M-series (Toronto Subway car)
Encyclopedia
The M-series rapid transit
cars were a Toronto subway
car model built in 1961–1962.
By 1960 the Toronto Transit Commission
was preparing plans to expand its subway system to include the University line. The TTC wanted subway cars with a larger 75 feet (22.86 m) design and also wished to expand upon some of the experimental features in the existing G-Series
cars. 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, 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
in Montreal
, Quebec
was contracted to build the new cars, dubbed "M1". The cars are historically notable as the first Canadian-built subway cars and, at the time of their construction, were the longest subway cars in the world.
In total only 36 M-series cars were built. As the subway expanded and more vehicles were necessary the TTC turned to Hawker Siddeley
to build the next series
of subway cars.
All subsequent TTC cars have followed the size and length specifications of the M-series (though the Toronto Rocket deviates from the 2 car married pair formation) and influenced several other transit authorities to examine the use of longer cars.
The M1 trains were decommissioned and scrapped in 1999, with 2 cars given to the Halton County Radial Railway
streetcar museum for preservation.
Rapid transit
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
cars were a Toronto subway
Toronto subway and RT
The Toronto subway and RT is a rapid transit system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consisting of both underground and elevated railway lines, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission . It was Canada's first completed subway system, with the first line being built under Yonge Street, which opened in...
car model built in 1961–1962.
By 1960 the Toronto Transit Commission
Toronto Transit Commission
-Island Ferry:The ferry service to the Toronto Islands was operated by the TTC from 1927 until 1962, when it was transferred to the Metro Parks and Culture department. Since 1998, the ferry service is run by Toronto Parks and Recreation.-Gray Coach:...
was preparing plans to expand its subway system to include the University line. The TTC wanted subway cars with a larger 75 feet (22.86 m) design and also wished to expand upon some of the experimental features in the existing G-Series
G-series (Toronto Subway car)
The G-series rapid transit cars were a Toronto subway car model, built between 1953 and 1959.The cars were built by the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company for the Toronto Transit Commission....
cars. 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, the test car consisted of two trucks with three panels and was designed to test the size
Loading gauge
A loading gauge defines the maximum height and width for railway vehicles and their loads to ensure safe passage through bridges, tunnels and other structures...
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
American Locomotive Company
The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:...
Montreal Locomotive Works
Montreal Locomotive Works
Montreal Locomotive Works was a Canadian railway locomotive manufacturer which existed under several names from 1883–1985, producing both steam and diesel locomotives. For a number of years it was a subsidiary of the American Locomotive Company...
in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
was contracted to build the new cars, dubbed "M1". The cars are historically notable as the first Canadian-built subway cars and, at the time of their construction, were the longest subway cars in the world.
In total only 36 M-series cars were built. As the subway expanded and more vehicles were necessary the TTC turned to Hawker Siddeley
Hawker Siddeley Canada
Hawker Siddeley Canada was the Canadian unit of the Hawker Siddeley Group of the United Kingdom and manufactured railcars, subway cars, streetcars, aircraft engines and ships from the 1960s to 1980s.-History:...
to build the next series
H-series (Toronto Subway car)
The H-series rapid transit cars are a subway car model built from 1965 to 1990 for the Toronto Transit Commission in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. From 1965 to 1975, the cars were built by Hawker Siddeley Canada and later by its new owner the Urban Transportation Development Corporation...
of subway cars.
All subsequent TTC cars have followed the size and length specifications of the M-series (though the Toronto Rocket deviates from the 2 car married pair formation) and influenced several other transit authorities to examine the use of longer cars.
The M1 trains were decommissioned and scrapped in 1999, with 2 cars given to the Halton County Radial Railway
Halton County Radial Railway
The Halton County Radial Railway is a working museum of electric streetcars, other railway vehicles, trolleybusses and buses. It is operated by the Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association...
streetcar museum for preservation.