Question on Life-Like R-17 Subway

[MisterBeasley]

As an old subway buff, I'm drawn to this set of 4 cars, one powered, for a reasonable price. Does anyone have any info other than what's offered at the Life-Like Proto 1000 site? In particular, is this OK for the price? Also, does anyone know if it will take 18-inch radius curves? There's still time to change the layout diagram to accomodate a wider radius if it's really good, but the wife turned a trifle pale at the 5x12 plan and I don't want to push it.

[mustanggt]

Since they're traction equipment, they can go around 18" radiuses like the average 40 foot boxcar. As for the price, it does seem a bit high, but I think it was worth it. BTW I think Charles Ro still has them in stock and their price is cheaper than trainworld.

Dave

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Mr. Beasley,

Just wanted to chime in and tell you that I have so many fond memories of riding the prototypes as a kid with my parents. I lived near the #2 line in the north Bronx.

I enjoyed the rocking, speed and all the "little sounds" that no one else noticed. My favorite sounds (though I didn't know what they were) was the "puffing" of the airbrakes as the motorman "waggled" the brake handle until the train stopped. Then those air compressors "Kicked In" for about 10 seconds. The pumping was very audible! And of course, the screeching of these trains around curves.

At night time those trains looked incredibly "Bright" as the train's flourescent lights were on when the trains were on the elevated portions of the line.

[MisterBeasley]

I've been a New Englander for 35 years now, but I was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. My fondest birthday memory as a kid was the day my Dad took me into the city and we rode the subway all day long. And it only cost us 15 cents each!

The prototypes for these cars look like they're about 50 feet long. Thanks for the info on the 18-inch radius.

A question, though. Are they still called "traction" equipment even though they aren't quite like the more traditional trolley cars?

[AntonioFP45]

Yes,

Since they are powered by electric motors and use electrical pickup. Sorry I forgot to answer you earlier, but yes they will handle 18" radius with no problem. What's so ironic is that on the prototype IRT lines in New York some of those curves are close to the equvilent of 18 radius where the trains have to slow to a 5 mph crawl!

[MisterBeasley]

Is South Ferry on the IRT? I remember that being a very tight turn coming into the station.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MisterBeasley

Is South Ferry on the IRT? I remember that being a very tight turn coming into the station.

Yes! It is IRT and serviced by the #5 train. I remember that the original South Ferry station was closed and a station just further ahead on the line replaced it. The curve is very tight and the squealing produced from those wheels as the train rounded the curve was almost "ear piercing".

[:)][:D][8D][;)][8)]

[retsignalmtr]

from what i've seen they look pretty good although there is some detail missing but that is something that can be added by the modeler. i was also planning to get a set of the redbirds.there are other manufacturers of subway cars in ho and n. i was a signal maintainer for the ta and worked on the elevated lines in the bronx and manhattan. i especally liked the old cars that ran on the ind and bmt divisions. when i started there the older trains did not have headlights, just marker and destination lights.

[davekelly]

The proto subways sure are fine runners!! I have a couple of sets waiting to run. I've been surfing the web for a couple of months now looking for pictures of NYC subway stations. The introduction of these models have peaked my curiousity and I have to admit I've learned alot over the past few months with my research.

I have run these units on atlas 15 inch radius curve and they seem to do fine.