New York City Vintage Subway Train

Hi all! After much work and additional modifications, this latest version of my LEGO creation now most closely resembles the actual vintage R9 train car from 1940. I have drastically reduced the total piece count which now comes in at a sleek 3,000 pieces even, reduced from 4,361!!  Holy cow, that's a lot of pieces!! In earlier versions, I had just the one train car with tracks, signals, etc. I added a second car which dramatically increased the total piece count. After some thought, it occurred to me that it would be more desirable if I emphasized the car construction by swapping out the accessories (signals, minifigs, third rail) for a second car. This new version just focuses on the train itself, staged upon a LEGO trackbed with customized rail ties.

In the last update, I had customized the train's truck motors, modifying their dimensions so as to ride upon a fully customized trackbed. I worked through many design iterations and settled on the stock LEGO truck motor assembly dimensions, allowing the train to be universally enjoyed on standard LEGO rails.

I reduced the total piece count by repeatedly reviewing and honing the construction of the vintage train model, referencing personal photos taken during my many visits to the New York City Transit Museum. Overall, I pulled pieces from wherever structurally possible without compromising design and realism.

Let me know what you think. I'm still tweaking and tinkering with design details and will update again when I have something new to share!  Please spread the word and help me get to the 1K milestone.  Enjoy!!

Image #1: I inserted my vintage train into the modern-day backdrop of uptown Manhattan. It is fun to see this MOC driving around the city.

Image #2: Just for kicks, if you happen to stumble upon old photos of the day, here is how it might have looked. I accented the headlights for added realism.

Image #3: Front View: Notice that the front base now has a small ladder at the bottom for mini-figures to use to help them get to the controls of the train. The view also shows that the coupler is separated from the truck motors.

Image #4: Regarding the reduction in piece count, each car was truncated at both ends by the removal of an extra window that was positioned where the serial number plate now resides. Layers were also removed from beneath the car as well as the roof/ceiling assembly.

Image #5: Truck Motors: The third rail power pickup as shown here has been updated. The overall truck motor assembly has returned to the standard LEGO rail width.

Image #6: In addition to removing pieces from the train itself, the signals and third rail assembly have been removed.

Hello all, here is the latest update to my vintage LEGO subway train. To begin with I modified the roof, replacing the vent panels from the last version with 1x4 modified plates that more closely resemble the roof detail of the R9 train car from 1930. After further scrutiny, I had decided that the truck motors needed to be scaled up. I performed a complete overhaul and redesign of each truck motor. They are still a work in progress and will be updated again in the near future. Beneath the train, you will find a newly rebuilt trackbed along with signals and train stops as well as a newly rebuilt third rail. I hope you enjoy this update.

Image #1: New Truck Motors

Image #2: Conductors Position

Image #3: Front Side

Image #4: Track Bed, Third Rail, Signal and Train Stop

LEGO Vintage Subway Train 1932 Update:

The first version of my model (MOC) was more of a morphed representation of the R1-9 family of cars of the New York City subway system from the early 1930s. With the latest modifications, I have altered the details to more closely represent, specifically, one model from the family of cars, the R9. Additionally, I've added a second car to the kit to make playtime more fun.

In this update, I've adjusted the window configuration, including the size and position of each, as well as the car's front and rear 'fins' to more closely match the actual Vintage R9 car.

The car's exterior signage has been updated as well. I have altered the fonts of the signage to more closely match the actual signage of their day. Since the car is now specifically a model of the R9 from the fleet, I have changed the serial numbers to represent its series numbers. I have also returned the tracks to their original form without the brown overlay detail; still trying to decide which I prefer!

For the interior details, the artwork (maps and ads) has been modified in design and position; vintage ad artwork has now been included. A conductor's 'door control panel' model has been added. Additional exterior modifications include updated 'truck motors', door lighting and undercarriage system parts and details.

Specifications (Updated Version):

The Length, Width, and Height for each rail car remain the same.

Each Rail Car consists of 1,719 pieces.

The complete set consists of 3,666 pieces.