R26 (New York City Subway car)
| In service | 1959–2002 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | American Car and Foundry |
| Replaced | 2001–2002 |
| Constructed | 1959 |
| Number built | 110 |
| Number in service | 0 |
| Number preserved | 2 |
| Number scrapped | 108 |
| Formation | Semi-Married Pairs |
| Fleet numbers | 7750-7859 |
| Capacity | 44 |
| Operator | New York City Subway |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | LAHT carbon steel |
| Car length | 51.04 feet (15.56 m) |
| Width | 8.75 feet (2.67 m) |
| Height | 11.86 feet (3.61 m) |
| Doors | 6 per car |
| Maximum speed | 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) |
| Weight | 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) (post-rebuild) |
| Traction system | General Electric 17KG192B1 (7804-7859 formerly Westinghouse) |
| Engine(s) | General Electric 1257F1 or Westinghouse 1447J |
| Power output | 115 hp |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC |
| Current collection method | Third rail |
| Braking system(s) | WABCO, "SMEE" (electrodynamic) |
| Coupling system | H2C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
The R26 was a New York City Subway car built in 1959 by American Car and Foundry (ACF). They were made for the IRT and were the first cars to be built in married pairs, which consists of two cars coupled together at the non-operating end. The even-numbered car carried the motor generator and battery set for electrical equipment while the odd numbered car held air compressor for the brakes. A special version of the H2C coupler was used to link the cars so they could easily be split if needed and thus, they were called "semi-permanent pairs." Only the No.1 end had the operator controls. The No.2 end had conductor's controls only. Although referred as the "blind end," these ends did have windows for the conductor. The R26s were the first cars to use single, sealed storm windows since the R14s.
Rebuilt by Morrison Knudsen in 1985-87, these cars were repainted as Redbirds and were the first cars to do so. They re-entered service on the IRT Main Line, particularly the 2 and 5 trains. As time wore on, heavy service took their toll on these cars. The R142 and R142A cars replaced the R26 fleet in 2001–2002, and many cars were stripped for reefing. They made their last trip on October 24, 2002 on the #5 train.[1]
Pair 7770-7771 which was a school car at Canarsie Yard is now scrapped. 7774-7775 are currently the only surviving R26s and are at Unionport Yard.
[edit] Route assignment history
[edit] References
- ^ George Chiasson, Jr.. "A Historic Perspective of the R-26, R-28, and R-29". New York City Subway Resources. http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/chiasson-r26-29.html. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
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