Here we go with another Nostalgia Ride!
This year, the NYTM ran the aging "Arnines" (models R1 - R9), which were the very first subway cars to run on New York City's Independent Subway System (IND) starting in the 1930s. The IND covered what is now the A, B, C, D, E, F, and G lines (blue, orange, and green colors), stretching along Manhattan and into both Queens and Brooklyn. The Arnines served for a little over 40 years before eventually being replaced by the more modern R40s series of subway cars.
I caught this year's Nostalgia Ride with the same group of friends as last time. We hopped on at 59th St. - Columbus Circle, rode it north to 145th St., and then took it back down until we reached 42nd St. - Bryant Park. From there, we hopped off and made our way to Grand Central Station to check out the model train show at the NYTM's Grand Central annex. I had not been to that charming little display since I was a kid!!
I'll admit, the background chatter is a bit intense in this video. I have never come across a group of kids more excited at the prospect of seeing an R211 subway car! As a train nerd, you love to see it! But, if you prefer a little peace and quiet, skip ahead to 2:20 .
This consist was made up of nine mixed cars from the "Arnine" series. They are as follows (in numerical order):
R1 #100 (American Car; 1930/31; the first "Arnine" built)
R1 #103 (American Car; 1930/31)
R1 #381 (American Car; 1930/31)
R4 #401 (American Car; 1932/33)
R4 #484 (American Car; 1932/33)
R6-3 #1000 (American Car; 1935)
R6-1 #1300 (Pressed Steel; 1936)
R7A (R10 prototype) #1575 (Pullman; 1938)
R9 #1802 (Pressed Steel; 1940; the last "Arnine" built)
