In order further to provide cars, each of
which would be as safe as the others, it was essential that there
should be no difference in constructional strength between the motor
cars and the trail cars. All cars were therefore made of one type and
can be used interchangeably for either motor or trail-car service.
The motor cars carry both motors on the same truck; that is, they have
a motor truck at one end carrying two motors, one geared to each
axle; the truck at the other end of the car is a "trailer" and carries
no motive power.
[Illustration: SIDE VIEW OF STEEL PASSENGER CAR]
Some leading distinctive features of the cars may be enumerated as
follows:
(1.) The length is 51 feet and provides seating capacity for
52 passengers. This length is about 4 feet more than those of
the existing Manhattan Elevated Railroad cars.
(2.) The enclosed vestibule platforms with sliding doors
instead of the usual gates. The enclosed platforms will
contribute greatly to the comfort and safety of passengers
under subway conditions.
(3.) The anti-telescoping car bulkheads and platform posts.
This construction is similar to that in use on Pullman cars,
and has been demonstrated in steam railroad service to be an
important safety appliance.
(4.) The steel underframing of the car, which provides a
rigid and durable bed structure for transmitting the heavy
motive power stresses.
(5.) The numerous protective devices against defects in the
electrical apparatus.
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