R110B

The R-110A and R-110B cars were prototype cars delivered to the Transit Authority in 1992. These cars were designed to test out various "New Technology" features that would eventually be incorporated into the next fleet of trains. They were not intended to be production models.

R-110B: The R-110B is a prototype car for the IND/BMT division. It was made by Bombardier of Canada and entered service in 1992. There are 9 cars, numbered 3001-3009, and are coupled into three-car sets.

Train Configuration: The car configuration is 3-car sets. Similar to the R-110A, the cab cars are powered with four traction motors each. The center car of the 3-car set is an unpowered, cabless trailer. The cars are of typical B-division loading gauge (10 feet), but are 67' feet long, a length only shared by the BMT Standards.

Control stand: Standard subway train control stand, to which some computerized features have been added. The layout of the controls is desk-style, with a myriad of switches, lamps, and a single lever to control traction and braking. A CRT with function keys on either side has been added, and is used to monitor speed, train status, etc.

External: Similar to R-68 cars now in use on the BMT and IND, the ends are a little squarer, and are lexan (or glass?). Car ends which do not have cabs are open (again lexan or glass).

Internal: Seating is basically the same as in the R-68's, but the materials have been improved -- a matte plastic is used, allowing scratches and stubborn grafitti to be buffed out using a light abrasive. The seats are still slightly scooped, but not as much as before. Internal surfaces are fiberglass and plastic in the wonderful TA tan (ugh!), with some accent provided by a plastic mosaic applique (begging to be peeled off by vandals). The floor is linolium with a pattern of slightly raised and textured squares, which should be quite good when wet. We still have the handhold shortage for shorter passengers. Added, however is a passenger intercom -- which can be used to call for aid in an emergency. Also, the clear non-cab ends of the cars make them feel much more open and airy.

Destination/Route Signs: Roll-sign line indicators (most letters); LCD destination signs; Interior strip route guides with LED indication of stops ahead.

Recent Status: The train spent the early part of its life on the "A" running with all three 3-car sets. Later, due to breakdowns, one of the 3-car sets had been cannibalized for parts and the train then ran on the "C" with two 3-car sets (approximately 70 feet short of a typical 8-car "C" train). Throughout 1999, it had been in and out of service for both repairs and additional component testing. The train has not had the computerized voices and next stop indicator signs programmed for the "C" route, so the conductor does it the old fashioned way. In 2000, it was said that this train may occasionally see weekday service on the "C" Line until it dies. But, its last inspection was in 2000 and the train remains idle in 207th Street yard, no longer on the revenue active list. Since then, one of the three sets has been given up for employee training purposes: cars 3004 and 3006 are at the Coney Island Yard firefighting training facility, and car 3005 went to the NYCT's P.S. 248 training facility. The remaining cars are in storage at 207th St. Yard.

The R110B test program shared many features in common with the R110A. A description of the shared features is available.

Car Notes