[PRCo] Re: Pgh Railways Street Car Operators Wanted Ad

[Phillip Clark Campbell]

From: TEP <tompark at telus.net>
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Sent: Sat, October 24, 2009 2:40:14 PM
Subject: [PRCo] Re: Pgh Railways Street Car Operators Wanted Ad

1: Is this wartime --
            the US didn't get into it until after Pearl Harbor,
            late 1941.
2: The height and weight restrictions for operators in
            Vancouver partly relate to pulling poles on
            trolley coaches which each have an upward
            spring of 70 lbs.

Tom Parkinson P.Eng, Vancouver BC Canada
            604-733-5430, fax -5437 
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Mr.Parkinson;

1: War is war regardless of involvement;  yes, we engaged
late that year as the war was already in progress wasn't it.
The operator ad was early in 1941, March I believe.
I don't doubt at all that regardless of 'official' statements, the
U.S.A was 'preparing' for war even when the ad for operators
was placed.  'Rumors' state the Pearl Harbor attack was
known in advance and allowed to happen to justify
involvement.  This is not intended to start a protracted
discussion;  it is written to acknowledge such a 'possibility.'

2: Is that a typo - 70#?  Ohio Brass recommends a maximum of
30-32 pounds for wheels;  25-30 pounds for shoes at wire
height of 18-feet.  I understand Prc used a modestly higher
figure for interurbans.  In 1941 which we are discussing, OB
was the standard to follow.  Modern trolley poles today may
use less 'tension' as mass of pole is lighter.  70# is almost
triple the low figure for shoes;  poles would snap in two
under such tension while severe damage would result
to the overhead on dewirements regardless of effectiveness
of retrievers.


 Phil