R110A

The R-110A and R-110B cars were prototype cars delivered to the Transit Authority in 1992. These cars were designed to test out various "New Technology" features that would eventually be incorporated into the next fleet of trains. They were not intended to be production models.

R-110A: Prototype car for the IRT (A) division. Built by Kawasaki, there are 10 cars, numbered 8001-8010, and they are in permanently coupled in 5 car sets.

Train Configuration: The minimum car configuration was designed to be 5 car sets, with full width cabs at each end. The cab cars are powered by four traction motors each. The center car of the five is an unpowered trailer, and the other two cars powered by two traction motors each. The standard IRT loading gauge of 8.5 feet and length of 51 feet have been retained.

Control Stand: The cab is completely computerized, with a control stand consisting of a single lever for traction and braking control, a reversing key, a small numeric and symbol keypad, and a LCD flat panel graphic/alphanumeric display (as in a laptop computer). The display is used in conjunction with the keypad to control doors, reset alarms of various sorts (including the silent passenger alert system), display train speed and braking information, etc.

External: Similar to current R-62 cars now in use on the IRT, except for slightly squarer ends, and the considerably wider passenger entry doors (about one foot wider than the R-62 doors). All car ends are clear glass/lexan now, allowing passengers to see into the next car. The bodies are stainless steel.

Internal: Seating has been improved, giving up the scoop seats in favor of comfortable benches (those who are more than skin and bones will rejoice) in bright colors. Pattern is now parallel across from front/back facing -- rather like the R-62 cars, but with one side shifted from the other, so that the front/back facing seats are opposite benches which are parallel to the side of the car. Unfortunately, some seating space has been sacrificed in order to allow for the wider doors. Interior surfaces are smooth fake-granite fiberglass (or plastic?) -- which is apparently quite resistant to graffiti, and also quite cheap to replace when necessary.

Destination/Route Signs: Signage includes: LED exterior line indicator signs (1,2,3,4,5,6,7), LCD destination signs (in windows), LED interior next stop/variable message signs

Recent Status: The train was yanked from service in the spring of 1998 (made cover of NY Post) due to brake problems. A year later in 1999, it was rumored to be in some sort of fire, which sparked the TA to send it to the repair shop, for full repairs. In mid-June 1999, it returned to the 239th Street Yard. Rumor in September, 2000 was that the train would be repaired and returned to service after receiving parts from Kawasaki, but by 2003, nothing had been done to the train and it is unlikely this train will ever see revenue service again. It is currently located in Pitkin Yard.

The R110A test program shared many features in common with the R110B. A description of the shared features is available.