Ralph Cantos Collection – Pacific Electric Railway Historical Society

VIDEO: American Traditions – Trolleys

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Transit historian Ralph Cantos discovered a new video from the American Traditions series. From the YouTube description:

Trolley cars used to be the most efficient and popular way to get around America’s bustling cities, a real American Tradition. Although they are mostly a thing of the past now, there are a few places where you can experience a taste of our glorious history. Though rare historic footage and tours of several trolley museums you’ll be surprised how important trolleys were to building America.

This series of documentary videos on American History will leave you feeling good about America, and the traditions that set us apart from any other people on Earth. From The Oregon Trail to Route 66, learn why America is the greatest nation and the leader of the free world.

[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/IYsq3CgugnQ?si=5ztwNIMp1YwqXHd7&t=2420″][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

Pacific Electric’s Revolutionary PCCs

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By Ralph Cantos

The order for 30 double-end, multiple-unit PCCs was placed with the Pullman Standard Company in February 1940, with the cars being delivered during the month of October 1940. The first 17 cars were placed in service during the month of November 1940 on the Glendale-Burbank Line. The next 13 cars delivered were placed in service on the very busy Venice Short Line.

In preparation for the PCCs’ service on the Burbank Line, the entire roadbed on the private right of way portions of the line was rebuilt from one end of the line to the other.

By 1940, it was common knowledge that ride quality of PCCs could be “temperamental” on open right of way track depending on the condition of the roadbed.

However, no such roadbed rejuvenation was to take place on the Venice Short Line. The tenure of the 13 PCCs on the VSL was brief, just about 3 months. At first, the front trolley pole would bounce out of the hold down hook, necessitating the trolley pole rope to be wrapped around the headlight, so the pole would not cause any damage if it came out of the hold-down hook. The big 950s and 1000s and Hollywood cars were not affected by the rough track.

And so, all 30 of the PCCs would spend their life as fixtures of the Glendale-Burbank line. When the Burbank line was abandoned on June 19, 1955, the cars were stored in the Subway Terminal for 3 years where several cars near the portal were vandalized by sick low-lifes that had nothing better to do than to trash the cars.

In September 1959, all 30 cars were sold to transit operations in Buenos Aires. There, the cars were modified somewhat with “train doors” being cut into both ends of some cars, and just one door cut into a “lead car.” In this way, one conductor could handle trains of 4 and 5 cars. But the end of the most beautiful PCCs ever built came just 3 years after going into service, as the line they operated on was abandoned. None of the cars is known to have survived.

[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-pre-pcc-rendition.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”This is a rendering of what the cars were going to like. This is a heavily retched photo of a prewar St. Louis Car Co. PCC.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5000-new-at-pullman-2.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”PE 5000 at the Pullman Standard Factory locked and loaded ready for shipment to Los Angeles November 1, 1940.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5000-intro-to-burbank-line-11-40.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”A fold out leaflet announcing the new ultra modern PCCs for the Glendale-Burbank line.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-pcc-into-panphlet.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”The Westinghouse Company who supplied parts for the cars was very proud of them and placed full-page ad in transit industry publications.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5005-train-at-fletcher-dr-1041.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”A PE publicity photo taken at the Fletcher Drive trestle taken just after the cars went into service.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5008-at-ocean-park-1941-4.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”A very rare photo of 5008 taken at the Ocean Park Car House in February 1941.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5019-test-run-at-oak-knoll-1941.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”Another very rare photo of PE 5019 on the Pasadena-Oak Knoll Line near the Huntington Hotel. Again. the PCCs could not deal with the rough track. So any hope of a PE PCC operating on the Northern Distract was put to rest.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5011-latl-3070-fan-trip.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”This remarkable photo was taken during a fan trip operated on October 12, 1952. The photo is on 7th Street between San Pedro and Main Streets. The PE maintained track on 7th for movements of cars into the 7th Street Surface Yard and back out onto Main Street. This was the only place in the world such a photo could be taken. Here we see 2 PCCs of different manufacturers, 2 different gauges and 2 different railway companies. Only 2 other American cities operated 2 different PCC rail systems, they being the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit System and the Cleveland Transit System in Ohio and the Illinois Terminal Railroad and the St. Louis Public Service. The PCCs of these 2 systems operated in different parts of both cities.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5015-at-san-pedro-9-59.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”PE 5009 at the LA Harbor waits its turn to be loaded on a freighter headed for South America. The 5009 was not damage while in storage. She was still a beautiful sight to behold.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pe-5028-in-buenos-aires.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”The former PE 5028, now numbered 1528 poses with railway officials just after going into service, The 1528 was the only PE PCC that was not “butchered“ with train doors cut into them. She remained a double ender to the end.” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

LATL H-Class Cars in Korea: Part 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Above: From the Andy Goddard collection shows one of the refurbished cars waiting to be loaded aboard a freighter that will take it to Korea. A poster on the side of the cars explains that the 60 cars are a gift to the people of Seoul from the United States.

By Ralph Cantos

As mentioned in part one of this post, about 60 assorted LARY /LATL H-4 class cars were sent to South Korea as a gift from the people of the United States to help out war-averaged Seoul, the nation’s capitol.

The 60 cars had been out of service since the massive May 22, 1955, abandonment of rail lines 5-7-8-9-F and the northern portion of the W line. The United States Government paid LATL to refurbish the 60 cars by enclosing the end sections with windows taken from cars intended for scrap, plus a fresh coat of paint.

All 60 cars were in excellent condition when shipped to Korea. As a matter of fact, all the H- and K-class cars were in excellent condition when retired in May 1955.

Photo #1 Photos 2 and 3 show cars in Korea.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/south_korea_711_ex_latl.jpg” image_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1669386612410{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This photo shows car no. 711 in 1960 after 5 years in service in Seoul. A little worse for wear. The Seoul Tramway System seemed to follow the maintenance practices of Pittsburgh Railways of keeping the cars in top running order, while giving little or no priority to paint and body work.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/latl_h-5_in_korea__1963-2.jpg” image_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1669386739487{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This photo taken by Charles Benson is from the Robert Townley collection.

By 1963, the once-pristine cars were were not looking too good. Looks like the Seoul Tramway System was following the same maintenance practices as Cairo, Egypt, i.e. disregard anything not necessary to the operation of the cars, such as headlights, skirting, and steps. By the end of 1968, the entire tramway system was abandoned. None of the former LATL H-class cars are known to have been saved.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

LATL H class cars to Seoul, South Korea

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pictured: Doomed car 1397 keeps company with one of the “lucky” cars at South Park Shops in mid-1955.

By Ralph Cantos

On May 22,1955, the Los Angeles Transit Lines scuttled 5 major car lines, all operated with H and K class cars. Lines 5-7-8-9-& F made their last runs. About a year later, the W line (what was left of it) was also abandoned.

With the 1955 abandonment, about 250 H and K cars were now surplus. It did not take long for LATL management to put the unneeded cars up for sale. As usual, National Metals & Steel on Terminal Island was the lone bidder on all but a few cars. National Metals paid about $250.00 per car. By the end of 1955, the cars were being trucked to Terminal Island.

Then, fate stepped in. When the Korean War ended, the trolley system in Seoul, South Korea was in shambles. They were in desperate need of replacement operable streetcars. It just so happened that the Seoul trolley system operated on the same 3′-6″ gauge track as did Los Angeles Transit Lines system. (Only Denver CO. had the same 3′-6″ narrow gauge track as did LA )

So the US Government stepped in and purchased about 60 H class cars that would be sent to South Korea. By the time this arrangements was made, only about 75 or 80 H class cars remained at South Park Shops, and they were owned by National Metals. The Government purchased 60 cars for twice what National Metals paid.

Then LATL was paid to refurbish the cars. The most notable modification made to the cars, was to enclose the open end sections. Windows were removed from cars still on the property and installed on the Korea bound cars. Seoul does not enjoy the same mild weather as Los Angeles.

A fresh coat of paint and the cars were ready for their new life in Seoul. Even though the cars escaped the scrappers torch here in LA, time finally caught up with them.

For a variety of reasons, the trolley system in Seoul was abandoned in November of 1968. The entire system was cut up for scrap — lock, rolling stock, and barrel.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-1397-departs-so.-park.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”Here on of the “lucky“ cars leaves South Park Shops for its trip to the LA Harbor.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-1397-on-la-harbor.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL Car Headed for LA Harbor” desc=”Here one of the Korea-bound cars rolls along South Figueroa Street heading for the Harbor.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-h-5-s-ready-for-korea-2.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL H-5s ready for Korea” desc=”Here the cars sit sparkling in the sun at the Harbor waiting their turn to be loaded on a ship.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-h-5s-for-korea.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL H-5s for Korea” desc=”A floating crane has picked up one of the cars that will be floated over to the ship that will take them away to their new home.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-h-class-cars-head-for-s.-korea.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL H-class cars head for S. Korea” desc=”Another car waits to be loaded, its trolley pole still secured down from its truck ride to the Harbor.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-h-6-in-seoul-korea-1958.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL H-6 in Seoul, South Korea, 1958″ desc=”A faded photo from 1958.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-seoul-h5-386.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL Seoul H5 #386″ desc=”Here one of the LATL cars is photographed at the car barn.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/latl-streetcar-in-seoul-korea-scrap-yard-1968.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL streetcar in Seoul Korea scrap yard, 1968″ desc=”This horrible scene taken in late 1968 at the car barn. The LATL H class cars are at the top right in this photo. EVERYTHING seen here is to be cut up for scrap Time had finally run out for these trusty old cars. None are known to have been saved.” caption_location=”outside-image”][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

Hollywood Cars in Portland, Oregon

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1651771866001{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]PE 674 rolls along San Vicente Blvd. near Redondo Blvd, fresh from its 1939-40 “Modernization” rebuild. She was a beautiful sight. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]By Ralph Cantos

In late 1952, the Portland Traction Co. was in desperate need for additional rolling stock. A deal was made with the Pacific Electric for 8 surplus Hollywood cars then stored at West Hollywood yard.

The future of about 65 unneeded Hollywood cars was bleak at best in 1953. The 8 “lucky cars” were run through the Torrance paint shop and emerged in a sparkling Portland Traction scheme. The 8 cars were loaded at Torrance Shops onto flat cars and whisked away to Portland where the “new” cars were met with civic fanfare and positive media coverage.

Unfortunately, the 8 cars that had been the “Pride of Portland Traction” had fallen from grace and were retired and scrapped after just 5 years of service. One car, Portland Traction #4022 (PE #680-#5069) escaped the scrappers torch, and now awaits restoration at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

The former PE #674 – PTC #4019 seem to be the “bad luck car” of the bunch. It was involved in at least 2 crossing accidents; the last one with a loaded logging truck was the final end to this once beautiful car.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pe-674-on-the-vsl.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”The 674 heads up a 2 car train on the Venice Short Line in this 1948 view.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pe-5075-674-portland-4019-prepares-to-leave-for-torrance-shope-1953-2.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”In 1949 , the Hollywood cars were once again “modernized“ to operate with a one man crew. Some of these rebuilds known as “5050s“ saw less than 2 years of service before being “retired“ and placed in dead storage at West Hollywood yard.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pe-5066-out-of-service-west_hollywood.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”This photo taken by master photographer Alan K. Weeks shows just some of the unneeded DOOMED Hollywood cars stored at West Hollywood yard, never to operate in revenue service again. What a waste.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/img307-2.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”Former PE 671, now PTC 4020, is “locked and loaded“ aboard an SP flat car ready for its “new life“ in Portland OR. The photo was taken at the Torrance Shops.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/portland-traction-4017.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”PTC 4017 ( PE 650-5099) is seen here in early 1957, looking a little worse for wear. The PTC closed off the center doors and installed bus seats there.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pe-portland-4019-accident.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”In early 1957, the 4019 (PE 674-5075) had a run-in with a new 1957 Mercury Colony Park station wagon. Of note to car guys, most all 1957 Mercury cars were equipped with the new “Quadra Beam“ headlights. However, some states did not allow the 4 headlight set up, Oregon was among them. This Merc has the single headlights.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pe-5075-portland-traction-4019-accident-2.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”Later in 1957, the 4019 collided with a fully loaded log truck driven by a moron who pulled his rig right in front of the speeding 4019. The motorman was killed and the 4019 was finished for good.” caption_location=”outside-image”][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/portlands-traction-4021-pe-673-5076-2.jpg” image_size=”full” desc=”The end of the line. PTC 4021 (PE 673-5076) and other cars await the scrapper’s torch after total abandonment of PTC passenger service in late 1958.” caption_location=”outside-image”][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

A Time of Transition in Los Angeles Transit

By Ralph Cantos

When the LAMTA took over transit operations from the Los Angeles Transit Lines and Metropolitan Coach Lines in March of 1958, a period of transition began.

This very interesting photo taken by Jerry Squire is from the Andy Goddard Collection and dates to mid-summer 1958.

Car no. 3075 is being operated on a fan trip to celebrate the first LA PCC to be repainted in the new LAMTA two-tone green (a leftover from MCL). The former PE Hollywood cars being used on the Watts local line would be renumbered 1800 to 1815. The Blimps would be renumbered into the 1500 and 1700s. All former LATL cars would keep their original numbers to the bitter end of rail service.

One of the first matters on the LAMTA agenda was to retire the 35-year-old H-class cars, fixtures of the S Line. In time, loops were built at both ends of the S Line to allow the PCCs to reverse directions.

So, like the first year of Amtrak, its was a photographer’s paradise; this photo is a perfect example. I am not sure of the date, but this photo shows LAMTA green PCC no. 3075 on San Pedro Street at 8th. Just behind the 3075 is yet-to-be-renumbered no. 302, later LAMTA 1502. In the distance can be seen an S Line H-3, ready to turn west onto 7th Street.

So, any photo showing an LAMTA green PCC with an H-3 in the same photo is very rare. The opportunity to take such a photo did not last very long. By the end of 1958, PCCs had taken over S Line.

As an interesting note to this photo, hanging from the span wires are 2 car stop signs. The one on the left proclaimed, “INTERURBAN STOP;” it was dark blue with white letters. The sign next to it, a standard CAR STOP, was white with dark blue letters. Both signs were percaline.

I was at this location just by chance when the scrappers were pulling down the overhead, at this location, the VERY LAST PE style catenary to be seen anywhere in Southern California. I asked the scrappers if I could have both signs, and they were only too happy to give them to me. They said that the 2 signs had no scrap value.. Well, as the old saying goes, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Andy Goddard Collection, Jerry Squire Photo

Video: 1930s – Views of Los Angeles in color [60fps, Remastered] w/added sound

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From Ralph Cantos:

This video is making the rounds today on the internet, its FANTASTIC!. I put the year as 1932. Notice the “new LARY H-3s” working the 5 line. The LARY scenes are on Broadway at 7th and the PE scenes are on Hill St. at 6th. Craig Rasmussen found it today. I am sure all the railfan world is waiting to see it. Best Wishes.. Ralph

[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/QMrDtAk79uc”][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

The LARY-LATL H Line: Everyone wanted it, except management

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Ralph Cantos

When the Los Angeles Transit Lines purchased the Los Angeles Railway Co., the new corporation began an immediate house cleaning of a large portion of the LARY rail system. LATL management called it “trimming the fat.”

On Aug. 22, 1947, all Birney-operated shuttle lines were abandoned. Also, several major rail lines were abandoned, including the “Lovable U” Line.

One of the most popular lines to be abandoned on that fateful day was the H line. Los Angeles City Council member, the late Kenneth Hahn, was admittedly opposed to the H line abandonment. He even went so far as to propose a court injunction to stop the H Line abandonment.

But alas, LATL went ahead with the massive rail abandonment, and to make sure the H line was gone for good, crews began ripping up the rails on two sections of the line’s private-right-of-ways, literally minutes after the last H line car ended its run.

Today, if you know where to look, traces of the “back yard” right-of-way between Bimini Place on the west and a mile and a half to the east end of right of way at 2nd Street and Lafayette Park Place can a still be found.

All along the right-of-way easement, a utility pole line follows the rail line and newer 1950s homes are shoehorned on the narrow right-of-way between houses dating to the early 1910s.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1212-at-la-fayette-park-place-1947-2.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”1212 leaving the right-of-way at 2nd and Lafayette Park Place” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458392261{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]This scene is unrecognizable today. The house and apartment building on both sides of the tracks were bulldozed away, and replaced by a huge 1960 apartment.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1258-h-line-at-virgil-ave-aug.1947.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”1258 H Line at Virgil Avenue, August 1947″ caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638457844035{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]1258 crosses busy Virgil Ave under the protection of an ACME traffic signal. Notice the traffic signal censor on the overhead wire. That censor on the west bound track, reset the ACME signal after the H car was safely across the street. There was a censor on the east bound trolley wire as well. Today, this scene is unrecognizable. Both the nice houses on each side of the tracks and the right-of-way, were bulldozed away years ago to make way for a large apartment building.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1364-at-virgil-ave-4.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL 1364 at Virgil Avenue” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638457967534{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Another shot of the H Line at Virgil Ave. That big, beautiful wonderful “railfan house” is gone today.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/lary-1370_h-line-at-bimini-right-of-way-2.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”1370 on the H Line at Bimini right-of-way” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458079189{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]1370 is seen here at the west end of right of way at Bimini Place between 1st and 2nd Streets. Today, this curve is very visible, it leads to an auto repair shop built on the spot where the 1370 was photographed.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1245_at-bimini-place_1947.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL 1245 at Bimini Place, 1947″ caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458177852{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]1245 is seen here at Bimini Place and the short section of right-of-way. Today, the rails that the 1245 are on, have been uncovered and preserved.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-v-line-rails-bimini-pl-2020.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL rails preserved at Bimini Place, 2020″ caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458264819{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Today, the rails leading out of the short right-of-way onto Bimini Place have been uncovered and preserved. This was the inbound track .[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1st-street-loop-2020.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL 1st Street Loop, 2020″ caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458544944{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The former H Line tracks at 1st and Bimini was converted from a “run through” to a loop after the H Line abandonment . It was used by the LATL-LAMTA V line cars right up to the last day, March 31, 1963. To my knowledge, this is the very last streetcar rail to be seen any place in LA as it looks today.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1387-on-heliotope-ave-h-line.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”1387 on Heliotrope Avenue, H Line” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458649691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]LATL 1380 rolls southbound along Heliotrope Drive just south of Melrose Ave. Today, this once-tranquil scene has been shattered by the Hollywood (101) Freeway that was built over Heliotrope Drive, taking everything seen here with it. This is shortly before abandonment.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/heliotrope-bl-1996.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”Ralph’s wagon on Heliotrope in 1996 with freshly revealed H Line rails” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638458756914{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]I took this photo of my car along Heliotrope Drive in 1996, almost 50 years since the rails were paved over. The 50-year-old pavement was scraped away, revealing the perfectly preserved H Line car tracks. The Hollywood Freeway is seen in the background. We will have to wait until about 2046 to see these rails again.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latl-1305-at-melrose-western-h-line.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL 1305 at Melrose and Western, H Line” caption_location=”outside-image”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1638461361315{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The west end of the H Line at Melrose and Western Avenues. Car 1305 in on the H Line and car 1391 is northbound on Western Ave. The end of rail service on both this section of the S Line on Western Ave. and the entire H Line was only days away when this photo was taken.

I must say, that if the H Line cars were still changing ends in the middle of Melrose Ave. today, auto traffic would be backed up along Melrose clear back to West Hollywood. An off-street loop or “Y” would have been built for the H Line PCCs, if Kenny Hahn had had his way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

LAMTA P-1 3068: Un tren abandonado en el desierto más árido del mundo (Atacama – Chile)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ralph Cantos discovered this amazing new film from Chile regarding the sad fate of Los Angeles MTA P-1 PCC no. 3068, abandoned in a Chilean desert with its right-of-way pulled up and scrapped. Check it out![/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/gTCTNjhndSY”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/latl-3068-at-larchmont-melrose-1948-2.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”3068 in better days” desc=”LATL 3068 at Larchmont and Melrose in 1948.”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE

LATL PCC Accident on the J Line (Santa Fe Avenue)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Ralph Cantos

Although the car number if this LATL P-1 car is not visible, it is definitely a P-1, cars numbered 3001 to 3095. This photo must have been taken around 1947 to about 1950.

Notice that the car involved still has its first LATL paint scheme with the green paint coming to a “V” just above the headlight. That paint scheme ended when the cars were repainted for the first time in the early 1950s. Notice too, that this car still retains its full-length “streamlining” along the lower roof line, something LATL removed in the mid-1950s.

Also note that the car involved still retains its 4-blade “horizontal sweep” windshield wipers, another item that LATL removed in the mid-1950s. Those factory wipers were replaced with two “arc sweep” wipers mounted at the belt rail, and at the same time, the front windows were sealed shut.

This car was operating along south Santa Fe Avenue on the J line. On this section of the J line, hot shot operators could, and often did, open up the cars to to their full speed, which may have been the cause of this derailment.

This car was surely repaired, as only one Los Angeles PCC did not make it to the end of rail service, that car being no.3035 that was clobbered by a Santa Fe switcher engine just outside of Vernon Yard.

Ralph Cantos Collection[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://www.pacificelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/latl-3035-at-vernon-yard-rear.jpg” image_size=”full” title=”LATL 3035″ desc=”The poor #3035 is seen here in the dirt at Vernon Yard, a few days after the accident at the Santa Fe crossing just outside Vernon Yard. She was damaged beyond repair and was cut up for parts on the spot.” caption_location=”outside-image”][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MORE