[PRCo] Re: Being Rhetorical

[Edward H. Lybarger]

The problem with LRVs on Library involved the track centers.  They had to
shut the line down for a few months to move the tracks apart.  I don't know
of any clearance problems per se on Drake, as long as one does not attempt
leave the former Washington alignment.  It's my understanding that they will
use the Drake line to test the rebuilds as they come back from Spain and
Elmira.

The other major problem on Library involves power supply.  A new substation
will be built near South Park Road.

-----Original Message-----
From: pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org
[mailto:pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org]On Behalf Of
Kenneth Josephson
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2001 11:47 AM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: [PRCo] Being Rhetorical





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.