Restoration: IND R4 Subway Car 825

Each holiday season New York City Transit runs a special train of subway cars we in the community have named the “Arnines”. The R1 through R9 cars have come to be known collectively as the R9's, or just Arnies for short. Manufactured for the city-owned Independent Subway System between 1930 and 1940, they move shoppers and fans alike along 6th Avenue, screeching their wheels to the glee of children (and adults!). We like to ride them, and now YOU can help restore one!


At the Trolley Museum of New York sits car 825, a model R4 subway car. Mnufactured in 1932 at Berwick, Pennsylvania by the American Car and Foundry Company, No. 825 is one of a handful of Arnines still in existence. Saved in the late 1970s by a group of enthusiasts led by the then Assistant General Superintendent of the Coney Island Overhaul Shop, Mike Hanna. The car was moved to a new home upstate in Kingston shortly after where we find her today.



This summer, after lying dormant for many years, a group of volunteers at the museum is embarking on restoring car 825 to her former glory. A mostly cosmetic restoration, we plan on replacing glass window panels perform exterior body work, interior clean-up and assembly, and a good deal of painting. And you can help us out. A donation of $1.00 or more will help us gather the necessary supplies to begin the effort to restore 825 this year. Your donation also gets your name on a placard inside the car after the restoration is complete. Donors also receive a certificate which allows you one free day at the Trolley Museum of New York!


You can read more information on car 825 at http://www.tmny.org/tmny0825.html