South Hills Junction Web Page

[HRBran99 at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/08/1999 2:50:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
pghpcc at pacbell.net writes:

<< hey probably ran a little slower inbound
 since the motorman was dragging the brake all the way to prevent a
 runaway  --  25-30 mph downhill is pretty fast for a trolley.
  >>

Not only were you on the brake you were also applying sand most of the way. 
The inbound tunnel track was extremely dangerous during periods of "Black 
Rail", that is, when the dewpoint was reached and moisture formed on the rail 
and mixed with the grease and dirt. This situation became worse after buses 
were introduced into the tunnel. More grease and dirt and that awful smell of 
bus engines. Gone was the time of only the smell of ozone and dampness.

HrB