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| Re: Fulton Street El Express Service (215979) | |||
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Re: Fulton Street El Express Service |
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Posted by JOE @ NYCTMG - NYCMTS on Wed Feb 15 11:54:09 2006, in response to Re: Fulton Street El Express Service, posted by Elkeeper on Tue Feb 14 23:10:26 2006. Hello ELkeeper It ccould have also been due to Chicago (and Frank Sprague) being FIRST to electrify their EL system -- as in NYC, the Manhattan Raiwaly Co. experimented with '"non MU" electrio operation (one with a center 3rd rail and a small electric locomotive to replace steam Forneys)....and were not overly impressed with the initial early experiments, tests. The Chicago system took a gamble on Frank SPRAGUE'S brand new MU system, which featured the (what was later to become) "original "EL" style, position, 3rd rail and drop sled design pickup shoes. The Manhattan Railway Company system, after seeing the success of the first ever Frank Sprague MU Electric Train application in Chicago, initially adapted that system format in 1900-1 for their EL's electrification conversion before the IRT later leased the Manhattan Railway Co., elevated lines for 999 Yes, 9 9 9 !) years. The IRT and Manhattan Railway Co., both knew that the heavier new steel subway cars would be too heavy for Manhattan Island "original" 1870-80's EL structures, and there would be no reason to run wooden EL trains, with their 1' higher roofs, into the original first subway (or later extensions) which cleared the lower Composite and Gibbs, Deck Roof style cars But you make a very good point Regards - Joe |
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