Those stainless steel 1960s subway trains that ferry you on the A and C lines have a special place in NYC train history: They were the first to have air conditioning. And the robust if underappreciated R38s are among the oldest in service. So as you step from sweltering platform to cool subway car during this heat wave, tip your hat to the line of cars that started the cooling trend.
Here are vintage R38 photos and even a YouTube video. And we'll throw in some cool subway facts.
-- Rolando Pujol
Photo: Rebecca Letz for Newsday
