[PRCo] Re: Gaps in Numbering

[Edward H. Lybarger]

The 3750s were largely identical to all the other low-floor cars, though
heavier.  The 3700s were still bigger and heavier.  PRCo attempted to foist
off city cars on the unsuspecting interurban passengers and it backfired.
Complaints about ride quality (in a time when complaints were actually
heard) led to the 3800s.

But some of the 3750s ran short-turn rush-hour trippers on the interurbans
into the late '40s or early '50s anyway.  They also weren't confined to
Charleroi when new, according to news accounts of their arrival.

I'll be off the air for a couple days here.

Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org
[mailto:pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org] On Behalf Of Phillip
Clark Campbell
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5:18 PM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: [PRCo] Gaps in Numbering

----- Original Message ----
> From: John Swindler <j_swindler at hotmail.com>
> To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
> Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 1:03:54 PM
> Subject: [PRCo] Re: MU service on Frankstown
> 
> 
> ....... By the way, you never asked the question of why there were 
> no 5300s??   It might be the same answer as to why there were no volume 
> purchases of 4400s, 4500s and 4600s.  (the low 4400s that did exist 
> were an
> afterthought)  Or am I the firt to notice this???
> John



Mr. Swindler!


There are a number of gaps in the numbering aren't there.  I remember seeing
something about this in the archives but I forget the details now don't I.

3600s
3700s
3750s
3800s

Then jump to
4000s - SE
4100s - SE

4200s DE thru
4400s  DE

then gap to

4700s SE thru
5500s SE


One could guess that 3600 thru 3999 were reserved for Interurbans couldn't
one.


It would seem that the intention of the heavy high floors was for trailer
pulling thus SE equipment was necessary.  Then the numbering continues with
DE equipment, gap, then back to SE equipment doesn't it.

3700s were presumably built from what was learned with the 3556 experiment.
While the 3750s were otherwise identical to all the city low floor cars they
were purchased for Charleroi service according to Mr.Baxter weren't they and
they are kissing cousins to the 3700s so are numbered in this block.  Thus
the listing here for 3750s rather than numbering consistent with other
low-floors.  The PCCs were so distinctly different from other equipment that
it could be guessed that Interurbans and City cars  were numbered with the
PCCs but could otherwise have been something like this:  1601s for
Interurban usage as 3900s and 1700--1724 as 3950s!!!


Phil