Riding the Holiday Nostalgia Train [Video]

For a brief moment yesterday afternoon, the 2nd Avenue subway stop was transported back to the good ole 1930s.  Not only was there a holiday “Nostalgia Train” parked in the station, but also a tight Jazz trio to supply the soundtrack.  The mood was completed with the dancework of numerous couples on the platform, no doubt imported for the occasion.  Smiles and bewildered looks from commuting straphangers were commonplace, as few seemed to comprehend what was happening.

Yesterday was the penultimate Sunday of the MTA’s holiday “Nostalgia Train” program.  The train of R1/9 cars starts at 2nd Avenue station, runs along the M line, and terminates at Queens Plaza. We caught the last train by accident at the 4 pm departure time, and rode uptown to Rockefeller Center. It was the final ride of the day.

After shooting dozens of pictures, we thought it smart to stand in the open doorway between the antiquated subway cars for full effect. Let’s just say that doing so at 40 MPH felt like being on a roller coaster, sans steep drops or nausea. Try it, they won’t issue a ticket!  Next week is your last chance of the season.

This particular subway train would have traveled along the IND Sixth Avenue Line back in the day.  The history of this particular route is quite complex, so head over here for more. We’re still wondering, did the youth of yesteryear commemorate the loss of these cars with a drunken midnight ride?

And here’s a slideshow of choice pictures from the ride: