Train of thought

Turn rusting rail cars into public works – artist

ALBANY — The state’s $70 million trains to nowhere may yet go into service — as works of art.

Manhattan artist Alex Gardega is hoping Gov. Cuomo will let him turn the derelict trains, currently rusting away in a weedy rail yard outside Schenectady, into something “really cool” for the public to enjoy.

“Taxpayer money has already been wasted on these trains,” Gardega told the Daily News. “Why not turn them into something worthy of the public’s time.”

Gardega said his idea involves converting the trains into art galleries and trendy restaurants. He’s willing to work with the Cuomo administration to find the best location.

“I have some serious people willing to put up money,” Gardega said.

Gardega is a professional painter and muralist with a stable of wealthy clients — and a knack for capturing media attention.

He once created a stir by painting a naked portrait of Food Network star Rachael Ray and selling it on eBay. In February, Gardega announced plans to re-create Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel murals on the walls of his own apartment.

The four rusting trains are the last remains of a failed effort by former Gov. George Pataki to boost rail service between the city and Albany. The state spent $70 million trying to refurbish the aging Amtrak Turboliners for high-speed service — but gave up the project in 2002.

They have sat virtually untouched in the Schenectady yard since 2004, costing taxpayers more than $150,000 a year in storage costs.

Cuomo on Thursday announced plans to finally get rid of the trains — and a nearby warehouse filled with thousands of spare parts — by hiring a specialist to assess the equipment and determine the best way to sell it.

Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto did not shoot down the idea of turning the obsolete trains into works of art.

“We will review any offers,” Vlasto said.