One correction Rob: Those R-1-9 Cars were made of steel. Built in the 1930's (well after the wooden car era) for the then new Independent Subway. They were the M-1's, M-7's and R-143's of their day according to my parents who rode them when they were new. They still thought highly of them in the 1960's when those cars were over 30 years old, same as I do of the M-1's and slanted-end R-40's. 
BTW, the last wooden cars that ran in NYC were on the M-line, and were phased out in 1969. I got to ride them once, just before they were retired. Interestingly the last BMT "Standards" from the 1920's also were retired that summer.
BTW, the last wooden cars that ran in NYC were on the M-line, and were phased out in 1969. I got to ride them once, just before they were retired. Interestingly the last BMT "Standards" from the 1920's also were retired that summer.
