| Comments: These narrow gauge closed cars, originally
numbered 600-603, were used mainly on the Vancouver Line. Although
these handsome wooden cars featured two controllers and two trolley poles,
they normal operation was as single-end cars with Fuller-type trailers
in tow (there were turn-around provisions at each end of the VC Line).
The Vancouvers were essentially interurbans scaled down for narrow gauge
operation. They differed from sisters 195-198, in that they were
combines with rear freight compartments and side loading doors. However,
low demand for freight and city ordinances against smoking in trolleys
seems to have encouraged the use of the rear compartment as a smoking section.
In 1933 PRL&P cut rear train doors into these cars to facilitate hauling
of long length cargo such as pipe.
In spite of their nickname, these combines were used on the St. Johns
Line, with class 195-198, in the early days. Photos show that 601
(not yet numbered 192) was involved in a spectacular wreck on that line
on January 19, 1909 in which 20 people were injured when the car derailed
and rolled onto its side while attempting to take a corner too fast.
Fuller trailer No. 353 also went over, but on the opposite side of the
track.
Retirement: 1933 to 1939.
Technical Notes: Nelson fenders were added to this class
circa 1913. But, these were replaced with an experimental Portland
Railway type safety fender between 1927-29.
All cars in this series had Root snow scrappers during a 1922 field
check.
In 1927 these cars had Hunter overhead destination signs.
Train doors were added to freight ends in 1933.
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