[PRCo] Re: new PCC?

[Bill Robb]

I've recently heard remarks attributed to Brookville
representatives (at the APTA/IPTE conference) that the
PCC car design would never meet modern motor vehicle
safety standards.  The issue is mainly with front end
visability.

This maybe shouldn't be such a surprise as the designs
originated in the 30's and 40's, but when you can find
on the streets everyday people assume things are
possible.

Here's an example:

"bad news part two. No they can never make any new PCC
cars, in fact no one can make any new PCC cars to the
traditional design. apparently there are safety rules
now that require an operator to be able to see much
closer to the front of the vehicle at a lower height
(child crossing in front of car) that the traditional
design could never meet. to make it work would require
lowering the winshields and putting the operator
higher and closer to the glass. This would totally
change the design of the front end. rebuilding cars is
grandfathered but building new would require the
entire front end to be redesigned among other things."

The bad news part one was that the SEPTA PCCs were in
worse shake than Brookvile anticipated and they made
less money than expected. 

"and yes Brookville considers the cars PCC cars
because of using PCC patents, most notably the kingpin
design."

Another comment:

"Interestingly the Birney body style was easy to make
compliant."

Any comments?

Bill Robb




	
		
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