Metro-North Issues New Spring Timetables

April 3, 2011 New Rochelle, NY - Metro-North has issued their new Spring timetable. I'll discuss the service changes over a period of time to show the overall scheduling changes.

As you may recall, riders 'lost' some trains due to budget and winter weather influences. For example, on the New Haven line, a 6:38 pm express out of GCT was combined with the 6:45 pm local as part of a service consolidation over the winter into a 6:42 pm departure. In the morning, the 8:29 am express to GCT briefly departed the scene forcing some to stand cheek-to-jowl into Grand Central on the 8:33 am local.

The one-month timetable (March 7 - April 2) shows the 8:31 am express, 6:38 pm express and 6:45 pm local returning to the scene, which made for less standing room usage and a more even distribution of passengers between the two trains.

Beginning today, those 3 trains are there, much to my relief - I hated standing all the way or if some large person is filling the middle seat forcing me to read his newspaper instead of mine. Some of those winter rides made me think I was on the Lexington Avenue subway all the way from NR; it wasn't very comfortable being that close to people with colds.

During March, we also saw the debut of the new M-8 commuer cars (yes, initially with that new car smell). For a period of 3 weeks, those new cars were scheduled on the 8:15 morning rush hour departure. For riders, this was a welcomed relief from the M-2/4/6 'Cosmopolitan' cars that began plying the rails about 30 yearas ago. As those cars saved the railroad back then, the M-8 cars will continue to offer great service. I just wish more bar car service would be introduced by keeping some M-2 trainsets because they make the trip home much more fun.
 
With the recent improvements on the New Haven line, better days and rides are ahead. Now with more space around me, there's nothing better than the tranquil rush hour ride on Metro-North because that's what I pay $204/month for.

What’s Old Is New – The Self-Winding Clock Is Back In Action At GCT

New York, NY (March 15, 2011) – Old reliable is back on the case. After living in mothballs following removal from above Grand Central Terminal’s track 19 bumper block, the self winding clock that told millions of commuters over the years how much time they had left to board their train – has been put back into service in a new location. The vintage timepiece made by the Self Winding Clock Co. was recently pulled out of mothballs and mounted on GCT's Lower Level concourse ceiling near the entrance to track 108. According to Margie Anders of the MTA Press Office, “It was moved there the first week of March, the oak housing was refinished and the face was repainted.”



Editors: For publication rights to the full story and photos, contact me at transprailien@gmail.com.

The Economy Is Turning Around. The Evidence? Frequent GCT Public Events.

Grand Central Terminal, March 30, 2011 - The government and media have been stating that the nation’s economic situation is turning around. The reported unemployment rate recently has dropped somewhat and it appears that more corporate money has been freed-up for feel-good events. The evidence of all this – more public relations events held in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.

Historically speaking, Vanderbilt Hall was once a waiting room where passengers waited to board famous trains such as the New York Central's Twentieth Century Ltd. Yes, this is the train that they literally rolled out the red carpet (giving rise to that often-used iconic phrase). It is fitting that a room that was used to physically transport passengers to other parts of the country, is now used to take visitors into different realms and places.

Within the past few weeks, many events have been held there. At first, I'll use the past week as an example, I’ll explore the happenings.

Bermuda Tourism held a day-long event that featured CBS-FM’s live morning drive program hosted by Dan Taylor with his sidekicks Mr. G (weatherman) and newswoman Debra Rodriguez. The public got a rare glimpse into seeing this popular radio program in progress in addition to being able to have autographed publicity photos of those broadcasting stars. The overall event had booths with handouts, samples of drinks and a band that played music you would expect to hear in Bermuda. This was held on the eastern side of Vanderbilt Hall.

Nintendo had a two-day event on the western half of the famed hall, allowing the public to experience 3-D gaming and other features their new technology had to offer. Even I, a noted non-computer game player, was lured into the modernistic shell to experience this new visual. My impression is that this is certainly a long wayfrom Pac-Man and other games from thirty years ago.

In a couple of weeks prior to this, NBC-TV staged an event for their latest 'reality show', America's Next Great Restaurant. The public was treated to various prepared food samples ranging from a bean salad to fried chicken in a bun. Not only were the food samples quite good, but it got me to view the program that Sunday evening (maybe it was the food that got me to watch the program).

The economic recovery has been slow but moving ahead nonetheless. With worries about inflation creeping into the economic puzzle, that is worrisome for sure – but the trip to Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall took me away from all those issues. So relaxing, it felt like Bermuda or even being in a great new restaurant with a great meal. The red carpet may not be rolled out here for 'The Century' anymore, but visitors still get the royal treatment.

Two Part Article On Long Island Rail Road History/175th Anniversary Published In Passenger Train Journal

The 4th quarter 2010 and 1st quarter issues of Passenger Train Journal (published by White River Productions) has my article and a bunch of my photos that tell the story of the Long Island Rail Road's History/175th Anniversary and where they are today. It is not easy to impress an editor enough to convice him that a 2-part article does the subject matter justice.

The publication is available at your local hobby shop or via subscription at:
White River Productions
PO Box 9580, Kansas City, MO 64133
Toll-free: 877-787-2467 • Non-US: 816-285-6560
http://whiteriverproductions.com/
Email: info@whiteriverproductions.com

The magazine is 'a worthy' for transportation-based readers and those that want to read good wrtiting and see great photos.

The Long-Awaited Metro-North M-8 Commuter Cars Are Unveiled...WOW!!!

New York, NY (March 1, 2011) – Since 2009, the Kawasaki-built M-8 emu (Electric Multiple Unit) trains have been hiding under a veil of secrecy and wonderment. With the 1970-era design ‘Cosmopolitan’ cars reaching the end of their useful lives, the public has been praying for the huge investment in new equipment be put into service. Today, those prayers were answered with the unveiling with the maiden voyage of the long-awaited modern rendition of commuter cars.

The M-8s have been beset by seemingly endless delays before entering into revenue service, first in production then during the testing/shake-down period. From a lack of correct steel to electromagnetic interference issues, the M-8 debut was pushed back time and time again. With the first 38 cars built in Kobe, Japan at Kawasaki’s plant, those cars needed to be transported to New York and delivered to their plant in Yonkers, NY before shipping to the New Haven shop for further testing before passing the 4,000-mile mark without any defects revealing themselves. When problems occurred, ‘the mileage clock’ was reset to zero and the process begun anew.

“These cars have successfully completed extensive, systematic tests. The many challenges that were revealed during intensive, real-world operations of the most complex rail car in North America on the continent’s busiest rail corridor, have been resolved,” said Metro-North President Howard Permut. “This testing took over one year to ensure that the M-8 will provide quality service for its 30 year life. We plan to put more of these cars into service as soon as they complete individual quality assurance testing.”

In all fairness, these M-8 cars were brought into revenue service 6 months sooner than their Bombardier-built M-7 model emu commuter cars. Those M-7s were heavily tested in Canada and at the test track in Colorado, away from critical eyes and comments. With the M-7 flaws not reported in the local media, it gave the impression that the M-7 was a flawlessly-built car. However, they endured the same critical benchmark testing as the M-8 with less scrutiny. Certainly the M-2/4/6 'Cosmopolitan' car outages snowstorm-caused by traction motor failures elevated the need for the new cars to come online.

As railroad equipment, the M-8 is the most advanced commuter car anywhere. The cars also have many features not immediately visible to the public such as critical solid-state computer controlled equipment within the carbody instead of under it in addition to the redundant air conditioning/heating systems on the roof. These improved designs will improve reliability and on-time performance. The power pickup system draws juice from either the third rail or overhead catenary – which allows the cars to operate anywhere along the Northeast Corridor. On-board investigative and monitoring capabilities are important tools that give road car inspectors and shop mechanics the ability to quickly diagnose problems and return them back on the road.

The project's engineering consultant, LTK, sub-contracted Cesar Vergara to develop a ‘world class’ transportation vehicle. The overall touches Mr. Vergara has made on these cars are astonishing and creates a completely modern look for the very utilitarian function of taking commuters to and from work. His work is exemplary and should stand as a model for future passenger rail cars. In addition to using Mr. Vergara’s extensive imagination and skills, intensive customer outreach which includes acquiring comments based on a mock-up, all went into the overall design of the cars – inside and out.

These new cars are beautiful and exciting to ride in. They give a smooth and comfortable ride with all the new 'hotel amenities' the riding public now demands. The bench seats are comfortable with individual headrests and an electrical outlet so electronic equipment such as computers can run on house current instead of rechargeable battery power. Recorded messages are clear and electronic signage leaves no doubt of the train you're on and what the next stop is. LED signs are clear and easy to read in and out of the car. The curved armrests seem to be one of the most notable improvements as the ones deployed on the M-7s seem to tear clothing when the rests find their way into pockets – a definite negative. There’s even an intercom passengers can use to contact the crew in an emergency.

Summary
These M-8s were custom-designed for Metro-North and they are gorgeous and a joy to ride in. This leap forward shows that the 1970s Cosmopolitan design while still functional, have seen their better days. Hail, hail - long live the ‘old tomato can’ Cosmo cars and make way for the ‘new tomato can’ the M-8s! They’re well worth the wait!

Editors: To publish the full-length version and photos, contact me at transprailien@gmail.com.

Since The Snow Has Stopped Falling, New Rochelle Has Become Pothole City

Two weeks ago was the last time New Rochelle received any snow accumulation, thankfully. Since Christmas, New Rochelle has received enough white stuff (about 6 feet) to run a ski operation for a period of time. For those of us that enjoy snow, it was a wonderful gift. For the rest of us, we know the shovelling drill.

Now, that a considerable amount of it has melted, we're dealing with a different kind of gift - potholes.

As you may know, these tools of automobile destruction have begun to wreak havoc on our cars. Pictured below are some divots that seem to reveal themselves in this weather. These winners are at the corner of Huguenot and Centre - a perpetual pothole location right next to the parking lot and bus stop. To the uninitiated, a right turn off Huguenot spells trouble for not just the hole in the pavement, but the freezing water creates a driving hazard that can cause a car to lose control.

This spot, pales in comparison to the king of potholes at the southbound entrance of I-95 on Main Street. This is not divot but a bonafide hole straight to the sub-roadbed. Not knowing of its existence caused me to drive right into it, loosening my tire sensor for the front right tire, causing a front end misalignment and a bent rim - a painful experience all around to say the least.

I'm sure there are more potholes in New Rochelle like the ones I've just described - let's hope DPW reads this post and does something about it.

Service is improving on Metro-North's New Haven line

Connecticut, February 11, 2011 - With the constant snowfalls seemingly abated, commuter car availability is improving on Metro-North's New Haven line. At the peak of the snowfall car failures, half of the New Haven fleet was out of service, with a majority of those cars being the 'Cosmopolitan' fleet of M-2/4/6.

The 'Cosmo' car concept came into existence when they were designed in the 1960s and built into the 80s. They saved  the railroad at the time when the inherited New York Central and New Haven equipment that was ready for scrapping years before it actually happened. All this 'vintage' equipment constantly broke down at all times of the year, making the trip into Manhattan impossible to predict. Employers were beginning to consider (and some did) moving out of Manhattan and into suburbia for this very reason. With the arrival of the Cosmo cars, reliability and on-time performance improved and they saved the railroad. This is a subject many have failed to recognize and should be noted in the media - so let me be the first!!!!

While the M-2/4/6 cars saved the railroad, they had one flaw - snow. Fine particles gets into the traction motors, causing them to short out and become unuseable. Door issues suddenly because evident because the snow would inhibit proper proper door panel movement. All this is not new - it has been reported in the media before so these issues are not new and are also common knowledge. That said, Metro-North crews work diligently to make up for the deficiencies in these 'California cars' but somtimes Mother Nature has a way of defeating the best of intentions and preventative measures.

Several years ago, Connecticut (owner of the trackage in the Nutmeg State), began a process to correct these deficiencies and the resulting design gave birth to the M-8 cars built by Kawasaki. Originally supposed to come on line in 2009, production line problems occurred when the proper steel was not available and building stopped. When the process resumed, the delivery dates kept getting pushed back. This blog chronicled their 'debut' in December, 2010, only to find the M-8s could not pass their 4,000 mile error-free testing benchmark due to a reported software issue that fouled the wayside signalling system employed by operator Metro-North. The result - the 4,000-mile 'clock' had to be restarted.

WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported from Greenwich, CT on February 11, 2011
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/02/11/gov-malloy-stays-on-top-of-new-haven-line-problems/

that the first cut of M-8 cars could pass the 4,000-mile 'barrier' and we might begin to see the new equipment come on line soon but obviously not all at once. This is an obvious fact that all M-8s subsequent to the first 8, would be delivered as-completed to the New Haven maintenance shop from Nebraska where those cars are being manufactured. Railroad enthusiasts (a/k/a rail fans), have photographed the delivery of these cars piecemeal. This is good news as it confirms the production line is rolling.

 

These M-8 cars share a common thread with their Bombardier-built M-7 cars that operate on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North's Harlem and Hudson lines - their design minimizes the damage snow can cause to the traction motors, making them more reliable.

 

When the M-8s come on line, I want to be the first to ride them as they represent the most modern and reliable design in commuter railroading. Will I miss the Cosmo fleet when they're gone? Absolutely because they saved the railroad 30 years ago and kept commuting alive while revitalizing the region economically.

 

The next time you step onto a subway car or commuter coach of any type, consider the work the mechanics perform to keep them rolling. Falling prey to the pancea of saying new cars solves the problem is wrong because they still need to be maintained so they can keep rolling. This is one job that can't be outsourced overseas, thankfully.