-2 8703-8712 (5-car unitized)).
--Delivered.
B-Division “New Car” count on November 17, 2008: 770 cars. (This includes R-160A/1s, R-160A/2s and R-160Bs in service.)
B-Division “Reef Bait” count on November 17, 2008: 590 cars. (Includes R-32 through R-42 cars retired since June 2007).
9) Conclusion
So at last we have our answer as to how retirement of the “classic” R-38 fleet will be achieved, once a handful of short-term operational hurdles are overcome. In the near term we should also see the concluding introduction of up to 510 R-160A/Dash 2’s and R-160B’s at Coney Island, then witness the project as it moves on to Jamaica, where up to 780 of the R-160’s (both Alstoms and Kawasakis) are projected to ultimately reside by the end of Option II. Needless to say the face of the Queens IND as we’ve known it for many years is in the advent of a significant change, so as historical observers please be governed accordingly.
Happy Thanksgiving, and all the Best for the Holiday Season ahead.
Regards,
George Chiasson Jr.
([email protected])
ps. i'm not george...
Last edited by Fan Railer on Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
