Arrow (railcar)
Encyclopedia
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
(EMU) railcar developed for the Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
, and used through successive commuter operators in New Jersey, through to New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
. Three models were built but only the third is in use today. The series is similar to SEPTA's Silverliner series, but include center doors among other differences in details.
Arrow I
The first series of Arrows (known as PRR MP85s) were built in 1968-69 by the St. Louis Car CompanySt. Louis Car Company
The St. Louis Car Company was a major United States manufacturer of railroad passenger cars, streetcars, trolleybuses and locomotives that existed from 1887–1973, based in St. Louis, Missouri.-History:...
, based on the SEPTA Silverliner III class; 35 were built. After the delivery of Arrow IIs, all cars were stored out of service in the mid 1970s.
They were converted into locomotive-hauled coaches called Comet IBs by in 1987-89 by Morrison Knudsen. The rebuilt Comet IBs remained in service until 2008, with some now leased or sold.
Arrow II
The second series (1234-1303), consisting of 70 cars, was built in 1975 by the Budd CompanyBudd Company
The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century....
, similar in design to the Silverliner IV class now used by SEPTA. They were retired by 1997.
Arrow III
The Arrow IIIs were built in 1978 by Budd and General ElectricGeneral Electric
General Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
. They consist of 100 married pairs (1334-1533) and 30 single cars (1304-1333). They were rebuilt between 1992 and 1995, allowing for their continued use as of 2011.