Memphis has a trolley system. Main street has been closed to auto traffic; the only things moving are the trolleys and the horse drawn carriages for tourists and lovers.
The trolley cars aren’t some modern new models, or electric buses. They are ancient models, some made nearly 90 years ago, still ferrying passengers up and down the length of the city. They have been collected from all over–I rode in one that was originally put into service in Melbourne, Australia in 1923.
They are well maintained, and still beautiful. It’s no secret that the workmanship of years ago is often considered artistry today, and there was no way I could resist taking my camera and capturing the details of the cars. Click on the first photo to see a better presentation of them all. I hope you enjoy this gallery as much as I enjoyed making it.
This paint job is straight out of the 60’s. San Francisco needs this trolley.
Right after the session, the trolley is full of bridge players.
A brass window pull.
A leather tab to raise the window. There is no air conditioning, just windows that open. What a concept.
I just like this shot.
Even the little details are well done.
Solid brass control lever.
The driver at work.
Real leather straps to hold onto when standing.
Control cab. There is one at each end of the cars so they can go either way without turning around. The large brass wheel is the standing brake.
The curved mechanism is what lets the seat backs move.
Even the window latches are brass.
Brass fittings and screws hold it all together.
Nothing electric–pulling this string rings the stop bell in the drive cab. The line holder is solid brass.
Solid cast iron construction
The beautiful wooden seats. The back rests move to either side so the seat can face forward or backwards.
Power control for the electric motors
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