BMT D-Type Triplex

The BMT D-Type Triplex cars were ordered in 1924 under pressure from the city to abandon wooden cars in favor of steel, due to safety concerns arising from accidents, such as the Malbone Street wreck of 1918, which caused the financial demise of the BMT's predecessor the BRT.

Unlike a standard subway car, which has a set of wheels, or truck, at each end, the triplex cars share trucks. The three car units are articulated and cannot be separated. A truck is under each of the articulated joints, and at each end. Therefore a triplex unit has four trucks, whereas a normal three-car train would have six trucks, two on each car. The trucks in the middle contain the motors, and the ones at the end are trailer trucks. The triplex was the heaviest car ever used in the New York City subway system.

The first units, the pilots (6000-6003) went into service in 1925 (probably 9/1925). They were used on the Foruth Ave. Local. The production fleet started to arrive early in 1927 and the units were assigned mainly to the Fourth Ave. Local but also to the Brighton Local. In 9/1928, just before completion of delivery of the entire fleet, the units on the Fourth Ave. Local were moved to the Sea Beach Express and provided full service here, as well continuing partial service on the Brighton Local.

On 4/27/1950, the units on the Brighton Local were moved to the Brighton Express, and on 5/27/1959 provided the mainstay of service here, continuing partial service on the Sea Beach Express. On 4/13/1963, the units on the Sea Beach Express began to be alternately used on the West End Express and the various Nassau St. services.

These are the main assignments for this type over the years. There were many variations and side assignments in addition. The last units, running on the West End line, were removed from service July 23, 1965.

(Information from William Zucker; and Transit Museum Nostalgia Train handout from July 1995.)

Car Notes