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.
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.
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.
Floor plan for the single-truck, semi-convertible enclosed trolley.
Photos
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.
Attention to historical detail can sometimes be seen in the trolley operators, as well.
Trolley #1979 in the barn in Memphis.
This single-truck trolley ran the rails in Dallas, Texas, after its debut at the APTA International Public Transit Expo '93.
This trolley has six windows on each side, and permanent-mounted steps at each of the four entrances.
The seats on trolley #1979 were originally cane seats, but were changed to alternating wood prior to going to Memphis.