The Redbirds were the rolling stock of the New York subway’s IRT lines, entering service in the late 1950s, with new models showing minor changes added through about 1964; in all, close to 2000 of these cars were put to work for over 40 years, making them “the subway” to many of New York’s citizens and visitors. Although some of the early cars were painted red, other color schemes were employed as well - particularly the blue and cream of the “panoramic window” versions originally used on the Flushing Line, to transport visitors to the World’s Fair of 1964-65. Under the direction of then-TA chief David Gunn, the fleet was eventually given a uniform livery of red with dark gray roofs, and the “Redbirds” were created. Although considered by the TA to be among the most reliable rolling stock in its history, the cars eventually became obsolete. Instead of being scrapped in the usual fashion, the decision was made to offer the Redbirds to various coastal states for their artificial reef programs, a move that saved New York City millions in disposal costs. About 1200 of the Redbirds were sunk in the Atlantic to serve as habitats for marine life, fishing sites for sport fishermen, and diving destinations for SCUBA fans. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pictures presented in this gallery were taken at various times between the autumn of 2002 and winter of 2003, for a magazine feature published early in 2004. Rather than chronological order, they’re presented here in operational sequence - beginning with their partial disassembly at the NYCTA’s 215th Street yards, and loading onto barges; their transit through the Spuyten Dival Creek, and down the Hudson River to the Jersey City yards of Weeks Marine (the primary contractor of the operation); and finally, towed offshore by the Kosnac tug June K. where they were sunk. ---------------------------------------------- SLIDESHOW AVAILABLE. A short digital slideshow at XGA resolution has been produced from many (not all) of the photos presented here, in both autorun and manual formats, for use by rail fans, educators, historians, divers, and others interested in a presentation of this historic event. Please get in touch directly for details. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ABOUT THE PRICING. Standard-size prints are available for personal use and enjoyment. Larger size prints come with a 1x license for commercial reproduction; please see the price list for details. Quantity pricing may be available for educators, historians, fan groups, and others who are interested in a large series of these pictures for narrative presentation. Please contact Don for details at ssuthe7880@aol.com .