BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 5:53 pm Post subject:

(SEE PREVIOUS POSTS/LINK)

The end for the last remaining Baltimore streetcars was fast approaching when this photo of PCC #7131 was snapped, while holding down a "15" run..............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?21677

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["BALTIMORE TRANSIT COMPANY"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 7:51 pm Post subject:

BTC's Gardenville "yard" (used by cars of the "15").........

Though technically an open-air yard, Gardenville was still classified as a "car house", even though the original structure had been destroyed by fire many years earlier, and not rebuilt.

Certain short turn (tripper) "15" cars also terminated/looped here.

Several tracks here had inspection pits; when not being used by work crews, protective covers were installed to keep them from being flooded when it rained (or snowed).

This yard lasted until the end of BTC streetcar service in 1963.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?42148

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?21680

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["15-GARDENVILLE:]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2025 11:24 pm Post subject:

Through the 1940s, the ex-UNITED semis were a solid part of the backbone that made up BTC's streetcar fleet.

These classic American streetcars once numbered in the hundreds; when the very last were retired in 1955, on the semi-rural Ellicott City shuttle, the once-huge fleet had dwindled down to virtually nothing.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?99698

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?99702

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["CANTONSVILLE JCT."]

Cyberider · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 1530 Location: Tempe, AZ

NYO,

Thanks for the BTC information. That's a system I'm not very familiar with. The only coverage I have are of their PCC's in books dedicated to PCC's.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 9:31 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 9:53 am Post subject:

Cyberider:

Here you will find several extensive photo galleries depicting all classes of BTC streetcars; enjoy! Wink

You;ll see why this bygone system is MORE than worth reading up on! Very Happy

"NYO"

https://www.newdavesrailpix.com/bwi/bwi.htm

["CAR HOUSE ONLY"]

Cyberider · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 1530 Location: Tempe, AZ

Thanks, NYO. Lots of good stuff there. A lot more to the BTC than I realized including being broad gauge.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 12:19 pm Post subject:

Cyberider:

You are QUITE welcome; ALWAYS a pleasure! Wink

Baltimore has a VERY rich streetcar history, including CABLE CARS, early on!!! Shocked

"NYO"

["THE BEST WAY TO GO"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 12:24 pm Post subject:

This massive, historic brick building (sadly demolished) was once a power house for Baltimore's cable cars.........

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

(scroll down page for more photos, as well as historic "cutaway" image of how the structure looked as a cable car powerhouse!) Wink

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 12:29 pm Post subject:

Also of interest........

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=279855

Cyberider · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 1530 Location: Tempe, AZ

I didn't know Baltimore had cable cars. I wonder how many short-lived cable car systems existed at one time? Among others, L.A. had one and I believe San Diego did also.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 3:56 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 5:22 pm Post subject:

Here is a rare photo of cable operation in Brooklyn, just prior to conversion to electric streetcars.........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?118138

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["WALL ST. FERRY"]

Cyberider · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 1530 Location: Tempe, AZ

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 6:24 pm Post subject:

Cyberider:

A George W. Hilton book I HIGHLY recommend is "THE CABLE CAR IN AMERICA"; HUGE book CHOCK-FULL Of photos, maps, diagrams, blueprints, etc..........I've had my copy for years. and it is an OUTSTANDING work!!!!!!!!! Wink

"NYO"

["POWELL & MARKET"]