A retired SkyTrain train is set to make its comeback in the film industry.
The first SkyTrain car, the Mark I, with its white body and red and blue stripes, has been used by Metro Vancouver residents for about 40 years since 1986. With the partial retirement of the Mark I cars, TransLink, which manages and operates Metro Vancouver’s public transportation system, has been accepting applications for a “retirement plan” for the cars since last year.
TransLink announced on October 21st that the Mark I was being repurposed by Langley Township film studio Lumostage Virtual Productions as a film and television set designed to resemble a New York subway car.
According to Lumostage’s Chief Operating Officer, Angus Luk-Ramsay, it has previously been difficult to film subway scenes in British Columbia (BC), but “with the help of TransLink and our talented film engineers and artists, we were able to transform a retired SkyTrain car into an interactive subway set suitable for filming, making BC an even more attractive location for film and commercial productions.”
The company’s website features images of the redesigned Mark I, with its silver exterior and colourful orange and yellow seats. The subway set is seamlessly integrated with LED volumes, allowing for realistic car movement and an immersive tunnel environment.
TransLink continues to accept ideas for reusing Mark I vehicles. Companies, organizations, and individuals are welcome to apply online (https://portal.us.bn.cloud.ariba.com/discovery/public/rfx/23515773/preview).
Purchasers will be responsible for the cost of moving the vehicle from its depot in Metro Vancouver and the costs of any proposed reuse. Applications are open until November 28th but will be accepted again after that when the vehicle is retired.