Redbird auction takes flight
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The iconic Redbird train, which is currently stationed outside of Queens Borough Hall, is up for auction. Photo via error46146/Wikimedia Commons
By Rachel Vick
The auction for the last of a generation of subway cars has buyers ready to play ball.
Bidding for the Redbird, retired in 2003 and parked outside of Borough Hall, is up to $31,100 from a starting bid of $6,500, as of Tuesday. The 50-foot 7-train car features the iconic handles that inspired the term straphangers, and offers a chance for the buyer to own a piece of history.
The car was put up for sale by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, after having sat vacant for over a half a decade.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history that is so intrinsic to the City’s identity,” New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock said. “That blazing red subway car is as memorable and iconic as yellow taxi cabs, and now it could be yours.”
Among the potential buyers is the Mets fan club ‘The 7’ Line Army, which dropped not-so-subtle hints that they were looking to snag the car on the latest episode of their podcast. Founder Darren Meenan said they’d be willing to drop $50,000, partner with the current highest bidder or bow out to the Mets — if they wanted to turn it into a mini-museum situated at Citi Field.
“I might buy the 7 train,” Meenan said, joking about having their accountant’s blessing. “I’m going to keep an eye on it. Whatever your plan is, bring me into your plan, let’s do it together.”
The train has been outside Borough Hall since 2005, serving as a tourist center starting in 2008 before closing in 2015. Car #9075 is the last of its kind, after most of the others were sunk and repurposed to form a reef barrier in the Atlantic Ocean.
A representative for the Queens Borough President’s office said that decisions about what may fill the space currently filled by the iconic train in the future are still up in the air.
“Borough President [Donovan] Richards has a deep appreciation for the history of our city, and the Redbird is certainly a notable part of that history as it relates to our public transit system,” spokesperson Chris Barca told the Eagle. “But when it comes to reimagining the space where the Redbird sits, it is still very early in the process.”
“Queens Borough Hall is The People’s House, and our office is working with DCAS to explore how to utilize the space in a way that best engages building visitors and the surrounding community,” he added.
Bidding is open until July 2 on publicsurplus.com.
