Maker Of Philadelphia Rail Cars Blames Cracks On Flawed Weld

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.

In this Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, file photo, welder Gabriel Gonzalez welds a support beam at a local welding shop in Hialeah, Fla. On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, the Federal Reserve reports on U.S. industrial production for April. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)
In this Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, file photo, welder Gabriel Gonzalez welds a support beam at a local welding shop in Hialeah, Fla. On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, the Federal Reserve reports on U.S. industrial production for April. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)

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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