This is the sole remaining R-15 car unit, #6239, remaining in the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority collection. It was built in 1950 by American Car and Foundry, and primarily served the IRT Flushing Line until the R33/36 “World’s Fair” cars, later painted maroon and dubbed “Redbirds” were purchased. It remained in occasional service until 1984 until it was retired and then used to test air conditioning units.
The car usually serves in the “Train of Many Colors” trainset the MTA trots out for special occasions, such as the second weekend in May 2013 when Grand Central Terminal was celebrating its centennial.
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