Parade of Trains

If you are a transit lover, a history buff, or just a weekend wanderer looking for a unique way to see Brooklyn, there is one annual event that belongs at the top of your bucket list. Every June, the New York Transit Museum pulls some of the old rolling stock out of its subterranean vault for the annual Parade of Trains.

While the museum offers ticketed nostalgia rides throughout the year that can run upwards of $60, the Parade of Trains is "free." You do have to pay the subway fare.

The event takes over a portion of the open-air BMT Brighton Line, running continuous shuttle loops back and forth between the Brighton Beach and Kings Highway stations. The museum curates a shifting lineup of rolling history, meaning you can step off a modern, air-conditioned Q train and immediately cross the platform to board an entirely different era.

Depending on the schedule, you might find yourself in a BMT Standard from the 1910s, a heavy steel IND R1/9 cars (famous for their winter holiday runs), or a 1903 BU Elevated car. For a truly deep-cut they have the legendary BMT D-Type Triplex cars, known for their unique articulated three-car segments.

Because the Parade of Trains is an incredibly popular event that draws thousands of railfans and curious families from all over the tri-state area, the lines at the main platforms can get long during the midday rush. If you want to maximize your time in the past and skip the long waits, arrive early. They typically start at 11:00 AM. If you get to the stations right at the start time, you can beat the bulk of the afternoon crowds.

If you are lucky enough to be near the front of the boarding line, head straight for the very first car of the train. These early twentieth-century models feature large, clear front-facing rail windows right next to the motorman's cab. You simply can't get this on a modern subway.