[PRCo] Re: Pittsburgh Railways Motorwoman story

[hrbran99 at adelphia.net]

Someone should inform the youngster who wrote the article that streetcar operators (that's operator, not driver) do not need a state issued driving license. The streetcar runs on private property, even in the middle of the street! No license required. Was not required when I operated them in the 1970s.

The "coordination test" with the "flashing lights, etc" was still in use in 1972 when I when through training. The device took up most of the small room where it was located at Craft Avenue Car House. (Craft Avenue was no longer an active station in 1972, however was used as "home base" for student operators during the training period.) Each of us in the training class took our turn at this thing. You were seated in an operators seat with streetcar hand controls (power and brake levers) and what looked like a bus brake pedal and a streetcar gong button, both on the floor. There were several large colored lights on a panel in front of you. When the lights showed certain patterns you were required to flip levers, push pedals, and ring the gong in a few seconds time and in the correct order. 

All of us though we failed, because it was nearly impossible to do the stunt with no practice and with only being told once what you were to do. However, all of us passed. I personally could see no practical purpose for this device, except that it could be an 'excuse' to not take someone in the training class.

I had forgot about that electrical/mechanical monster until I read the article on Irene Boone.
--
HrB

---- Matt Barry <mrb190+ at pitt.edu> wrote: 
> http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1312541&secid=1
> 
>