BusTalk

[Cyberider]

Not bad looking. A more finished look than the ZIS-154 buses.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Further:

The 1950s Moscow tram I just mentioned also featured inward-slanting windshields, in addition to the standee windows..........

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Imagine if BUDD built PCCs.............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?158225

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?158216

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?158217

(thankfully,one of these uniquecarssurvives today!)

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["M&O"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

It is also interesting to note, that, prior to rebuilding the PCCs into boxy, uninspired vehicles. a group of "wartime"PCCs from Boston were purchased as parts donors for the "M&O" subwayPCC fleet...............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?18096

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?13879

(courtesy:nucsubway.org)

["TANDY"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Also worthy of note, traction-wise............

On thisday in 1951, the LVT abandoned "Liberty Bell Limited" service between Allentown and Norristown (through service to 69th Street, via the P&W, had ended in 1949)

Onlu a gew of the famed 1000-series cars were in operation on that fonal day......

"NYO"

["ALLENTOWN LINIED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here is an article on the Tandy Subway ("M&O); in later years, all but one of the ex-DC PCCs were rebuilt into robotic-looking vehicles, destroying all the charm of the original line.

The lone surviving PCC has thankfully been been restored, and is on public display.....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tandy_Center_Subway

["DC TRANSIT"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Car #1030 (ex-IR #55) today is the sole surviving member of the famed "Liberty Bell Fleet"...............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?69401

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["PHILADELPHIA LIMITRD"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Further:

After the LVT abandoned throigh service to 69th Street in 1949, the "Liberty Bell" cars no longer ran up the ramp at the Norristown station, where direct connection was made to the P&W cars.

Cars now discharged passengers at street level, and then reversed on a wye, for the return trip to Allentown......

"NYO"

["ALLENTOWB LIMITED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Though the LVT'sm1000-series cars were single-ended,they did have controls at the rear, for reversing at wyes, etc.

As car #1030 was the only non former C&LR var in the fleet ,it was easily distinguished from the other cars, by its rounded rear observation area...............

"NYO"

["LIBERTY BELL LIMITED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's the smart-looking interior of restored car #1030; as noted, this car is the only one of the 1000-series cars to survive.

All 1000s were restroom equipped.........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53099

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["1-30
]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

When LVT #1030 was a IR car, the headlight was m ounted on the dash; LVT shop crews relocated the headlight to just above the front windows.............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53121

(courtesy:nycsubway.org)

]"55"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Excellent collection of LVT photos; click on "LVT LIGHTWEIGHT INTERURBANS" for photos/info on the 1000s...........

https://newdavesrailpix.com/lvt/lvt.htm

(courtesy:davesrailpi)

]"LEHIGH VALLEY TRANSIT"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"The Long Goodbye"..............

The beginning of the end of "Liberty Bell" service began in 1949, when the LVT abandoned through service to 69th Street via the P&W.

Patrons now had to transfer at Norristown to the P&W, and then pay anladditional fare at 69yj Street, when connecting with the Market-Frankford "El" for downtown Philadelphia.

A good chunk of the ridership was lost, with the abandonment of through service.

By 1951, the once-proud 1000-series cars were suffering from electrical and mechanical issues, as they end ofall service in 1951 drew near.

And so, the curtain was rung down on what had been one of the most interesting interurban operations in America.....

"NYO"

["PHILADELPHIA LIMITED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Circa-late 1950s, we see an elderly Market-Frankford train reversing at 69th Street; note the P&W cars on the upper levlel.

Until 1949, "Liberty Bell" cars would have also been in the picture.

Looking at this nostalgic scene, one can almost hear the sharp squealing of steel wheels hitting the curve, and the intoicatinig sounds of grinding gears and growling traction motors, mingling with the classic, traction-era aromas of hot traction motors, ozone, and grease..............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?16767

["PHILADELPHIA & WESTERN"