Half An Hour Of R44/R46 Historical Facts

[@jassy_235]

Hey! Glad to see this uploaded! Sorry for taking so long, everyone; we're just humble high schoolers/college students trying to make a living. All photographs belong to the original owners! Like always, if anyone has any questions, please comment down below, and we'll try to answer when available. Massive thanks to TrainRider Railfan for making this fun video idea in the first place and being an enormous help in editing my script and research! Enjoy!

[@malachimuhammad-dy2ow]

I think the R44s and R46s are TWIN BROTHERS!!!!

[@SamsungGalaxyS5OTH]

@@malachimuhammad-dy2ow or best friends

[@mmanisr22]

Another fact: when the 46's ran on the D the people in Brooklyn complained about the noise they made. They griped so much that they were taken off. The irony now is that they still run now as the Q

[@jassy_235]

Thanks for the info! We already knew this but decided not to put it because we came across a source stated “there was also an issue with the [Brighton] track. It seems that the Brighton Line had just undergone a track replacement and when the new panels were installed, the joints on both rails were exactly opposite each other instead of staggered as on older installations. As a result instead of the characteristic clickety clack, the wheels made a much louder sound more like a bumpity bump. This happened to coincide with the assignment of the R-44s [and R-46s] to the D.” Came from www.subchat.com/readflat.asp?Id=1548562&p=1#1549120

[@mmanisr22]

@Jassy thanks for that. You just gave me the why as I didn't know about the track replacement

[@dasheffield5596]

@@jassy_235 Were the original trucks on the R-46 the culprit of the louder track noise?

[@jassy_235]

@@dasheffield5596 Most likely not; the track replacements resulting in the 75-footers roaring on the Brighton Line were the cause of noise complaints. It just happened to be at the time when the dominant R44MLs and a few R46s operated on the D at the time. There were many positive reports of the 75-footers having quieter noises versus the older cars on other lines than the D.

[@xpdev0]

And now the West End D uses R68 cars, what a coincidence.

[@malachimuhammad-dy2ow]

I just love seeing the R44 and R46 TWIN BROTHERS running express on the A Line. It makes them feel like they've done wonders.

[@randolphtwells1360]

23:15; The N train logo is a mustard yellow or orange circle with a white N back in 1970s, but today the logo is a yellow circle with a black N.

[@mohamad-ms2pb]

The R44 fleet was such a huge headache throughout 1971 that to the delight of many subway buffs the retirement of many R1/9s were delayed. Similar to the many R32 cars that remained in service because many new cars had to be withdrawn from service.

[@kevinb8881]

I never knew Pullman Standard was acquired by Bombardier in 1987, now Alstom!!!

[@jassy_235]

It's a miracle that the fleet still serves commuters in 2023!

[@kevinb8881]

@@jassy_235 I KNOW RIGHT!!!

[@trainluvr]

Very thorough and accurate report (especially about the chimes). Here's what I would add (but this list is not complete) 1. R-44s did not have hostlers, that is why the two little doors on the lower front of the car ends is absent-that is where a cable from a portable hostler control was used to 'walk' a car in the yard. I think you meant that the R46s that went to SI retained hostler controls. 2. There are lots of pics of the R46 test on the LIRR - a speed of about 87 MPH was attained. 3. The R-46 cars had normal sized center stanchions (poles), the R-44 had skinny ones. The window seats had different armrests. The R-44 cabs adjacent seats were three, on the 46 two. 4. The R-44 and R-46 original propulsion/braking controls were transmitted car to car via P-Wire. A voltage of zero meant brakes in emergency, various voltages corresponded to different braking and power levels. Surges or loss of voltage in the P-wire resulted in emergency braking and were the main reason these cars, especially the 44s, were called lemons and this was well explained to the public in the press. 5. The locked end doors engendered fear on the part of some customers, who choose alternative routes, car types to complete their journeys. Also made it difficult to escape unwholesome odors until the next stop. 6. The R-46 had two controller modes - called wayside manual and wayside regulated. Wayside signals would always govern but a motorman could choose regulated by rotating the controller handle 180 degrees (left) and then slide it to one of about 7 positions for speeds of 10, 20....60, 70 and the train would maintain that speed regardless of grade. Trains ran faster than the design stopping distances allowed by the signals, resulting in a rear end collision approaching 5th/53rd southbound (uphill). After that regulated modes was forbidden and subsequently disabled. 7. The R44 was the first to equipped (from factory) with a speedometer. Prior to this one would hear exaggerated claims of great speed that were hard to verify or debunk. They were the only cars to have speedometers for years until a consultant report recommended their installation fleet-wide to improve safety (well before late 80s general overhauls began). Train operators were expected to guess their actual speed, and there was wide variation in operating styles on display. This also contributed to train bunching. Some rides, especially during late nights over the poorly maintained tracks with fewer timers) could be particularly wild (even frightening). 8. The ride on the R-46 air truck was very smooth - like riding on a new M-1. Even with full service or emergency braking movement was very smooth. And they had a different track sound, announcing themselves as you approached and needed to decide if it was your train or not before actually seeing it. 9. The R-46s had graffiti but whatever clean up campaigns there were always prioritized the R-46 (and to a lesser extent R-44). The ugly R-68 stainless steel walls were touted as an improvement to better resist graffiti, but the R-44 and R-46 colored interior surfaces were hit less often and or easier to clean and their elimination was an unnecessary downgrade to the R-68 environment. 10. I'm pretty sure the R-44/R-46 were the first to enable continued full lighting over third rail gaps, lasting for a few seconds without power and even then going down to half lighting rather than just a few battery-only incandescent bulbs. 11. The R-44 had much improved sound isolation, including the first interlocking door edging. But the R-46 had additional insulating materials in the walls (and the air spring trucks helped). This distinction in sound levels was noted in public statements but not really explained in detail. 12. The original one piece side roll signs were motorized and controlled from a single cab. There was a bar code on the sign curtain edge illuminated by a small light bulb which enabled the unit to seek the requested sign reading. The R-40 and 42 side curtains were not motorized. 13. The original HVAC units on the 44s and 46s were not so noisy outside. Their understated hum did much to contribute to the feeling by any casual observer that this rolling stock was indeed a great, all=in-one leap into the future. 14. Although much effort was devoted to "the feeler train" ensuring r-o-w clearance, not enough time was available for adequate testing and debugging of the P-wire and trucks - two radical departures in design that failed so hard we had to suffer the deficiencies inherent in the regressive design of the 2000+ cars delivered in the 1980s. Both orders were rushed into production for both political and operational reasons. 15. See my Admiring the R-46 video!

[@jassy_235]

@Trainluvr Thanks for your contributions! If more are to be added, please list them, and we’ll potentially create a follow-up vid crediting you. Comments regarding what’s added: 1 - My mistake. One time saw a ME-2 single unit pulling back with a crew on the B end at Clifton; assumed he was using a hostler. 9 - Guess the R62 series started the bland series. 10 - Not sure about that. A 1986 vid (kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPUZpV8fNiXg7c at 1:41) shows some R46 lights affected by third rail gaps. Also personally encountered it thrice. (cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/835745755871445063/1105230845171728445/EFCD8DB1-8997-4EA8-9A59-614262243D52.jpg, cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/835745755871445063/1105230845528260728/94E2E895-654C-451E-9521-E72CF3A9D533.jpg, cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/835745755871445063/1105230846065135626/E778A5AA-C4CB-44D7-98D3-9B133E9F9A52.jpg ) 15 - Lovely vid! Seen it many times; perfect music choice as I’m a 30s-50s, 70s music listener; shared it with non-railfans to showcase a TA’s beautiful piece.

[@trainluvr]

@@jassy_235 You're right about the lights, seems there was no delay in the side rows of lights dimming. But the video includes that damn annoying A/C compressor hum (which is similar to that heard at the rooftop parking at the Stop n' Shop in Glendale/Forest Hills) so maybe that too is original and I just confused it with the much smoother M-1 original sound. The descending-whistle sounding brake release of the original R-46 is rarely captured in film or video. I don't know of any example on KZbin. If any one has a link post it here. Same sound was heard on the experimental gas-turbine trains of LIRR. I got lucky with the music on my video - I thought it would take months to find the right sound to embody the late 70s while avoiding the use of known pop music that would be too genre specific or just lame or good but ruined by some stupid lyrics.

[@dan5979]

Great video, i'm a T/O and i do love the 46's but they're dying slowly unfortunately. very interesting facts on the 46's that I never knew. Keep it going with other subway classes.

[@jassy_235]

Thanks, and keep up with the hard work moving millions!

[@randolphtwells1360]

11:15; R44 and R46 trains have a black background with a solid color of the logo to the train by indicating the train to go.

[@Mattpsb]

Hey trainrider railfan send me a 1 hour of your intro song please

[@TRRailfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pofIY6ivnr6XjdU here's the 3 minute loop used in the premiere trailer

[@gavinng4009]

I love you TrainRider Railfan, you are my favorite youtuber and you should be the president. Thank you for your service.

[@isaiahkau2218]

babe wake up new tryt vid dropped jk im single i dont have a babe

[@joesmith-md2kt]

R44 CARS WERE TOTAL VERY EXPENSIVE GARBAGE. NOBODY HAD A CLUE HOW TO FIX THEM AND THEY BROKE DOWN ALL THE TIME. THE R32 CARS WERE THE ABSOLUTE BEST. I OPERATED ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE Q CARS.

[@TRRailfan]

What would you say were the second best after the R32s?

[@joesmith-md2kt]

ABSOLUTLY, THE R10 CARS WERE SECOND . THEY FLEW WHEN ALL MOTORS WORKED, AND THEY ALSO HAD SECOND BEST BRAKING AFTER R32. Q CARS WERE WORST BRAKES. OLD TECHNOLOGY. SIGNED, OLD TIME C/R, M/M, TSS

[@TRRailfan]

Did you have a favorite line or route to operate?

[@Nitro99999]

Wow that was great I grew up on those trains I was born 1978 and from Far Rockaway Queens Beach 67th Street so I no those trains very well but there was some things I did know kudos to both of you

[@jassy_235]

Thank you for watching!

[@isaacsmith1874]

9:10 the funniest law in all of New York.

[@randolphtwells1360]

26:55; R30s are the built and unrebuilt trains to represent the "Redbirds" fleet, but the R32 trains are the steel-banded trains different to the R38 trains.

[@jassy_235]

Thanks for the added info! These will ease up some confusion for some audiences.

[@leecornwell5632]

Don't forget about the R62AS R62S and the R68S R68AS that's holding it down for now until the Brand New R262/AS R268/AS comes in the future for CBTCS.

[@randolphtwells1360]

@@leecornwell5632 That's true.

[@NtGoat_AKA_Goatie]

The R44s and R46s were and in some cases still are one of mta’s oldest models to ever exist! These train models get their respected time and are use quite often than most other models.

[@jassy_235]

Well said! They deserved to be respected for staying strong despite significant ups and downs!

[@Maunico0809]

Nice! Something that I didn’t know were the R46s on the SI and the R46s keeling their original numbers post-GOH

[@CR1Creative]

Those were interesting facts I would like to see more facts

[@jassy_235]

If I happen to find more randomly, I'll put in the comments section.

[@randolphtwells1360]

7:09; The West End Line is used from D train service going after 36th. Street in Brooklyn (Sunset Park) to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.

[@JenMendoza-ez8dg]

Whenever i see your vids i watch them,then screenshot any old train picture.

[@randolphtwells1360]

3:12; R-62 door chimes are similarly to R-46 door chimes transplanted to each other.

[@randolphtwells1360]

18:15; The Yankees roll sign from the R44 SIR [Staten Island Railway] cars show a baseball game in Staten Island and not from the Bronx because Yankee Stadium is home to the 4 train in the Bronx.

[@fatoumatasissoko91]

And the D and B trians

[@nysubwaydude5634]

19:55 wait WHAT!!! One r46 original truck is still around.

[@Boypogikami132]

26:36 do not tell me that’s an R16, I’d believe you if it was an R42, but hell no it’s an R16!

[@ashleyjiscool]

388-398 still have their original brakes according to wiki Is that correct?

[@randolphtwells1360]

9:14; Why would people don't comply with the law by wiping the feet on the carpet of the R-44 Staten Island Railway cars?🤨🤨🤔🤔

[@jassy_235]

Yeah, that rule was weird when I first came across it. Considering the behavior of certain disrespectful individuals from that era, I will assume that the TA was sick and tired of foolish behaviors on their property, so they made that law.

[@TRRailfan]

Honestly I think the law was just to show that they were trying to do something. I don't think anyone sincerely believed it would work

[@Gojira160]

​@@TRRailfanI think the R44s and R46s are twin brothers because they look exactly alike. And they have the same design.

[@SamsungGalaxyS5OTH]

@@TRRailfan cars 208 and 209's rubber stripping looks like a school bus

[@russellgxy2905]

There's actually a couple photos floating around of the R44's testing on the LIRR

[@rrotwang]

How about finishing the tunnel started off the R train to Staten Island

[@NewYorkCitySubwayR160BSiemens]

20:10/20:14/20:20

[@spyderblk]

R46 6062 is currently coupled to car 6214 at pitkin yard on track 2

[@GREGGXYZ]

I have seen a photo of the LIRR runs with the new 75 foot cars,

[@JeromeSterna-gu7kd]

Taki68 Gips auch ya 🤣🤠🤣

[@Wbishop1995]

I like the r46 better

[@jassy_235]

CORRECTIONS & ADD-ONS: -The R44MLs and ME-2s NEVER had hostler controls, as noted by Trainluvr's comment. Please disregard that mistake! See more fun facts offered by him. -I made it sound weird that the ME-2s have levers at the ends of the interiors. They have a good reason. These were added to the ME-2s due to their single-unit operations, where locking an end door would prohibit one from entering a B car to a cab in an A car. It is common to see a B car coupled with an A car in SIR. -Blue indicator lights are only found on 75-footers' side exteriors. These signify that the end doors are unlocked. It is common to see the SIRR44s lighting up the blue indicators due to the primarily straight SIR main line. -All three car types had red door indicators placed on both sides surrounding each side exterior doors. Around 1987, most indicators were removed except for the ones near one part of the car ends, except for the ME-2s, which occurred during the overhaul. R44MLs Pre-1987: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?77624 R44MLs Post-1987: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?70667 ME-2s Post-1987: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?50729 R46s Pre-1987: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?5764 R46s Post-1987: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?62206 -The R44MLs and ME-2s have a minor metal cosmetic thing at one end underneath the transverse seats. The R46s never contained that. R44MLs: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/835745755871445063/1011463203630370886/unknown.png ME-2s: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/R44_SIR_Terminated_%40_St._George_Terminal_March_2022.jpg R46s: www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?126735 More fun facts will be added here if I discover them.

[@jackiehanson6636]

'promo sm' 💃

[@RipMax323]

SOAC 8:16

[@oofyalDAMMIT]

Damn we really take the R46s for granted. They've come a long way and it's actually impressive.

[@landocalrisian2014]

Great job guys!! I enjoyed this video 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Michael_afton698]

26:38 PTA ptl4

[@TheCTANYC]

In irl

[@Michael_afton698]

@@TheCTANYC yes