We're trying to help a neighboring organization replace the concrete floor in a 1930's era NYC subway car.

The traditional material was full of asbestos and, of course, is no longer available.

Is there a modern substitute? Any active suppliers? Anyone have any recent experience to share?

Thanks

Steve Delibert

stevdel@prodigy.net

Twenty-five years ago we replaced the old "compound" floor material with pea-gravel concrete, on three coaches that have had hard use without any floor problems.

We did not apply a finish covering, such as battle-ship linoleum, but did paint them a few times with a brick-red paint. You can get concrete colored if you wish.

Big holes in the corrugated sheet metal sub- floor were covered over with galvanized material; small holes were closed using little tar-paper pieces held down with a glop of roofing cement.

I don't remember if we used any wire-mesh reinforcement or not. The floor was only 2-2 1/2" thick.

Jack

nnry3@mwpower.net

The RPCA has traced the material Pullman once used to Magnaflor-R made by E.H. Oneill, Lutherville, Maryland. The stuff should be still available today, I last contacted them in 2000.

Bruce Backus

> We're trying to help a neighboring
> organization replace the concrete floor in a
> 1930's era NYC subway car.

> The traditional material was full of
> asbestos and, of course, is no longer
> available.

> Is there a modern substitute? Any active
> suppliers? Anyone have any recent experience
> to share?

> Thanks

> Steve Delibert


bebackus@bellsouth.net

The pea gravel mix should work. At work we've been using some add-mixes that might be useful. While they are current technology and aren't "historical", they don't show and add considerable wear resistance and can increase the strength. These are micro-silica and fiber reinforcement, this comes in either metallic or non-metallic forms. If you have any exposure to salt from snow removal you might want to go with the non-metallic fiber.

In larger volumes, both of these can be added at the batch plant. The fiber reinforcing will also elminate the need and hassle factor of reinforcing mesh. If you are mixing your own they can be added to the mixer.

sflinh@stlmsd.com