BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 1:13 pm Post subject:

On this day in 1973........

The first train of new "R-44s"("ME-2s") entered service on the SIRT; this train was a three-car consist.

Soon, the ancient, nostalgic "Staten Island Toonervilles" ("ME-1s)" would be put out to pasture.

Back in '73, I doubt anyone ever thought that these now-iconic cars would remain in service for over 50 years........

"NYO"

{"St. George"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 1:20 pm Post subject:

It's 1973, and a new era is dawning on "The Isle of Staten"..................

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?138685 (note proud veteran SIRT motorman, leaning out the cab window)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?45587 "END OF NOWHERE"(note retired E-L ferryboat "ELMIRA" in the distance)

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["Tottenville"]

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 6:10 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 7:09 pm Post subject:

W.B.:

I was thinking along the same lines as yourself ; in fact, I've been referring to the SIR "R-211S" as "ME-3s" since they first began testing along the SIR's rails.

Hard to believe that they are now the third generation of electrics to serve commuters on the fabled "Isle of Staten".......

"NYO"

["RIDE THE RAPID"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2026 9:54 pm Post subject:

Sad..........

Too bad that the MTA never thought to retain a set of "ME-1s", and restore them for Staten Island Nostalgia Specials Sad

Imagine a set of "ME-1s" and a set of "ME-2s"("R-44s"), operating Nostalgia Specials on the "Isle of Staten"......bet those trips would have ALL been SELL-OUTS, for sure! Wink

"NYO"

["PRESSED STEEL"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2026 12:17 am Post subject:

...........just wondering how commuters on the "Isle of Staten" are dealing with the "backs to the wall" subway-style seating on the "R-211S".........something us telling me that more than a few are now indeed missing the old "R-44" seating arrangement.

Also, wondering how the "Staten Island Rattlers" will fare during the hot, humid,"Noo Yawk" summers.........

"NYO"

['SIR"]

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2026 6:50 am Post subject:

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2026 6:50 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2026 9:23 am Post subject:

W.B,:

One "saving grace" with the SIR is that, except for the short tunnel between St. George and Tompkinsville, there are no other tunnels.

This, IMHO, would eliminate the 'Rattlers" running in hot, humid, poorly-ventilated tunnels, for long stretches.

Well, we shall see what we shall see, once another typical "Noo Yawk" summer is upon us............

"NYO"

["STATEN ISLAND RAILWAY"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2026 10:55 am Post subject:

.....and here we thought that the "R211S" were faring pretty well (considering) during the recent blizzard;; something us telling me that that that the upcoming summer months are NOT going to treat them too kindly........... Rolling Eyes

"NYO"

["Tottenville"]