New York Subway Equipment
Brooklyn Union Elevated

The Brooklyn Union Elevated cars are commonly called BU's. They are wooden subway cars built from the Brooklyn elevated lines in 1907. For the 1939 World's Fair the cars were rebuilt into what were later called Q-Types. The ends where closed in, and doors cut into the sides. In the 1970's? The Coney Island shops converted a few Q-types back to their original BU appearance. These 3 car still can operate, however passengers are only allowed outside of the subway. Wooden cars have been prohibited from subways revenue passengers after the famous Malbone Street disaster. 

The Transit Museum operated the BU's for excursions in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the subway in 2004.

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Last Updated: 12/30/08