They had special gear ratios to climb the steep grades (4.5%) in the Steinway Tunnels, something standard IRT equipment could not do.

[2] In 1921, all low-voltage cars thus far delivered, including standard, Flivver, and Steinway Low-Vs, were converted to MUDC operation.

The IRT finally had a sizable fleet of Steinway motors, to be expanded in 1938 upon arrival of the World's Fair type from St. Louis Car Co.

The regular Steinways had once again the original type of large sign and box assemblies restored; however, this was done as cheaply as possible.

This was done by painting a red line outside under the number as a warning to yardmen not to couple these cars to other types.

Some cars were transferred to the fragment of the 3rd Ave. El in the Bronx to replace the last of the old MUDC cars from the Manhattan El lines and other El shuttles until the demise of those services or the establishment of through subway service to Dyre Ave. Additionally, in late 1958 through early 1959, some of these cars, following the Flivvers and standard Low-Vs, were moved to the two West Side Broadway and Lenox Ave. Locals to replace the last High-Vs in service remaining on those lines.

A small number remained on the fragment of the 3rd Ave El in the Bronx to finish out their years, until November 3, 1969.

The only way cars could be transferred between the Queens Division and the mainline of the IRT at the time was via the 2nd Ave. El Queensboro Bridge Connection, due to close on June 13, 1942.

Upon retirement, a few Steinway cars had been placed in work service, and in the process, their original Steinway trucks were removed and replaced with heavier Standard Low-V motor trucks, which were sturdier and better adapted for work service.