Maker of Philadelphia Rail Cars Blames Cracks on Flawed Weld

The weld in question attaches a plate to a weight-bearing beam, and is allegedly responsible for putting more than 100 regional cars out of service.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A train manufacturer says faulty welds are at the root of the problem that has put has put more than 100 regional rail cars out of service at Philadelphia's main transit agency.

Development manager Andrew Hyer at Hyundai Rotem says the welding was done by one of its subcontractors, HiCorp.

On Wednesday, calls and an email to Zelienople, Pennsylvania-based HiCorp seeking comment were not returned.

Officials at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority told The Philadelphia Inquirer that they are still reviewing tests and can't yet say what they believe caused cracks in the suspension system of its Silverliner V cars.

The weld in question attaches a plate to a weight-bearing beam.

Hyer says two possible kinds of replacement beams are being considered.

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