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| Re: PCC and other Trolley Question????? (1179705) | |||
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Re: PCC and other Trolley Question????? |
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Posted by Joe on Wed Oct 3 19:53:41 2012, in response to Re: PCC and other Trolley Question?????, posted by Dan Lawrence on Wed Oct 3 18:55:42 2012. To Avid Reader:Regarding single-end and double-end PCC cars, I am inclined to declare that more than 95% of the PCC's built 1937-1952 for U.S. and Canadian cities were single-end. Recall that the PCC designers were in a contest with the popularity of buses. A single-end car could have forward-facing comfortable seats. No space would be lost for a rear platform and alternate motorman's position. Terminal operations could be simplified. --- Without looking at PCC history books, I would say that the few double-end cars were built for Illinois Terminal (St. Louis to Granite City) and Dallas. Some Dallas cars went to Boston. Cities made efforts to install loops, but the single-end car was attractive even before the PCC's began to be developed, as shown by the loops on Flatbush Avenue and other heavy Brooklyn routes. ---- If one looks at photos of current operations in Poland, you will see many single-end operations, noted by the absence of left-side doors. ---- I think the question is germane to light-rail construction in recent years. To me, the both-side stairwells in Sacramento and San Diego are not only a waste of space but a bit dangerous. (During laudable deceleration in Sacramento, I almost pitched down such a stairwell.) --- On Vienna's Ring, the new ultra-low-floor cars gain a few extra seats in their narrow configuration by having only right-side doors. I believe most of Vienna and Munich are single-end. --- In Washington, the introduction of PCC's necessitated the construction of loops. Most terminals received modern waiting rooms. However, I recall seeing a dead northbound 82 car being towed north to Brookland loop just to get it faced south towards the carbarn. Hudson-Bergen and other double-end systems have the advantage of frequent turnbacks. Thanks for asking an interesting question! Joe |
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