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TRANSQUIP COMPANY
FOUR GENERATIONS OF STREETCAR INVOLVEMENT
The owner and founder of Transquip Company, Earl Johnston, represents the fourth generation of his family to be employed by, and retired from, the once great Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (1911-1940), its successor, the Philadelphia Transportation Company (1940-1968) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) after 1968 to the present. During his developmental years, he watched as National City Lines systematically destroyed the once great rail transit system consisting of over 50 trolley lines. These lines had been designed by Thomas E. Mitten early in the 20th century and served the City of Philadelphia well until the mid-1950s. Just eight of those lines have survived through today. However only five continue to operate in 2001.
Once Earl’s academic years were completed, he joined SEPTA’s Contracts Department where his responsibilities were focused on the remainder of the PCC fleet and the Light Rail Transit Vehicles, which continue after over twenty years of relatively trouble-free service to be the backbone of transit in Southwest Philadelphia. Recognizing that his efforts to show rail transportation in a positive light were not welcomed with enthusiasm by SEPTA management, he accepted early retirement in 1996 to work privately in perpetuating and sharing knowledge of Philadelphia rail transit with others who recognize the contribution rail transit has made in the development of urban transit systems in North American cities as we know them today.
Upon retirement and at the urging of a business associate, Transquip Company became involves with Corgi Classics as a dealer, primarily in the area of diecast PCC cars. As this segment of the business matured, Earl noted a distinct desire of the public to openly display the various PCC cars offered by Corgi. Recognizing this need, Transquip has developed mini-display modules designed primarily for this purpose and today produces a complete line of display modules and display pieces, which are complete in every detail.
In addition to the streetcars, Transquip continues to develop and market a line of custom diecast trucks in 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18 scales which are custom decorated in the liveries of the more prominent past and present transportation properties in North America. Transquip is currently licensed by SEPTA to produce these scale model trucks bearing the logo of SEPTA as well as the predecessor companies, PRT, PTC and PSTC (Red Arrow).
Another sector of Transquip business involves the manufacture and marketing of a complete line of Motorman and Conductor uniforms and equipment for customers who are involved with the operating departments of the various streetcar museums throughout North America.
Earl is dedicated to the continued development of new products that ensure the knowledge of and the heritage of Electric Street Railways will be available for future generations to enjoy.
TRANSQUIP COMPANY
91 Blue Jay Road
Chalfont, PA 18914-3101
215-822-8092 (Within Pennsylvania)
888-JGBRILL or 888-542-7455 (Outside Pennsylvania)
FAX: 215-822-6383
E-mail: sheilamc91@aol.com
Web Page: www.transquip.net
VISA and MASTERCARD graciously accepted!!
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