Why?

[yqg33f]

Hi,
Could anyone explain why the answer to 21d is feline, can't see it from the clue?

[decmangan]

Why did factor ask for the clue, then supply it?

[yqg33f]

Thanks to all especially divebuddy who has tied it down.

[emmie]

perhaps looked it up, no idea other than that.

[Ellipsis]

There is an error in the clue. Though NY has elevated sections of railway, they are not called the El (or L) - that name is used in Chicago.

> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_'L'
> In Chicago, the term subway is only applied to the sections of the 'L' network that are actually underground and is not applied to the entire system as a whole, as in New York City where both the elevated and underground portions are called the subway.

[Prudie]

You sure about that Ellipsis?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRT_Third_Avenue_Line

[factor-fiction]

Decmangan asked:

Q: Why did factor ask for the clue, then supply it?

Factor answers:
Because I didn't know what the clue was.... so I did a search and thought that as no-one had given it it would be helpful to post it. Hope that didn't cause a problem. Let me know if you need more information, decmangan

[emmie]

http://urbanomnibus.net/2012/03/by-the-el-3rd-avenue-and-its-el-at-mid-century/

[Ellipsis]

Been to NY a few times (admittedly not the Bronx) and never heard them refer to their railway as "the el". Been to Chicago a few times too and they refer to their railway as the el all the time. Maybe they do in New York but, even if so, the clue would have been better if it had used Chicago as, at best, the NY railway is the "third avenue el" or "bronx el" whereas Chicago's is the el.

[emmie]

commonly called the El.

[Ellipsis]

Shut down over 40 years ago in New York. Still have one in Chicago, where it is called the El. Poor clue, IMO.

[emmie]

perhaps, but they got there, which is what the OP wanted.

[Ellipsis]

Yes "they" did. Clearly my answer at 20:44 was completely unhelpful ...