Redbirds and Bluebirds Take Flight. On November 4, 2023, the New York Transit Museum and Metropolitan Transportation Authority - MTA NYCT Subway operated a Nostalgia Special using IRT SMEE cars. The "Redbirds and Bluebirds Take Flight" round trip excursion from South Ferry to 239 Street Yard featured two types of redbirds, R36ML (Main Line) and R36WF (World's Fair), painted in the Gunn Red color (so nicknamed for former NYCTA President David L. Gunn) that came to symbolize the New York City Subway's transition to the era of a safer ride and more reliable service. On the other end of the train, was the unique bluebird paint scheme, applied only to the R33S (Single) and R36WF (World's Fair) cars for service on the 7 Line when they were delivered in advance of the 1964-65 World's Fair in Queens. Of note on this trip, the R36ML cars were making their museum debut after being out of service for over two decades, and are the sole remaining pair of their class.
Full resolution pics and prints: https://www.riverrailphoto.com/nostalgiaspecials
Consist:
9308-9307 (R33S)
9542-9543 (R36ML)
9587-9586 (R36WF)