Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

This semi-convertible, single-truck car was manufactured by Gomaco Trolley Company for display at the APTA International Public Transit Expo '93. The car is a shortened, single-truck version of the 4100 series car manufactured by the St. Louis and Laconia Car Company for the Bay State Railway in the early 1900s. Though not a replica of an actual car, accuracy to the time period and attention to detail were key factors in production of the car.

After the APTA Expo, this trolley car enjoyed a testing period in Dallas, Texas, and then found its home on the rails in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley Specifications

Car Numbers: #1979 - Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA).

Car Builder: Gomaco Trolley Company, Ida Grove, Iowa 51445.

Source of Running Equipment: Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board.

Running Equipment: MV 101 GE motors from Australia, 55 hp, 750 volts, air brakes, and CP27 compressor.

Controls: General Electric K35 controllers.

Length: 30 feet.

Width: 8.5 feet.

Height: 13 feet.

Weight (approximate): 24,400 pounds.

Balanced Speed: 30 mph.

Seating: 24 sitting, 22 standing (based on six people per square meter).

Total Crush Load: 46 (does not include operator).

Seats: Originally were cane rollover seats. Remodeled into alternating wood seats. 4 rollover, 4 stationary benches.

Frame: New steel construction developed by Gomaco Trolley Company.

Windows: 6 per side.

Fittings, Solid Brass: New castings by Gomaco Trolley Company.

Woods: Window sash and interior trim and doors - cherry.
Outer woodwork - ash.
Headlining - birch veneer.
Floor - ply metal subfloor with grooved maple boards on wearing surfaces. Douglas fir under seats and ribbed rubber flooring on platforms.

Paint: Originally red. Currently orange with white pin striping. Color and details are selected by customer.

Clerestory Glass: White glue glass on all sides.

Lights: Headlights - Incandescent dasher headlights with Fresnel lenses by Gomaco Trolley Company.
Interior lights - 11 incandescent bulbs.

Whistles: Ohio Brass three-tone air chime with WABCO valves.

Communication System: Conductor PA system.

E-Stops: Emergency stop button located in each operator station.

Steps: Permanent-mounted step at each of the four corner doors.

Signal Bell: Brass, made by Gomaco Trolley Company. A floor pedal to operate on each end of the car.

Interior Advertising Panel.

Brakes: Air-operated friction brakes.

Floor: Ply metal subfloor with grooved maple boards on wearing surfaces. Douglas fir under seats and ribbed rubber flooring on platforms.

Ceiling: 1/4 inch birch plywood, painted and hand pin striped.

Roof: Laminated plywood with fiberglass covering, and painted canvas cover.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley floor plan

Floor plan for the single-truck, semi-convertible enclosed trolley.

 

 

Photos

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

Trolley #1979 is a shortened, single-truck version of the 4100 series car manufactured by St. Louis and Laconia Car Company in the early 1900s.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

Attention to historical detail can sometimes be seen in the trolley operators, as well.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

Trolley #1979 in the barn in Memphis.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

This single-truck trolley ran the rails in Dallas, Texas, after its debut at the APTA International Public Transit Expo '93.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

This trolley has six windows on each side, and permanent-mounted steps at each of the four entrances.

 

Single-Truck, Semi-Convertible Enclosed Trolley

The seats on trolley #1979 were originally cane seats, but were changed to alternating wood prior to going to Memphis.