Bombardier MR-73
The Bombardier MR-73 is a type of metro (subway) car built for the Montreal Metro between 1974 and 1980. They run in sets of three with a trailer car between two motor cars which have cabs. They have a similar design to the MR-63 cars, but can be quickly distinguished by rectangular headlights and marker lights stack on top of each other. Another distinct feature of the MR-73 cars is the three note tune produced during acceleration. A power converter, or chopper, allows smooth current for the traction motors. The three note "dou-dou-dou" is the product of the frequencies for the converter.[1]
The trains are light blue with a white stripe running under the windows that wraps around the front of the car. Inside, the wall below the windows was originally orange, and the wall around the windows was tan. The walls at the ends of the motor cars separating the cabs were originally orange with white graphics depicting scenes of Montreal. However, they were removed due to ware and damage. Ceilings were tan and had smaller square ventilation fans than they do now. The seats were molded as part of the wall, were orange as well, and had padded onserts in an orange patterned fabric. These were later changed to white contoured plastic.
Beginning in June 2002, the STM modified three cars to test out seating arrangements.[2] Two prototypes, A and B, had all perimeter seating with different stanchion placement between the two. Another, known as Prototype C, had one seat removed from one transverse pair from each row. Between 2005 and 2008, the MR-73 cars were refurbished. They received new seats like those used on the MR-63 cars, but in a deep blue. They were arranged in the manner of Prototype C which was most popular with riders. The bright orange walls were redone in a more subdued terracotta to provide a warn contrast to the cool grey of stanchions and doors. The deep blue seats were chosen to offset motion sickness, and a sandy white ceiling was used to create a more open atmosphere. Full spectrum lighting was used to improve the mood of passengers and give a sense of cleanliness and safety.[3]
References
- ↑ 9 August 2010. Dou-dou-dou «Attention, nous fermons les portes…» Société de transport de Montréal. Retrieved on 01 January 2012
- ↑ Testing for Tomorrow!. Société de transport de Montréal. 04 June 2002. Retrieved on 01 January 2012
- ↑ (10 July 2006). Feeling down? Take ride on the metro Montreal Gazette (Montreal). Retrieved on 01 January 2012
