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New York City Transit Authority R16 Subway Set
R16 Class scale subway - now available in the well-recognized silver and blue paint scheme.
Beginning around 1970 MTA began the transition to this new and vibrant color scheme, a repainting operation which lasted into the mid-1970s.
In 1954, the very first R16 subway car was put on special display at a commemoration of the IRT’s 50th anniversary. 200 total steel cars were soon to follow, most of which were assigned initially to the BMT Eastern Division. Unique in design, the R16 Class subway cars were fitted with distinctive circular end windows, an interesting feature originally seen on R15 IRT cars and retrofitted onto R11s. Later in their career, R16s were moved to a wide variety of other lines, and they serviced New York City’s subways faithfully until the replacement of the cars was complete in 1986. Today, one R16 subway car is preserved at the New York Transit Museum.
Featuring the LEGACY Control System, Lionel R16 subway cars have opening doors and authentic subway sounds.
Listen for the operator announcing true-to-life stops along the route. They also feature a wealth of realistic detail, decoration, and lighting features both inside the cars and out. Add the additional two-pack to the powered R16 set to complete this scale subway package.
“MTA” and associated terms and images are trademarks of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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From our Ready-to-Run to our Premium sets, we offer train sets that are perfect for every Lionel enthusiast.
From classic reissues to all-new designs, our operating cars will make the perfect addition to your train set.
Check out our collection of Traditional and Standard O passenger cars that feature realistic interior and exterior lighting.






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