[PRCo] Re: Real Tales--No. 1/Unscheduled Meet

[jbh at p-r-co.com]

> hrbran99 at adelphia.net writes:

> Yes, one rule PATransit had for streetcar operators was that only in the most dire emergency could sand be dropped on the Overbrook track between S.HillsJct and the beginning of double track just across the Saw Mill Run Blvd Bridge. Then, if sand was used, once you got the car stopped you were supposed to walk back and inspect the track and broom off any sand.  The signal systems in use back then were certainly products of the 'industrial' age. Even in 1979 when I would look at the signals and the associated hardware that went with them they seemed very 'old fashioned' to me. I remember some of them even had large storage batteries in their bases. I always wondered what would happen if several batteries went dead at the same time! Similar to what happened when the overhead wire contactor got too loose, I suppose.
.
.
This was true in PRCo days also.  Don't know when the sand sweeper was 
installed on some of the 17-series Interurbans  (delivery or after)  but 
problems with sand and signals was known even before the PCC Interurbans 
started service.       We have discussed this before onlist  --  old cars 
had Very Similar Problems.
.
I was on a Library car on a Sunday in Winter of late 1950s - inbound near 
Latimer or previous stop.       Wheels spun uncontrollably with every power 
application  --  the op made many applications, released allowing wheels to 
balance, and then reapplied power but couldn't stop the spinning.     He 
Very Reluctantly used sand but never went back to wipe the rails.      With 
only 3 cars serving both Library and Drake together, the next car was very 
far behind  --  1-hour behind to be exact!       Twouldn't be much sand left 
on the rails by then.
.
.
.
Jim__Holland
.
I....Like....IKE__---__And....PCCs!
.
down...with...pantographs.......
.
UP___WITH___TROLLEYPOLES!!!