Vintage NYC Subway Cars Get A Tow, Then Run On Their Own

Due to a problem with third rail power at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street Station, the planned New York Transit Museum “Nostalgia Ride: Anniversary Member Express” on Saturday, April 18, 2026, was cancelled. The Vintage R9s, substituting for the Standards, were towed out of the power off area by diesel NYCT 077 (R-52, 45T, GE, 1977), which was temporarily removed from a nearby work train. To avoid multiple mainline switch moves, the diesel towed the set to Pitkin Yard, where it was cut off and made the necessary moves to return to its work train. The R9s continued out to Howard Beach-JFK, and then returned to 207 Street Yard. This included a diversion over the F Line between Jay Street-Metrotech and West 4 Street via the Rutgers Street Tunnel.

Aqueduct Special. Although the New York Transit Museum “Nostalgia Ride: Anniversary Member Express” did not operate as planned on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the train still made a bit of a tour before returning to the yard. The Rockaway Line was opened on August 26, 1880, by the New York, Woodhaven and Rockaway Railroad, later becoming the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) Rockaway Beach Branch. It was purchased by the City of New York in 1952, and in 1956 would become the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) IND Rockaway Line, part of today's A Line. From 1959-1981, the New York City Transit Authority operated "Aqueduct Specials" in cooperation with the New York Racing Authority. In various incarnations, the trains left from 42 Street/8 Avenue, 57 Street/6 Avenue, or Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station, and operated nonstop to the Aqueduct Station, which was only open during special events and only has a platform on the northbound side. This station, Aqueduct-North Conduit Ave, has always been a regular service stop, which serves the neighborhood and allows workers to get to the venue. In recent years, both have been heavily patronized in conjunction with the newly built Resorts World Casino. The Aqueduct Racetrack was opened on September 27, 1894, by the Queens County Jockey Club, and is planned to permanently close with its final races scheduled for June 28, 2026.

Consist: S-1300-402-103-1802-N


YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/bSXWq19fqgI

Full resolution pics and prints:
https://www.riverrailphoto.com/nostalgiaspecials
https://www.riverrailphoto.com/subway
https://www.riverrailphoto.com/transitmuseum