On the 4th day of September, 1999, Pittsburgh saw Its final PCC Car run after 66 years of faithful service.
The cars we used were 4004, 4008, and 4009.
And, they used to be...
4004 - 1739
4008 - 1709
4009 - 1700
The last schedule to be printed for the PCC.
Drake route map.
A couple of videos...
Me running good ol' 4009.
Let's now go look at a few pics of the PA Trolley Museum fantrip. It took place on September 5, 1999. I was honored to be a operator for this event, along with operators Howard Stevens and Joeseph Brandtner. We also need to thank instructors Bob Winchel and Joe Chichi for their help, and Chuck Rompala and Jimmy Ross from road operations for trying to coordinate the whole event. The three PCCs were dressed simply, carrying a few balloons on their pilots and commemorative messages in their destination boxes: "A PCC Finale" (4004), "Farewell PCC's" (4008) and "Goodbye Friends" (4009, my car). There wasn't much left of the balloons by the time we were finished.
Let's load em' up!
The trip began with a carefully coordinated show at the carhouse. We had to be careful as the LRV's were in revenue service, so we had to make sure we (or anyone else) didn't get in their way.
Here's 4004, with Howard in control, at the carhouse.
My 4009...Before we left...(Still have all the balloons...)
4008 on the Library line at Lytle.
Me bringing my group and good ol' 4009 down to Drake Loop.
My car, 4009 at Drake Loop . We had 3 cars in the loop at once.
We did a photo stop with all 3 at Brookside siding.
Another photo stop along the Libray Line.
4004 sitting at Library Loop, waiting to be staged for the Simmons 3.
This shot was staged by us for the benefit of the fans. The higher ups thought it couldn't be done, but in reality, it was simple, and everyone loved it! 4004 created quite a spark show backing into the seldom used spur track.
Here we all are...The ones that volunteered for this day of fun, L to R, Bob Winchel (Instructor), Chuck Rompala (Road Operations) Howard K. Stevens, Me, Joeseph Brandtner (Operators) and Jimmy Ross (Route Supervisor) posing at Simmons by request of the fans.
Back to Drake for the LAST time...
All 3 in Drake Loop.
4009 around Dorchester stop.
4004 at Drake Loop.
Operators on the fantrip. Pictured are, L to R, Howard K. Stevens, Myself, and Joseph Brandtner.
Here's the crew again... Left to right standing is Howard K. Stevens, His wife, and Joe Brandtner. On the steps, again, left first, is Mike Cook, and then myself.
My friend, Bill Kress, took these videos of the fantrip. Prepare to spend some time watching these, but they are VERY nicely done! Enjoy, and thanks Bill!
Oh, in case you were wondering, these 3 cars still survive!
4004 is being lovingly cared for by the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
4008 and 4009 are currently in San Francisco, although I was informed that the chances of 08 & 09 being restored at this current time are slim to none. So they are just sitting, but at least NOT getting cut up.
4008 sitting with the MUNI LRV's at the Metro Yard.
4009 at the Geneva Car Storage Yard.
More to Come!
