Both Built in 1904 by J. G. Brill

Part of a series of 10 cars built for Portland for use on the Council Crest line. These cars were originally numbered 203 & 206. Cars of this series do not have air brakes, rather they have electric and hand brakes.  Gearing was also low. This is so they could climb and descend the steep gradients of the Council Crest line. Both of these cars served as prototypes for the Vintage Trolley cars that run the Portland's light rail MAX system between  Lloyd Center and downtown. GOMACO of Ida Grove, Iowa did a very good job of simulating the cars.

Car 503 was placed on standard gauge trucks in 1985 such that it could operate at the San Francisco Trolley Festival in the 1980's and here at the museum. The trucks came from a Melbourne Australia W2 class tram.

Car 506 sits on it original narrow gauge (3' 6") trucks, therefore it cannot be run at the museum. It is seen here prior to its move to inside the carbarn.

Car # 504 seen operating in Portland in 1950. Probably on one of its last runs in revenue service
Car # 506 in revenue service in 1950. Both B&W photos by WK.

Color Photos by Mark Kavanagh, click any photo enlarge

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Page last updated 02/28/10