R110B (New York City Subway car)

R110B (New York City Subway car)
R110B railcar used in NYCTA Training Center
Manufacturer	Bombardier Transportation
Constructed	1992
Entered service	1992
Number built	9
Number in service	None
Number scrapped	None
Formation	Three-car sets
Fleet numbers	3001-3009
Capacity	42 (A car), 46 (B car)
Operator	New York City Subway
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	67 ft (20.4 m)
Width	10 ft (3.0 m)
Height	12.08 ft (3.7 m)
Doors	8
Power supply	General Electric AC Traction motors: Model GEB 7-B, 202 hp, 3 Phase, 4 Pole
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

R110B (also called R131) was a class of New York City Subway cars built by Bombardier of Canada for service on the IND and BMT (B Division) lines. The R110B prototype cars were delivered to the New York City Transit Authority and entered service in 1992. The R110B was designed to test various new technology features that would eventually be incorporated into the R143; it was not intended for long-term production use.

Specifications

• The cab cars are powered with four traction motors each. The center car of the 3-car set is an un-powered, cab-less trailer. The cars are typical B-Division size, except that they are 67 feet long, a length only shared by the BMT Standards.

• The model uses the standard subway train control stand, but with some added computerized features. The layout of the controls is desk-style, with switches, lamps, and a single lever to control traction and braking. A CRT with function keys on either side is used to monitor speed, train status, etc.

• Its design is similar to the R68 cars now in use on the BMT and IND lines, but the ends are more square and Lexan glass is used in the windows.

• The seating configuration is the same as in the R68, but the materials are improved. A matte plastic is used that allows scratches, tags and stubborn graffiti to be buffed out using a light abrasive. The seats have a reduced bucket. Internal surfaces are tan fiberglass and plastic, with accents provided using a plastic mosaic applique. The floor is linoleum with a pattern of slightly raised and textured squares. The R110B cars have a few handholds for shorter passengers.

• A new feature is a passenger intercom, which can be used for emergencies.

• Car ends that do not have cabs have an expanse of glass, which makes the car feel open and airy.

• Signs: Rollsign line indicators; LCD destination signs (on Windows); Interior strip route guides on top of the ad space with LED indication of stops ahead on both sides.

History

• The R110B was built as contract order R131.
• There were nine R-110B cars, numbered 3001-3009, which were coupled into three-car sets and served on the A train.
• Due to breakdowns, set 3007-3009 was cannibalized for parts for the remaining two sets, which then ran on the C. The train has not had the computerized voices and next stop indicator signs programmed for the "C" route, so the conductor made the announcements manually. Throughout 1999, it had been in and out of service for both repairs and additional component testing. It was permanently removed from service in 2000 due to breakdowns and low Mean Distance Between Failure (MBDF) and will not likely see revenue passenger service again.
• On July 15, 2004, car 3005 was sent to P.S. 248, the New York City Transit Learning Center, replacing R16 #6452.
• In August 2004, cars 3004 and 3006 were placed in the Coney Island firefighting training facility.
• The remaining six cars (3001-3003 and 3007-3009) are stored at the 207th Street Yard.

Further reading

• Sansone, Gene. Evolution of New York City subways: An illustrated history of New York City's transit cars, 1867-1997. New York Transit Museum Press, New York, 1997 ISBN 978-0963749284

External links

• R110B at nycsubway.org