05/05/2016
Authentic
New York City "Lo-V" ( Low Voltage )
Subway Car Porcelain Number Board.
These Trains Were Built Between 1916-1925 But The Number "5666" Indicates That This Number Board Is From 1938 From A Lo-V "Worlds Fair Steirway" Motors Co. St. Louis.
In 1937, the Interborough set to work on a new design for cars to serve the Flushing line, in order to provide extra equipment for the upcoming 1939 World's Fair at Flushing Meadow. A relatively small number of cars were to be ordered, as the IRT was strapped for cash. A design evolved which permitted compatibility with earlier Steinway Lo-V's, yet presented a more contemporary appearance, with a body style derived from designs used previously on the BMT Standards and on the IND R-1/9's. Three evenly-spaced doors were used on each side, dividing each car roughly into three equal sections. They also featured a new-style roof contour that let fresh air in but kept rain water out, and a full roller curtain signbox assembly, so that each train's destination was clearly marked. St. Louis Car Co. was contracted to produce 50 of these units (5653-5702), and they were placed in service on the Flushing line upon their arrival in November, 1938. The World's Fair Steinways subsequently inaugurated Flushing/World's Fair Express service in April, 1939, and remained a fleet separate from the Steinway Lo-V's inasmuch as possible, until they left the Flushing line in 1949.
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