[PRCo] Being Rhetorical

[Kenneth Josephson]

John Swindler wrote:

> The only restriction was probably the diameter of South Hills Tunnel as it
> would apply to vehicle width.

I seem to remember reading something about PAT not being able to use the LRVs on
the Overbrook or Drake lines because of line pole or platform cleareances in a
few spots. I don't remember where the problems supposedly were, so I don't even
know if it was true.

Again, cost considerations. Most of the Pittsburgh lines looped through the
downtown. So turn around loops had to be installed only at turn backs and and
outlying terminals. If say, seventy five percent of the cars were single ended,
this would save in initial expense and maintenance costs since othree quarters
of the fleet had only one controller, catcher, retriever, headlight, fender,
pilot, main roll sign, gong, etc. There wouldn't have to be reversible seats and
two farebox mounts. This adds up. Loops don't get the pounding the stretches of
revenue trackage do, so they probably don't wear out as quickly.

So would the costs of having to purchase land for a several dozen loops, paying
taxes on the real estate and maintaining a fleet of 1800 cars, of which just
twenty five percent were double ended come to less than the maintenance of 1800
double ended cars and no loops?

Would there really be any difference?   Ken J.