he New York Transit Museum’s ‘50 Years to Far Rockaway’, ‘Coney Island Bound!’ and ‘Multi-Anniversary Tour of the IRT’ highlights the “Summer Nostalgia Train Excursions,” June 15, July 13 and August 2.
Loads of fun and wildly popular, the Transit Museum Nostalgia Train excursions offer an unforgettable nostalgic trip into New York’s not to distant subway past. As passengers board the historic rail fleet for a non-stop trip between destination the magic of the Nostalgia Train unfolds.
According to Roxanne Robertson, the museum’s director of Special Projects, “the onboard atmosphere is relaxed as the passengers transcend their roles of hurried commuters and enter the world of the Nostalgia wave to bemused people on the platforms as the train rolls by.”
Passengers also enjoy the bouncy wicker seating, ceiling fans and the non-stop ride beyond destinations. Another perk of the Nostalgia Train experience are the very friendly and knowledgeable subway enthusiasts that can answer almost any question about the subway system.
The first Nostalgia Train departs June 15 and celebrates 50 years of Subway Service to Far Rockaway. Boarding at 10 a.m. the day-long excursion ending at 5 p.m., features the museum’s vintage R1/9 railcars.
Nostalgia Train passengers will travel from mid-town Manhattan to Queens Plaza and then proceed to the New York Transit Museum for a look at the Museum’s latest exhibits and Museum Store.
After an hour’s layover, the Nostalgia Train proceeds to Rockaway Park where passengers can break for lunch or stay on the train for an additional trip to Rockaway Avenue. At 4 p.m. the train leaves Rockaway Park via the A line to Jay Street, and the F line to 42nd Street for the conclusion of the trip.
July 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the New York Transit Museum’s second Nostalgia Train excursion is Coney Island Bound.
Once again the museum’s popular R1/9 fleet of vintage rail cars departs mid-town Manhattan for a day at the legendary amusement park. Passengers can ride the cyclone roller coaster, stroll the boardwalk, begin working on your summer tan or stay on the train for an additional ride to Whitehall Street in Manhattan.
The train will then return to Coney Island to pick up passengers and at 4 p.m., the train leaves Coney Island via the F line to 42nd Street.
The museum’s last scheduled Nostalgia Train “Multi-Anniversary Tour of the IRT” excursion commemorating the 100th anniversary of service to 242nd Street-Van Cortlandt Park will feature the Train of Many Colors.
On August 2, the post WW-II IRT SMEE cars will depart from Grand Central and proceed to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, then head north to Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx. Enjoy a day at the park or stay on the train for an express run to 103rd Street.
At 3 p.m. the train heads down to 96th Street and returns via the 2 line to Jackson Avenue, before returning to Grand Central, the destination of the final Nostalgia Train. 2008 is also the Centennial of IRT service into Brooklyn.
Reservations and advance payment required: $30 for each trip; children 3-17 are $10. For more, call 718-694-1600.
