UNTIL just recently, M3 electric-powered rail cars employed on the Long Island Rail Road, were still in use as delivery of new M9 cars was delayed. (As MTA subway cars are prefixed with “R,” LIRR and Metro-North railcars are prefixed with “M.” I’m unsure what the initials stand for; Comments are open. (LIRR cars have odd numbers, Metro-North even.) R3 cars were introduced in the 1980s and ran along with M1s, introduced in the late 60s, at the same time for several decades, but M1s were retired a few years ago. Both M1s and M3s were similar in appearance, with a streamlined metal exterior and yellow trim. I was disappointed when the M7s, introduced around 2003, severely cut back on the yellow trim and M9s eliminated it completely, substituting a new MTA railcar color scheme of blue and gold.
Both M1s and M3s featured three-and two seating (I would never consent to sit in the center of the three-set, preferring to stand) in red and blue. After a few decades, the seats were repaired with duct tape and if you were especially unlucky, you sat in a non-upholstered seat and your rear sagged very deeply. Additionally, the LIRR gave up on repairing bathroom sinks and providing toilet paper: best to hold “number two” till you got home. Sitting near the restroom was to be avoided except at busy rush hours. As with today’s newer cars, the surfacing on the sunny-side windows got more and more opaque over time; I don’t know why the MTA doesn’t have an answer to this issue. Door openings were signaled by a loudly jangling bell.
Those cavils aside I miss the M3s. The seats were larger and more comfortable, and there was still an aura of old-time railroading; newer cars are quite bland and featureless in light blue.
As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. Take a look at the new JOBS link in the red toolbar at the top of the page on the desktop version, as I also get a small payment when you view a job via that link.
12/4/23