[PRCo] Re: Experimental B3s

[Boris Cefer]

Perhaps some time later when I know more. I need to fill out some gaps.
But it seems that 1225 and 1248 were the first two cars which got two 
different sets of experimental B-3 trucks, new from St. Louis Car Co.
I have no reliable proof but it seems that certain rebuilding jobs on these 
experimental trucks were conducted directly in Homewood with an extensive 
St. Louis Car Company's interest.
Thanx go to Mr. J for an initial impulse!

B

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Holland" <PRCoPCC at P-R-Co.com>
To: "- 1714 PRCo__WP__JTC -" <pittsburgh-railways at lists.dementia.org>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 1:58 AM
Subject: [PRCo] Experimental B3s


File says this is 1218 but number also looks like 1248.     At any rate,
it has a set of experimental B3s underneath like 1225 in this  URL::
.
http://www.davesrailpix.com/pitts/htm/jfp073.htm
.
Very Interesting that both photos are taken on the Kennywood Loop on a
line which was probably based out of Craft  --  truck changeout most
likely took place at Homewood  --  South Hills was the intended location
of B3 equipped TrolleyCars~!~!~!     Believe Tom Phillips has mentioned
here on this list that he would occasionally see these 12s on the SHJ
Mystery Track  --  storage track off the OB 40-line.
.
While the literature states that 1230 and 1278 were outfitted with the
experimental B3s they were apparently just two such cars and maybe the
final cars with these trucks.     The experimental trucks were modified
considerably and possibly returned to SLCCo a number of times for
modifications so the next 12 that needed a truck change out got the
experimental B3s~!~!~!~!
.
We had quite an interesting discussion about this a while back with Mr.B
leading the way  --  he has hard copy info as well as photo analysis
which gives a progression in the development of the B3s.       These two
experimental sets eventually wound up under 1613 and 1614, first of all
with dual spring pots either side of the truck, and this was eventually
modified to single spring pot, very near to the final production models.
.
Mr.B might fill us in on these developments.
.
.
.
^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
.
.
Jim  Holland
.
Studying Pittsburgh Railways Company (PRCo)