Subway car liveries

Chris, here is a resource you can use (if you don't already use it):

http://www.nycsubway.org

It is loaded with information and pictures.  As far as I can see all 3 series you mentioned came in dark green, red and blue/gray.  As far as planned paint schemes, I believe there were units in some colors but the majority of the fleet seems to have been dark green.  Maybe some of the more informed forum members will chime in on this.

The first planned scheme I noticed was the R-33, Worlds Fair cars.  I rode the 7 train to work in the late 60's, in these cars.  Prior to that I rode the IND Jamaica line which was all R1-9 cars.  Maintenance cuts in the 50's and 60's allowed most of the subway to get pretty dirty.  Even though I was into trains, I thought they were a rusty brown color, I never would have guessed there was green under all that dirt.  I think the only time they were washed was when they were at an outside yard and it rained.

I don't know about "divorcing" mated pairs.  Without controls in the "mated" end I would think making them independent units would have no added value and could create problems when making up trains.

Thanks for your reply Dan. I have, and do use nycsubway.org, but a similar enquiry about livery gained no replies, and the R26 question was answered by one chap who suggested that the R12s were supplying the necessary equipment that the R26s needed to operate correctly. It's the only picture I've seen of green R12/14s too. Perhaps they were a "one off" or they made up a 4car unit for whatever reason. As for the R33s, I always liked their striking livery. Can't afford to buy them now though, and they don't come up for sale here in the UK.