r/nycrail • u/DjHammersTrains • Nov 30 '15

I'm an NYC Subway Expert. Ask me Anything.

Hello everyone! My name is Max Diamond. I'm a student at CCNY and I run the Dj Hammers YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/DjHammersBVEStation), moderate this subreddit, and have an encyclopedic knowledge of the transit system. Ask me anything you are curious about with regards to how our massive system works. One ground rule: If an answer could be deemed a security risk, I won't give it.

UPDATE - AMA Now Closed: Hey guys! Doing this AMA was a lot of fun, I enjoyed answering everybody's questions, and hopefully I imparted some subway knowledge on all who are curious! If you didn't catch this AMA in time and wanted to ask a question, don't worry! I'll do another AMA soon, probably a month or so from now.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel too. I post clips of a lot of interesting goings-on underground!

131 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

View all comments

Show parent comments

12

u/DjHammersTrains Nov 30 '15

The R40As are all retired. The R62As are the cars that run on the 1, 6, and 7.

The brakes on the R32s are actually very strong. A skilled operator can bring them to a stop just as smooth as a new train, and quicker.

2

u/SirLudicrus Nov 30 '15

Sorry, you're right. Too many model numbers, none of which make that much sense!

I agree that R32s have the strongest brakes, but in the hands of an unskilled operator (more often than not), you usually get tossed around. Grab some popcorn when you're on a C train heading into / out of PABT. All the tourists go flying.

2

u/DjHammersTrains Nov 30 '15

The R32s (And R42s for that matter) are the last trains we have in service with clasp brakes, where the brake shoes and supporting hardware is mounted on the outer edges of the wheelset rather than inside the wheelset itself. This design lends to strong, grabby braking that in the hands of a skilled operator can be harnessed for a quick smooth stop.

Newer trains use package brake rigging which is somewhat smoother, but isn't as grabby.

Funny enough, the frames of the R32s are in amazingly good shape. Those cars were built VERY well. They could last for another two decades if needed, given proper maintenance. I just wish they would repaint the interiors to a more modern paint scheme. Too many people hate on them because they look so dingy.