Uploads from Mattron, tagged r9

riding the vintage "Nostalgia" subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:27:49 -0800

Mattron posted a video:

Dodgy video from a cheap cellphone, but gives an idea...

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

riding the vintage "Nostalgia" subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:27:38 -0800

Mattron posted a video:

riding the vintage "Nostalgia" subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:27:44 -0800

Mattron posted a video:

the vintage "Nostalgia" train leaves 14th Street

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:41:47 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

While New York Sleeps, Our Men Check Your Trains

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:37:30 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

For some reason, there's something unusually reassuring about this ad.

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-needed 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

on the vintage subway!

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:32:57 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

Hit him again Lady!

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:35:36 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

We need this kind of policy today! Modern signs are way too polite on this matter.

"Make Them Move!" "They Cause Accidents"

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

on the vintage subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:35:06 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

Ben and Ashley inspect the old adverts...

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

1964 World's Fair ad

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:38:29 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

I wasn't going to post this due to the blur (it was so hard to stay steady on these old trains) but I like the ad too much...

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

vintage subway ride

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:36:31 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

Notice to Passengers

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:31:45 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

I like the admonishments at the bottom: "Load in Line!" "Step Lively!"; and reading the "General Information" makes one thankful for the simple Metrocard.

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

U.N. + U = Peace

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:24:58 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

From the Battery to City Hall. From 1950, 5 years after the end of the most destructive war in history.

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

On the Nostalgia Subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:20:07 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

check out the rattan seats. And ceiling fans!

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

Offenders Will Be Prosecuted - on the vintage subway

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:20:44 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

back when people regularly carried around pipes, and cigars. They still have signs against litter, but spitting doesn't seem much of a concern anymore

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

NATO

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:25:45 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

This was across from the U.N. Celebration sign. A bit more of a militant tone from the beginnings of the Cold War.

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

84 out of 100 women prefer men who wear hats

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:23:58 -0800

Mattron posted a photo:

on the vintage subway ride.

84 is a pretty precise number....

For the past few Decembers the MTA has run a special "nostalgia train" 4 or 5 times each Sunday. The train consists of a variety of vintage cars built between the 1930's and 1970's- primarily R1 or R9 models built beginning in 1930. This year, it runs on the 6th Avenue line, between Queens Plaza and 2nd Avenue. www.mta.info/nyct/service/events/vintage.html

The ride is great fun. Lacking the insulated walls and suspension systems of the modern subway, these trains roar and teeter as they blast through the tunnels with their distinctive electric motor whirr. There is no climate control, and it must have been hell during the summer, with only open windows and ceiling fans to alleviate the notorious oven steambath of the subway in July or August.

I believe these trains are preserved by the New York Transit Museum, who have kept the original signage and advertising intact. Running them like this is one of the best ideas the Transit Authority has had in a long long long time.

With so much to look at, it was one of the quickest rides I can remember having. The train was full of transit nerds (like myself) and there was a bit of a party atmosphere. There were also a number of older people who rode these cars back when they were in full service. The best part, however, was to observe the shock of regular commuters who had no idea that this was going to be the train that was going to take them to work, or whereever. And, of course, it's also amazing how many were just completely indifferent to it all- having lunch, reading the paper, doing crosswords...

December 12, 2010

These trains ran on the IND lines, which were built in the 1930's as the city's third separate subway system. "IND" indicated its independence from the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit- the original 1904 system covering Manhattan and the Bronx) and the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, the second system built) In 1940, the City unified the three systems into one.

Today the IND portion of the subway includes, among others, the E and F lines through Queens, Manhattan, and into Brooklyn, the Crosstown G line, and the famous "A" train.

Since the IND, there has been little new construction on the subway. It's frustrating that nearly the entire system used today was built in less time (35 years or so, and through a World War and the Great Depression...) than it will take to finally finish one lousy line- the much-need 2nd Avenue line, which began in 1972 and whose first phase (only a few stations) is slated to be completed in 2016. All while fares rise and services are cut. Obviously, there's something very wrong with the MTA.

The vintage train arrives at Queens Plaza

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:14:36 -0800

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Riding the vintage "Nostalgia Train"

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:18:49 -0800

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Vintage Train arrives at Queens Plaza

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:13:53 -0800

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Vintage subway ride

nobody@flickr.com (Mattron) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:17:03 -0800

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