Bill Volkmer collection in new davesrailpix.com of Sister car 49 in Roanoke

Builder: J. G. Brill Co.
Description: 'Master Unit' lightweight
Type: City and Suburban Streetcars
Year: 1929
Retired from Service: 1947
Acquired by the Museum: 1992
Note: As of April 2017, No. 51 was outside Central carbarn under a tarp.
Fund: 831

Roanoke Railway & Electric Co. 51

From Roanoke, Virginia

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History

In January 1929, J.G. Brill Co. introduced its sleek, lightweight “Master Unit” design in an effort to stimulate streetcar sales. The design was based on the creation of cars of varying size built from uniform side and end sections. However, the stock market crash intervened, and Brill built only 62 “Master Unit” cars, of which 40 were exported to South America. Brill affiliates, Kuhlman and American Car built a few more. Lynchburg Traction & Light in Lynchburg, VA was the largest domestic purchaser of Brill “Master Units.” No. 115 was one of 20 “Master Units” which completely replaced Lynchburg’s fleet of older trolleys which dated to 1911 or earlier. One man could operate the “Master Unit” cars while the older cars needed a motorman and a conductor. No. 115 was one of a group of 10 “Master Units” sold to the Roanoke Railway & Electric in 1938 when LT&L converted some lines to buses. At Roanoke the former Lynchburg cars became Nos. 48 to 57. No. 115 became No. 51. Roanoke Railway & Electric painted these cars crimson and cream with silver roofs. The Lynchburg and Roanoke companies were both owned by Central Public Utilities Corp. Streetcar service in Roanoke ended in 1948. MAfter retirement, the body of No. 51, without trucks, became a diner near Callaghan, VA. After that business failed, the carbody became a storage shed in Callaghan, VA, near Covington, VA. In 1992, the owner, John Bradley, gave No. 51 to Seashore. No. 51 had been attached to a cement base; Seashore volunteers needed a jackhammer to dislodge the carbody. After arriving at Kennebunkport, Seashore placed No. 51 on a set of Baldwin trucks. Seashore obtained the correct 77EX trucks from the Hankai Railway in Japan.

Technical Information

Seats: 40
Control: K-75

Trucks

Number: 2
Manufacturer: Brill
Model: 177E-1X

Motor

Number: 4
Manufacturer: Westinghouse
Model: 510E

Weight and Dimensions

Length: 40’ 10.00"
Width: 8’ 4.00"
Height: 10’