R26

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R26 (New York City Subway car)

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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 ft (15.56 m)
Width 8.75 ft (2,667 mm)
Height 11.86 ft (3,615 mm)
Doors 6 per car
Maximum speed 55 mph (89 km/h)
Weight 70,000 lb (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 (86 kW)
Electric system(s) 600 V DC Third rail
Current collection method Contact shoe
Braking system(s) WABCO, "SMEE" (electrodynamic)
Coupling system H2C
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 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.

Route assignment history

  • 6 (1959–66)-All cars
  • 2/4/5 (1966–76)-GE cars
  • 2/5 (1976–85)-GE cars
  • 6 (1966–85)-WH cars
  • 2/5 (1985–2002)-All cars after overhaul

References

  1. ^ 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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