This is the story of a retired Subway car that loved the New York City so much it had to come back…
After the rebuilding of NYC’s subway cars back in the early eighties, the 7 line underwent some changes. Repainted and reintroduced in a red scheme prior to returning to service. They evolved into the Redbird scheme best known to many New Yorkers, with red exterior paint and interior doors and black and silver exterior trim along the car windows. These trains proved to be as strong and as durable as the citizens of this great metropolis. Despite all the troubles and harsh weather conditions throughout the years, these trains seemed unstoppable. Unfortunately, as time wore on, the day-in and day-out service finally took their toll on these cars. These old redbird cars were replaced by a new fleet of subway cars in 2001 and 2002. The last Redbird train ran along the number 7 line in early November of 2003, Hence marking the end of the Redbird cars.
Many cars were stripped to help create what is now known as the Redbird Reef. The Redbird Reef is an artificial reef made up of 714 retired Redbird NYC subway cars, 3,000 tons of truck tires and 86 armored carriers and tanks along with a few other things. The reef is submerged off the coast of Slaughter Beach, Delaware along the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to this reef marine food has increased immensely. The reef serves as home for many marine species consisting of flounder, sponges, coral, black sea bass etc. Not only has it been excellent for marine life but the site has become so popular that other states apply for the chance to get the next subway cars dumped into their waters.
Once every year… A supernatural Redbird car emerges from the waters, returning home to ride the numerous miles of track visiting all 400 plus stations every 4th of July…
