Urban Commuter / Light Rail / Modern Streetcar News!
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by Edward Havens

ATLANTA, GA - The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority [MARTA] has approved a transit expansion plan that differs from the first version unveiled last May, the "atlanta curbed" website reported October 5th. Under the revised plan, the Beltline greenbelt will have 15 miles of light rail tracks, up from only seven miles. A tunnel also will be built in the Clifton Corridor to allow light rail from a rail rapid transit connection to Emory University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Funding for rail and bus expansion projects will come from a $2.7 billion sales tax approved by the city's voters in 2016.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Charlotte television station WSOC reported on October 5th that track construction in the western area of downtown to expand the Gold Line streetcar is set to begin in January 2019 with completion of the extension in the spring of 2020. Retail merchants are struggling with the disruption caused by utility relocation. Some thought construction would wrap up this year but officials admit they were not clear when they made the announcement.

In a report updated Tuesday, October 16th, WFAE reported that storm damage repairs from Hurricane Michael could last a week on the Lynx light rail and Gold Line streetcar systems in the Uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. A tree fell on the power lines for LRT at 12th street. So a bus bridge was set up to connect the two operating ends of LRT with LRVs running from I-485 to New Bern Station and from 36th Street to the state university. Buses also replaced the storm damaged streetcar line.

Charlotte television station WSOC reported October 15th that the GOP committee planning the Republican national convention in 2020 has concerns about the Uptown Gold Line streetcar. The question is whether the existing line with extensions on both the east and west ends will open by August 2020. City officials are hopeful that the line will be in operation by then to transport delegates to restaurants, hotels and other venues.

CINCINNATI, OH - The Cincinnati modern streetcar line experienced a shutdown of approximately one hour and 20 minutes on Wednesday, October 24th, as a result of a chemical spill in the Over the Rhine historic zone, Fox 19 News said in a report on the same day. Less than 55 gallons of chemical cleaning solvent spilled in the Rhinegeist Brewery building. The fire department reported there were no injuries and no need for evacuations. The downtown loop of the streetcar continued operating during the Over the Rhine shutdown.

The City Beat website reported on Octiber 30th that Cincinnati residents will be treated to free rides aboard the modern streetcar line to watch Transit Theatre performances on three days during November 2018, Ths shows were scheduled for 4 to 8 pm November 3rd, 9th and 10th with free rides underwitten by a philanthropic group, People's Liberty and the American Legacy Theater founder.

DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL, NC -The proposed 17.7-mile light rail line to link Durham and Chapel Hill in North Carolina is drawing concern from local officials because of rising cost estimates, The latest issue is an extra $90 million to elevate the tracks around Duke University. Another concern of officials is lack of affordable housing near stations along the route according to a Daily Tar Heel website report on October 12th.

EL PASO, TX - This west Texas city provided a bus tour Saturday, October 6th, of the heritage PCC streetcar lilne to get public ideas about what amenities are needed along the streetcar route. KVIA television reported. The station reported on October 7th that among the suggestions were parking, shade and more housing along with shelters for high volume ridership platforms in the sun baked city. The car line is due to open before the end of this year.

The city of El Paso in west Texas began pre-revenue testing of its Brookville-rehabilitated PCC streamliners on Tuesday, October 9, KVIA-TV reported. Authorities said motor vehicles that block the tracks or impede their movement would he towed and their drivers fined. During this period, the streetcar will run its downtown and uptown loops without a safety escort, according to a press release issued by the Sun Metro Mass Transit Department.

Streetcar staff will operate the system's proposed schedule with no passengers on board as they evaluate "everything from streetcar speeds to roundtrip times," Sun Metro officials said. The streetcars will run only with operators on board. Streetcars will do test runs Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm, Friday from 7 am to 1 am, Saturday from 9 am to 1 am and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. The $97 million project is slated to be completed late this year.

The fifth PCC streetcar, car 1515, rebuilt and modernized by Brookville Equipment Corporation of western Pennsylvania arrived at El Paso in west Texas Sunday, October 14th, after an 1,800 mile trip by highway truck trailer, according to a streetcar agency press release. The car was delivered in the former National City Lines (NCL) "fruit salad" livery of yellow, whte and lime green. NCL operated the El Paso car line until 1973 and the city ran it until 1974.

NCL "Fruit Salad" Scheme.

Car 1515 in 1969!

Sun Metro, the operator of the El Paso bus systtem, organized an emergency response drilll for the city's PCC operated heritage line now in the testing phase. The exercise was held Sunday, October 29th, as KVIA televsion reported. It was the first emergency response exercise for the car line and simluated a streetcar and motor vehicle collision.

KANSAS CITY, KS - Formeer Kansas City Public Service PCC streetcar 551 used from 1947 until 1957 and later operated in Toronto as car 4752 and then in San Francisco as car 1190 will house a retail operation at River Market downtown, the Kansas City Star reported on its website October 30th.  Denver-based Epoch Developments owns the streetcar. It will be used for a cafe and retail project that will include art works, food and clothing as an enticement for people to visit River Market. The streetcar formerly was displayed at Union Station and has since been relocated. The cafe and retail development is to open in spring 2019.

MILWAUKEE, WI - The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported October 2 that property values along the 2.5 mile modern streetcar line due for a ceremonial opening in November 2018 have risen 27.9 percent compared with only 13.4 percent citywide. Mayor Tom Barrett says that shows the economic development potential of rail transit. The Milwaukee car line will use Brookville Equipment Liberty model streetcars like the one shown below and is set to open on Novwember 2, 2018:

Brookville-built Liberty streetcar in Milwaukee!

WDJT-TV reported on October 19th that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett handed out special kits to businesses along the modern streetcar route downtown with helpful hints for retailers in advance of the November 2nd public service debut. The kickoff will be at noon at Cathedral Square Park. Rides during the first year of operation will be free thanks to a grant from a tribal casino.

The "shepherd express" website in a post to its website October 23 said that plans already are being made for extensions of the Milwaukee streetcar line due to open to public service on November 2. The includes an 0.04 mile lakefront extension which is fully funded and will operate with onboard battery power and no overhead wires. This is to open in 2020. Also in the works is an extension from the Intermodal Station on the west end of the starter line. The city has committed $20 million to his project but federal funding would be required and this is uncertain under the current Trump administration.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Australia, wants the new light rail line now under construction to  be fare free to introduce it to the public, the Newcastle Herald newspaper reported on its website October 1st. The car line is due to open to public service in 2019. Newcastle, along Australia's Pacific Ocean coast, has the world's largest coal-exporting harbor.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The "News OK" website of the Oklahoman newspaper reported on October 1st that planning is underway for the December weekend when public service will debut. The celebration will run from December 14-16 with 50,000 riders expected. As currently planned, the streetcar line using seven Brookville Equipment "Liberty" model cars will not run on Sundays but opening weekend will be an exception.

Oklahoma City began testing its Brookville Liberty model streetcars on Monday, October 8, News 9 television reported. The initial run saw one of the cars towed by a highway truck to check clearances and other issues. If the checkup proves satisfactory, the streetcars will do pre-service runs operating under their own power with pantograph DC current collectiion.

The Oklahoma City modern streetcar line had a milestone when its last weld was completed on the downtown car line on Wednesday, October 17tht as the News OK dot com website reported October 18th. The car line will most likely open in December 2018.

It was reported by KFO"ER-TVthat one of the Oklahoma City modern streetcars got stuck downtown during a test run , KFOR-TV repored October 19th in a same day story. The pantograph of a Brookville Libe4rty car was not lowered when it was supposed to and struck a bridge in an area of the line that was supposed to be operated using on-board batteries with a retracted pan. An investigation is underway. Note: This type of incident is NOT a surprise to the Trolleyville staff after encountering some of the operators on some city transit systems.

ORLANDO, FL - The Orange County Commissioners in central Florida have approved a $1 million study of the feasibility of replacing rubber tired "faux" trolleys with streetcars on rails, the "click Orlando" website reported October 2nd. The car line would run along International Drive and some say it could speed urban travel. Chief planner Brian Sanders says he and county leaders have been looking into the idea for two years. 

Skoda (Czech Republic)-built #005 in Portland, OR!

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Port Authority of Allegheny County, the operator of Pittsburgh's light rail and bus system, announced a partial shutdown Tuesday, October 16th, of the light rail and bus lines from South Hills Junction to Station Square, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review said in a same day report on its website. The reason: track repairs. Inbound cars and buses were operating on the Allentown diversion track. Outbound transit vehicles were running on the inbound track through the Mt. Washington transit tunnel. There was no estimate for completion of repairs.

TOKYO, JAPAN - The Japan News website reports that the Arakawa Streetcar line at Tokyo is the sole survivor of surface rail transit in Japan's capital city. The 7.45 mile line has more than 30 stops and takes one hour to ride one way but only 14 percent of the right of way is on city streets. The rest is private right of way. It transports 45,000 to 52,000 riders on an average weekday. The government decided in 1974 to retain Arakawa after other city routes were closed overing to traffic congestion that slowed streetcar travel resulting in decreased ridership.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - Toronto Transit Commission has discountinued the route 514 streetcar on King Street, replacing it with two route 504 services labeled A and B, CTV News reported October 7. TTC officials say this should end route confusion and reduce the number of short turns required along a busy section of King Street. The change took place effective Sunday, October 7th. 

Specifically, notices stated that Effective October 7, 2018, new branches of 504 King will replace the 514 Cherry route.The 504 King streetcar will have two branches:
- 504A King (Dundas West – Distillery) via Roncesvalles Ave., King St. and Cherry St.
- 504B King (Broadview Stn – Dufferin Gate) via Broadview Ave., King St. and Dufferin St.

TUCSON, AZ - The Tucson modern streetcar line will offer free rides to the public on November 10th-11th to promote a music festival,, KGUN-TV reports. The rides will be subsized by the festival and other groups. Tucson Sun Link uses eight streetcars made by UInited Streetcar LLC of Clackamas, Oregon -- an operation now shuttered. 

The U.S News website reported in a story picked up from the AP, that the Tucson Sun Link streetcar will also offer free rides on general election day, Tuesday, November 6th. The announcement was made by the mayor, Jonathan Rothschild. Arizona's second largest city is a Democratic stronghold. The free rides are intended to get people along the car line to their polling places. 

 

* As of the date of this issue, only cars 100 and 144 remain!

NipponSharyo P865, car 137, on Expo Line!	Siemens P2000, car 229, on Green Line!
NipponSharyo P2020, car 163, on Expo Line!	AnsaldoBreda P2550 on Gold Line!

KinkiSharyo P3010, car 1007, on Gold Line!

Note: P865s operated only on the Blue and Expo lines; P2000s operated on the Green, Gold, Blue and Expo line.
P2020s operated on only the Green, Blue and Expo Lines. P2550s have operated only on the Gold Line.
P3010s now operate on all lines.

MODELING INFORMATION:

Modifying a Plastic Model
To Get Something You Want!
(A Philadelphia Peter Witt)
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During the past year, I purchased a Bachmann HO Peter Witt car. I was pleased at its smooth operation and details but it didn’t look like the 1922 era Philadelphia Peter Witts that I was familiar with due to its 1930s modernized Baltimore Transit front end. One would think that Bachmann, having a major presence in Philadelphia, would have made the “traditional” Philadelphia rounded end. I planned to change that to one that was close to what I wanted in a Philadelphia car by changing the end.

PRT/PTC 8490, one of 535 such cars, series 8000-8534!

I knew that it wouldn’t pass the “rivet counter” inspection, but I was the inspector here. After some measurements, I found that the end from a Bachmann Brill semi-convertible car would almost fit perfectly. The Peter Witt car was disassembled by removing the roof, windows, screens, decoder, and chassis, etc. and put the parts in a safe place. There are articles on the Trolleyville site to show you how to do this.

I cut one end off of the Brill semi-convertible car and soaked it in 91% alcohol to remove the paint. (Note that this was a regular Bachmann powered model that had a bad “pancake” power truck and not one of the green New Orleans "Desire" dummy bodies; the regular cars are made of grey styrene while the green ones are all green and will be much harder for paint to cover.) The Brill end windows were trimmed and filed out to the vertical stiles and horizontal sills; now the end looked much better. I didn’t move the stiles to change the opening sizes as it looked fine. The retriever was filed off, but the headlight was left as is. After seeing that this may work, I cut off the Baltimore end just forward of the doors and at the equivalent point on the other (left) side of the body.

Comparing Both Ends!

Brill End After Paint Removed And Window Frames Filed Out!

I glued the Brill end onto the Witt body at this point.  I did find out later that this end of the car is now a little bit shorter and a bit narrower than before; this may cause you to do some grinding of the cast chassis to get it to fit later. I made a lower body skirt opposite the front doors to complete the look; to avoid gluing the thin edges together, a very thin piece of styrene was used to backup and splice the skirt to the body. A few measurements also showed that the Witt headlight LED is close enough to shine through the Brill’s headlight area. After filing, the new front was checked to make sure there was enough material for a destination and route sign; a square piece was added for the Hunter sign box.

New end glued to body; roof test fitted before reshaping.

Skirt added and roof being reshaped!

With the body essentially complete, the roof mods were next. Most of the roof detail was removed and set aside. The flat Baltimore roof end was cut back but minimizing the damage to the outer edges. A piece of styrene (about 0.130” thick) was fitted into this central area. After the glue cured, some “JB Weld for Plastic” was used for filler as it doesn’t shrink. The roof was temporarily attached and the front outline marked onto the roof overhang. The roof was then removed and filed/sanded to shape.

At this point, the body should be ready for paint. The entire roof was painted gray, being careful about not filling the detail mounting holes. Only the body front and the added skirt were painted a dark green to match the Philadelphia colors. (George Huckaby suggested Reading Green, but the dark green I had was close enough.) The car’s letterboard was a cream color, so I matched that color by mixing a few drops of brown into a small jar of white. I used paints from the same manufacturer to avoid a solvent problem.

Splice reinforcement on inside of lower left side.

Front sign boxes formed and end painted.

The car’s number over the headlight required a “trick” that I’ve used for many years....the 1/16” high numbers were those “rub-on types” that were applied to a blank area of a piece of decal paper. The numbers were then coated with Future Acrylic Floor Polish (no wax here!) After drying, the number group was cut out and applied to the car like any other decal. Much easier than using individual numbers. (In the past, I’ve hand painted signs and numbers many times on a piece of decal paper and cut out the best looking group to use.) After the decal was set, the car front and skirt was coated with a clear flat. After adding the route number and destination from a decal set from Custom Traxx, these were touched up with some Future to simulate glass. I used the number that the car came with so I didn’t require more than one decal but could have changed them all.

Decal on front in place including car numbers.

Chassis being ground to fit inside revised body!

A short piece (3/16”) of the Brill light pipe was reused by polishing it with 400 wet-dry paper on both sides, brushed on a bit of Future, and inserted the “lens” into the new car end. A thin piece of clear celluloid was cut to fit into the car end as the curved front window and held in place with white glue. (No attempt was made to make a three-piece window assembly.)

At this time, multiple tests were made to fit the chassis assembly into the new body. Most of the chassis was slid into a Nitrile painting glove to protect the mechanism while using a Dremel and a drum sander to shape the end. I was lucky that no metal particles got into the mechanism.

As the new front did not have holes to mount the trip bar for the safety fender, a new fender assembly was made by bending a piece of thin brass 90 degrees, cutting out a middle section to provide vertical posts to solder a pair of phosphor bronze wires; this assembly was then attached to the chassis using the existing screws on the bottom front.

Prior to the final reassembly, the pole pivot and it’s modification to the internal spring brass contact was made, per the info in Trolleyville Times. The photos of Philadelphia Peter Witts that I have do not show any passenger window screens on the car’s left side, so they were left off. The car was tested and ran fine, ready for service.

Completed car on test track!

PTC 8071 at Southern Depot after a run on route 32. Routes 17 and 32 were the very last lines to use these cars!

About the author: Dave is a retired Lockheed Martin field engineer living in Florida. He has been an electric railway fan for decades and has been modifying and kit-bashing cars for many years. The Trolleyville Times in October, 2011 described his short interurban project. He has had projects published in Trolley Talk and Railroad Model Craftsman. He is a member of three trolley museums, the NRHS, and The Electric Railway Clubs of Florida.

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