West Penn History

[Edward H. Lybarger]

The photo of 739 on Page 14 of CERA 110 was taken by New York Studio at
Banning Siding along present day Wood Street at the intersection of (select
one) yard/woods/depression in landscape.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
[mailto:owner-pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org]On Behalf Of Jim Holland
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 2:42 PM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: Re: West Penn History


Greetings!

John Swindler wrote:

> > The run out to Leisenring was very successful, on the return trip,
> >however, while coming down the hill into New Haven the motorman lost
> >control of the car. . .  The motorman and two or three others on the
front
> >platform jumped – escaping unhurt, but a man and a boy on the rear
platform
> >were thrown under the wheels of the passing train – the man being killed
> >and the boy losing a leg.  The other occupants of the car came out unhurt
> >excepting slight injuries from broken glass, etc., sustained by three of
> >four and the general shaking up and fright given.

> At the risk of incurring much wrath (and probably deservedly so), this
opens
> the door to some West Penn trivia questions:

> 1)  What was the name of the man who was killed on this inaugural run?

	Owen McMurray, . . . and he died under the surgeon's knife.

> 2)  What injuries did the boy really sustain?

	His [Owen McMurray] little boy was thrown violently against the end of
the ties.  When found, his head was a mass of blood and he was thought
to be seriously wounded.  His injuries, however, proved to be mere scalp
wounds.

> 3)  Who was the motorman on this first car and who was his employer?

	Joseph Watson, an employee of the Edison General Electric Company,
which company built the street railway

> 4)  On another post, Jim H. mentioned photo of West Penn 739 on page 14 of
> CERA publication, but didn't tell us where picture was taken.  So what is
> location of car 739 in photo on page 14 of CERA West Penn book?  (hint:
> there is a connection with questions above).

	. . . a siding along Ninth Street with a sharp ascending grade.  Upon
this siding all descending cars will run unless the conductor goes ahead
and turns the switch.  He will be careful not to do this when there are
any trains in sight.  The car will only be allowed to pass down when the
crossing is clear."

	DO  I  WIN  the round-trip fare from SF to Pgh and the tours of PRCo,
PS, Banksville, West Penn and return?

James B. Holland

        Pittsburgh  Railways  Company  (PRCo),   1930  --  1950
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