In service 1939 – 1977 Constructed 1938 Number built 100 | Built at Chicago, Illinois, USA Entered service 1938-1939 | |
 | ||
Manufacturer American Car and Foundry, Pullman Standard | ||
The R7A was a New York City Subway car order consisting of 100 cars that were built in 1938 by two separate orders from different manufacturers; the American Car & Foundry (#1600-1649), and Pullman Standard (#1550-1599).
These cars were ordered to equip expanding service in Queens and for the opening of the IND Crosstown Line.
The R7A's were also used for service on the IND exclusively until 1968-69, when they were displaced by the new R40 and R42 cars, and were transferred to the East New York Yard of the Eastern Division, and were used on the former BMT J, KK, LL, M, and QJ routes until 1977 when the R7As were retired, and replaced by the R46s.
Preservation
Car 1575 has been preserved by the New York Transit Museum and restored to operating condition. During its service life, it was rebuilt from its original appearance by ACF in 1947 after an accident, and became the prototype for the R10. It was designed to test new interior and cosmetic features. While it cosmetically resembles an R10, mechanically and electrically it is still an R7A and can only operate with other prewar IND Arnines.