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Reply to "Old New York"

Ben,

The photo is a promotion by the IRT co. Introducing the experimental " noiseless and ventilated " cars being tried out. The LO-V cars were equipped with blower motor ventilated fans enclosed in squirrel cages as seen mounted in the roof. They also had rubber mats in the vestibules covering the steel diamond plate floors. The storm doors were modified with rubber end panels similar to the side doors. The gentleman in the center wearing the white suit is the infamous Frank Hedley. He was in charge of the operation of the IRT. There was a 10 car train refered to as the "Blower Cars". The experiment was a failure and the blowers and the mats were removed. The rubber storm door modification were left in place and the cars finished theit days in that configuration. As far as the question about what the men have their feet on covering the heaters i do not know. My guess is either a buffer to contain the noise coming from under the car through the heater vents or a foot rest. Certainly if used in the winter they would prevent heat from entering the car and would have to be removed in the winter. (not practical)  So, your guess is as good as mine.

 

 

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