[PRCo] Re: Pittsburgh Overhead

[John Swindler]

>Matt Barry mentioned:
>
>Those of us who remember and appreciate the old PRC and PAT streetcar
>lines remember the single wire overhead, as opposed to the overhead that
>the new light rail cars use.
>I have heard comments from people that the new overhead is somewhat
>unsightly.    But, I suppose the advantages with the new overhead is
>there is less chance of  de-wiring.
>
>Check this view of a car on the Panhandle Bridge.
>
>Matt
>
>



A few years ago I heard (rumor) that the previous work assignment for some 
of the overhead engineers was the West Coast Main Line electrification in 
the UK.  Also that for same reason the PAT light rail stations are similarly 
overbuilt.  In this case, allegedly (more of same rumor) some of the 
engineers working on the Atlanta metro moved onto Pittsburgh for their next 
assignment.

This is an unconfirmed rumor, but the two individuals who mentioned this had 
worked for a number of consulting firms over the years.  I'd trust them to 
know where the skeletons lie.  Can anyone confirm??

Pittsburgh was an early light rail project.  The available consulting 
engineers were probably (guess on my part) more familiar with metros then 
light rail.

John





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