M series (Toronto subway)

The M series, also known as M1, was the second series of rapid transit rolling stock used in the subway system of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They were built by Montreal Locomotive Works in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from 1961 to 1962. They were the first Toronto subway cars to be manufactured in Canada, and only one of two series built outside Ontario.

M series
An M-series train at the Greenwood Subway Yard
In service1962–1999
ManufacturerMontreal Locomotive Works
Built atMontreal, Quebec
Constructed1961–1962[1]
Entered service1962
ScrappedMay 1999[1]
Number built36
Number preserved2[lower-alpha 1]
Number scrapped34
Formation2 car mated pairs (operated as 3 pair (6 car) trains)
Fleet numbers5300–5335
Capacity83 (formerly 84) seated
Operator(s)Toronto Transit Commission
Line(s) served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminum
Car length23.012 m (75 ft 6.0 in)
Width3.14 m (10 ft 4 in)
Height3.65 m (12 ft 0 in)
Floor height1.1 m (3 ft 7 in)
Doors8 (4 per side) per car
Maximum speed89 km/h (55 mph)
Weight27,215 kg (60,000 lb)
Traction motorsDC
Power output120 hp (89 kW)
AuxiliariesNone (?)
Electric system(s)Third rail, 600 V DC
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
Braking system(s)Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co. digital electro-pneumatic braking and Electro-dynamic reheostatic service brake
Track gauge4 ft 10+7⁄8 in (1,495 mm)

History

By 1960, the Toronto Transit Commission was preparing to expand its subway system to include the University line. The TTC wanted subway cars with a larger 75-foot (22.86 m) design and also wished to expand upon some of the experimental features in the existing G-series cars.[2] The new design was pushed forward by general manager John G. Inglis.

A total of only 36 M-series cars were built. As the subway expanded and more trains were necessary, the TTC turned to Hawker Siddeley to build the next series of subway cars.

Design

The TTC performed testing at St. Clair and Union stations with a 75-foot test vehicle known as the Duncan Dragon. Built at the Duncan Shops by Len Bardsley and the D&D Equipment Company, the test car consisted of two trucks with three panels and was designed to test the size of train that could successfully navigate the tunnels. A steel girder with railings allowed workers to walk and ride the car during tests.

After specifications for the new cars were finalized, Alco's Montreal Locomotive Works was contracted to build the new cars, dubbed "M1".[1] The cars are historically notable as the first subway cars produced in Canada[2] and, at the time of their construction, the longest subway cars in the world.[1] All subsequent TTC cars have followed the size and length specifications of the M series (though the Toronto Rocket deviates from the two-car married-pair formation) and influenced several other transit authorities to examine the use of longer cars.

Retirement

The M1 trains were decommissioned on May 1, 1999, and scrapped soon afterwards. All were scrapped except cars 5300 & 5301, which were given to the Halton County Radial Railway museum for preservation.[1]

See also

Notes
  1. Owned by Halton County Radial Railway, a private museum[1]

References
  1. "Halton County Radial Railway: Collection Roster". Halton County Radial Railway. 2010. Archived from the original on 2009-09-10. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  2. Aaron Adel and James Bow, revised by Robert Lubinski (2006). "The Montreal Series (M-1) Cars (1963–1999)". Transit Toronto. Archived from the original on 2011-12-24. Retrieved 2005-10-21.
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