PCC streetcar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PCC streetcar |
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Three PCCs on the San Francisco Municipal Railway's F-line. An example of one double-ended streetcar and two former SEPTA cars.
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Interior of a PCC car
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| Manufacturer | St. Louis Car Company Pullman-Standard |
| Constructed | 1936-1952 |
| Entered service | 1936- |
| Scrapped | 1950s-1998 |
| Number built | 5000 |
| Capacity | 52-61 Seats |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 46-50.5 ft |
| Width | 100-108 inches |
| Weight | 35,000-42,000 lbs |
| Traction system | 4 x 55 HP motors, 43/6 (~7.17) gear ratio |
| Electric system(s) | 600 VDC full electric |
| Braking system(s) | 1)-Dynamic Service Braking; 2)-Friction for Final Stop, Park; 3)-Magnetic |
| Track gauge | Wide, Standard, Narrow Gauges |
The PCC streetcar is a special type of tram or streetcar that was first designed in the United States in the 1930s. PCC stands for Presidents' Conference Committee. This committee was made up of leaders from different streetcar companies. They worked together to create a new, modern streetcar design. This design became very popular and successful.
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What Makes a PCC Streetcar Special?
The PCC streetcar was a big step forward in public transport. It was designed to be much better than older streetcars.
- Smooth Ride: PCC cars had a smoother and quieter ride. This made trips more comfortable for passengers.
- Faster and Safer: They could speed up and slow down quickly. This helped them keep to schedules better. They also had advanced brakes for safety.
- Modern Look: The design was sleek and modern for its time. It looked very different from older, boxy trams.
- Easy to Drive: Drivers found them easier to control. This was thanks to new foot pedals for power and braking.
How the PCC Design Changed Trams
The PCC design was so good that it was used to build about 5,000 streetcars. Most of these were built in the United States. After World War II, other countries around the world also started using the PCC design. This helped modernize tram systems in many places.
PCC Streetcars Today
Even though they were designed a long time ago, many PCC streetcars are still in use today! They have proven to be very strong and reliable. You can still see them operating in various cities, like San Francisco, where they are a popular sight. These old but reliable trams have become a lasting symbol of streetcar history.
Images for kids
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A PCC streetcar at Boston's Riverside station in the early 1960s
