August 2004

Check us out at our web site: TROLLEY LINES www.sdera.org

SDERA’s STREETCAR-ON-WHEELS SCORES HOME Inside this issue: RUN AT NATIONAL CITY CAR SHOW!! FUND BEGINS! amounts to hundreds of volun- teer hours, and it shows that we Coronado Belt Line 2 CAN DO! needs your help on Finish-the-Trolley Fund: September 7th We are near the 85% point in terms of “finishing” this street- Car 1043, San Diego 2 car-on-wheels project. It will be “finished” when both the engine Vet, and a huge chal- and transmission are adjusted lenge properly and are dependable; when the instrument cluster Photo spread: our VW 3 Left to right: works; when the all of the seats streetcar’s success- restoration genius Gene Calman, are properly mounted; when the ful Makeover operator/Prez Jim Price, and driver’s seat is repaired; when astonished National City Mayor the “trolley poles” on top of the Nick Inzunza strike proud poses. vehicle are fixed; when the elec- Vintage Trolley res- 4 tro-hydraulic system operates toration: are we up to the doors and steps; when the Mayor Inzunza climbs on around the park said, “This is exactly it? doors are painted properly; and board and says what we need to entertain VIPs and so on. [Gene has THE list!] important visitors. This is really Upcoming August & 4 “This is really hot!” We’re now at a point where we hot!” It was indeed a proud day for September Events for need professional help [literally] By Jim Price SDERA! to get some of these jobs done. [See photo spread on page 3]… Getting the vehicle to the parade So I’m hereby establishing a Secret of our success: 5 “It’s so cute!” “What a classic!” and car show was the direct result of “Finish the Trolley “You had me fooled, I thought it YOU being involved! Herculean efforts by a number of with the goal of col- really was a streetcar on an auto Fund” Here’s how SDERA members, most notably lecting $1000 by September chassis.” These and many other Gene Calman, with additional help 1, 2004. I’m contributing comments of praise were heard from Chuck Bencik, John Dunn, the first $100. Contribute University Ave. Trolley 5 at the National City Automobile Ed Herold, new member Tom whatever you can; it all adds up. feasible; is Heritage Days on August 1 as Jenkins, Gary Johnson, Jim Papu- Send a check to SDERA, Box people “oohed” and “aahed” out of the blocks las, Jim Price, Bob Recks, Stuart 89068, San Diego, CA 92138, over our VW Streetcar-on- Rudick, Charles Smith, Mike and specify “Finish the Trolley Wheels. And to top it off, at the Wright and the Madison Hi kids. fund” on the check. Thanks in · Back page: LA thinks end of the day, Mayor Nick [Apologies if anyone’s been omitted]. advance for your help. Inzunza hopped aboard the The “sweat equity” in this vehicle every seaport needs a streetcar, and while taking a ride trolley line! (They do!) JIM ANDERSON SPEARHEADS MAJOR DEPOT UPGRADE San Diego Electric Railway Association

If you haven't been to the ble amount of junk, organ- · Jim Price, President Depot for a while, you'll ized upstairs office spaces, · Mike Reading, Vice President moved display cases and scarcely recognize the inte- · Tom Matson-Secretary rior, both upstairs and down- exhibits, and brought stairs. With an almost single- out some of our "interesting" · Richard Hamilton, Treasurer handed effort, Jim Anderson stuff that’s been too long · Directors: Gene Calman, has truly been an "energizer squirreled away in dark cor- Gary Johnson, Paul Pakus bunny" helping us go from a ners. Thanks, Jim Ander- · Chris Higgins, Webmaster “collection of stuff” to a smart, son! Thanks too to George · George Geyer, Bookstore professional looking museum. Geyer; and to Mark Montijo He’s hauled away an incredi- for the SP baggage cart. · Chuck Bencik, Editor Page 2 SDERA TROLLEY LINES

Future in doubt for Coronado Belt Line… You can help keep Historic Designation at Sept. 7 Appeal … be there at 10:00 am, 12th Floor, 202 C Street, S.D. This story can fit 150-200 words. You can also research articles or find “filler” articles by accessing One benefit of using your news- the World Wide Web. You can letter as a promotional tool is write about a variety of topics that you can reuse content from but try to keep your articles other marketing materials, such short. as press releases, market studies, and reports. Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used While your main goal of distrib- for your Web site. Microsoft uting a newsletter might be to Publisher offers a simple way to sell your product or service, the convert your newsletter to a key to a successful newsletter is Web publication. So, when making it useful to your readers. you’re finished writing your A great way to add useful con- newsletter, convert it to a Web tent to your newsletter is to site and post it. 0-4-0 Rhode Island tank engine develop and write your own No. 719 on the Coronado articles, or include a calendar of Strand in 1887. Photo: H. R. upcoming events or a special Fitch. Map from Ralph Forty, offer that promotes a new prod- San Diego’s South Bay uct.

“...This designation was made by their From Save Our Heritage Organi- must uphold this designation … in San Diego. Remember the city own Historical zation (SOHO) Reflections News- This council has not upheld any has no legal grounds to de- letter, July 2004: historical designations to date… designate a property, however, Resources Board they do it anyway. This has im- “On September 7th the City of and supported by “The Coronado Railroad served portant ramifications for all fu- San Diego City Council will hear the Hotel Del Coronado and ture designations. We cannot every major an appeal to de-designate this residents of the city, both com- allow this to continue. Please important treasure of San historical muter and tourist. This historic mark your calendar now for Diego’s cultural past. This desig- rail corridor served in WWII, September 7th at 202 C St., organization and nation was made by their own connecting North Island with San San Diego, 12th floor, at 10 Museum in San Historical Resources Board and Diego. It[s historic designation] a.m. You do not have to speak supported by every major his- Diego…” is now threatened by new devel- but it is very important to be torical organization and Museum opment… Legally, the council there for a show of hands.”

SDERA Reps Inspect ex-San Diego Car No. 1043 at WRM; Condition probably too far gone for restoration In the mid ’40s, veteran Hoping to bring home a World Car 1043 was built in 1905 for the closed wood and steel cars were Car 1043 made an ex- War II , SDERA’s New York’s Metropolitan Street scrapped in 1947, except for Car ceptional run on Mission Jim Price, Mike Reading, Railway. Among 20 Brill cars sold 1043, which was sold to WRM Hills Route 3. and Stuart Rudick flew to in 1942 to SDERy by the Third (A.K.A. the Bay Area Electric Railway the Western Railway Mu- Avenue Railway, it filled an ur- Association.) Moved from San Diego seum (WRM) in Suisun gent need as San Diego’s War- to the Bay in 1947, it was thought to City, CA. last month. They time population swelled. The be in running condition. The commit- saw a rare car in need of noisy cars mainly served the 4, 5, tee had hoped to make a deal on the much rehabilitation. Un- 9, and 12 routes, including San 99 year old car. It had been stored fortunately, timing and the Diego’s ferry landing. At 45,000 indoors for the last 10 years. lack of long-term local lbs., with double B-39E1 trucks Pres. Jim Price “much appreciated storage and restoration and two Westinghouse motors, the warm hospitality offered by facilities played decisively they were among the largest chairman Bill Kluver and electric car in a recommendation to trolleys in San Diego: 46’ 11” Superintendent David Johnston.” pass up the opportunity. long, 44 seat capacity. Most of AUGUST 2004 Page 3

High priced labor: Gene, Jim and Gary put their backs into it. “Full Monty” audition? Gene Calman: “Well, at least it runs….”

Jim Price bumps, Gary Johnson grinds

Photos: Stu Rudick and Chuck Bencik — Lead story on page 1:

Jim and Gene: “Copper Clapper” caper? The Goal is Met! — Sez Prez. Getting there was half the fun?????? Scenes from an Extreme Makeover ...

Bob Recks and some of his handi- work: window frames and seats

“In the Parade:” The goal is met! SDERA’s Streetcar-on-Wheels is in the National City Automobile Heritage Days parade on August 1. At the subse- quent car show, hundreds of people showered compliments on the vehicle Gene in the Driver’s Seat – “It’s so cute!” said one. Photo below by Jim Price Jim Price attends to the details

Without Gene Calman’s shop, tools, and experi- ence, we couldn’t have done it! Many, many thanks, Gene! Page 4 SDERA TROLLEY LINES

Opinion: Car 1043 has possibilities; but are we up to the challenge? By Stuart Rudick were surprised and somewhat over- whelmed by the immensity of the project. Is it doable? Yes, I think it Recently three of us visited the might be. We need to look at the Western Railway Museum in Suisun WRM as an example, not of what City near Vallejo. we are not, but what we can be- The WRM has been around since come. It won't happen overnight. It the ‘50s and has amassed a collec- won't happen next week, but it is tion of railroad equipment and trol- possible. ley cars that is truly amazing. They At this time our main objective is have workshops for both wood and to get a new lease for the National metal restoration. They have miles City Depot that stretches out far of track equipped with overhead enough to allow us to expand and wire to run their trolleys. They are invest in equipment and the facility one of the most advanced working to work on equipment like the 1043. [ABOVE] SDERA VP Mike Reading contemplates Car 1043 challenge. museums in the country. [BELOW] The Gray Lady: after 99 years, can she survive a makeover? The ball right now is in National We were there to look at car City's court. They can look at what 1043, a car that ran on several lines the future of our attraction can be in San Diego during the War years. and help us with a long term lease. This one is the last remaining car in We can make it all happen. The its series. It's been waiting for people who went to work on the someone to heap tender loving care trolley bus proved we can do it. and lots of money to bring it up to The future is now. Help us build and running order. Our group, Jim develop the museum we all want. Price, Mike Reading and myself,

“... We need to look at the WRM as an example, not of what we are not, but what we can become. It won't happen overnight. It won't happen next week, but it is possible...”

… and yet more Upcoming Events ...

role ... for the single working October 9 -- to be announced woman, the women who civilized November 6 – Annual Membership the West. Meeting and Director Election. September 7: Appeal hearing, Tentatively: Carrizo Gorge Rail- Coronado Branch Line Historic way: how the Gorge was re- Designation, 10:00 am, 12th Fl., opened; presenter to be named. San Diego City Council, 202 C Cleveland Avenue trolley in N.C.? Short meeting, family dinner. St. EVERYBODY POSSIBLE BE Not yet —it’s just a Logan Heights Board Meetings, 2nd Tuesdays, 7 THERE! See article, page 2. street scene in the 1940s. p.m. [normally at Richard Hamil- September 18 [Sat.] – Railroadi- ton’s office. Call 858-836-0106 for ana Swap Meet, Orange Empire directions.] Next board meeting Railway Museum, Perris, 9 AM to Upcoming Events ... will be at John Dunn’s house. 2 PM. Southern California's larg- August 10 – September 14 – Octo- est outdoor swap meet. Details at ber 12 – November 9 http://www.oerm.org/pages/cal Membership Meetings, Second Saturdays, NC endar.html Depot, 7:30 P.M.: Special Events October 16 [Sat] Model Railroad August 14 – Historic slides of Los Angeles Transit August 7 & 8 – National Harvey Swap Meet 7:00 – 11:00 A.M., Lines and -- Don Brown, Orange Girls Symposium, San Diego Model San Diego Model Railway Mu- Empire founding member and custodian. Railroad Museum. For details see seum, 1649 El Prado, Balboa http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.co Park. see September 11 – to be announced m/, click “New Harvey Girls.” ... http://www.sdmodelrailroadm.c the pioneers who forged a new om/, click “Events,” “October.” AUGUST 2004 Page 5

Don’t Just Sit There … Get Involved! WE NEED YOU!

by Stuart Rudick reled away over the last couple of our projects. Work is needed years has been disposed of. Gene and the people to help are It’s the end of June and many Calman has worked hard to get wanted. Not all the work is exciting things are going on at our the VW-Brill 3/5 scale trolley bus physical. Some work involves SDERA Museum in National City. running. He needs people who just showing up can work with wood. He needs for work ses- Mike Reading, Tom Matson, and I someone who knows VW hard- sions, mailing out have been scouring the West ware. Bob Recks and Gary John- flyers or just Coast area looking for equipment son have joined in and could use making coffee. some help and support. Jim Price to put on display. Richard Hamil- Get involved. is dealing with National City on ton is working hard to put the We are an older our lease. This will insure our National City Depot in order and group but that’s future and help us to become a set up museum displays. He needs no excuse for not real museum. volunteers to join in and help him participating. design, build, and set them up. We Chuck Bencik has been turning Come join the all want to start operating as a out a first class newsletter. He fun. SDERA is working Museum. We need to needs articles from us. Take a more than one attract visitors to take rides, see look at our Web Site at meeting a month. our displays, and help us raise the WWW.sdera.org. Chris Higgins is It’s a living, money needed to bring about our Webmaster. Again he is breathing, grow- many good, new things. another one man committee. ing, museum that What all of our committees have needs all of our Thanks to Jim Anderson, some of in common is we need your help. help. So don’t With fresh paint and a shiny wind- the junk steel shelving we squir- Volunteer to come and help with just sit there — get involved! shield, LARy Car 1030 has new hopes of serving the neighborhood University Ave. Historic Class I Car Line Feasible, of Angeleno Heights again. Study Shows; 4 wide lanes, median, no auto parking “In general, it is possible to about $25 million. Additional While Chris Chaf- physically implement and operate costs for maintenance and stor- fee’s three Class 1 a historic streetcar system age facility, utility relocations, car bodies are within University Avenue corri- and substation land would raise historically appro- dor as designed by the Refined the total. The extension of the priate, a total of 14 Concept Plan.” So concluded the route onto Park Blvd., to the cars are needed, final report of RBF Consultants downtown is a separate project. and car choices for the University Avenue have yet to be The line would operate over a “Traffic Calming Conceptual decided. Cost of route from Park Blvd. to 32nd Study,” sometimes called North the transit vehicles St., , with 5 stops in between, Park Main Street. It is published is expected to be each way. as of June 30, 2004 at the web 45% of known site http:// Widening of the 4 lanes to 12 estimated capital. www.rbfconsulting.com/us/ feet, with a reduced median The study urges northpark/default.asp?link=52 . strip, and the elimination of a defining and partnering with Class 1 Car 125 unloads at Fifth [click on “Chapter 10”]. Esti- roundabout at Texas St. would SANDAG and MTS, to assure Avenue Downtown, about 1915. mated capital cost would be change the original concept. the streetcars are successful. Similar cars served University Rt. 7.

Construction Begun on Escondido-to-Oceanside Sprinter Diesel Passenger Line; old AT&SF route North County Transit (NCTD) off Route 78, reducing pollution. automatic transmissions German Version of Siemens Desiro Classic awarded a $375 million Sprinter which will meet Califor- The order for 12 Siemens De- rail line contract on July 15th. nia exhaust norms. Per- siro Classic 67 ton, two-car Construction on the 22 mile missible max speed is 55 diesel-mechanical units, worth light rail line, following Highway mph. Floor heights are over $50 million, will be Sie- 78 from Oceanside to Escon- 22” and 49”. The ultra- mens’ first US diesel rail order. dido, began August 1. Service to modern trains will oper- The units, to be built in Krefeld- the 15 stations is scheduled to ate on the rebuilt AT & Uerding, Germany, will travel by start in December 2007. Sprinter SF freight line built truck and ship to California, is expected to offer a “reliable, about 1888. Continued starting Fall of 2005. Power is by stress-free transportation alter- freight service on the two autonomous 6-cylinder native,” “new mobility, connec- line will be limited to turbocharged diesel engines tivity and freedom” and get cars late day operating times. rated 420 Hp, with 5-speed Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 2606

San Diego Electric Railway Ass’n PO Box 89068 San Diego, CA 92138 (619) 699-8890

SDERA is at the historic National City Depot, off I-5 at Mile of Cars Way — take Bay Marina Drive West to Marina Way, then right. Open every Sat. and Sun., 12 noon — 4 PM. Depot phone: call 619 474-4400

We’re on the Web: www.sdera.org

Address Corrections Requested

Attention Members: Please look carefully at the mailing label above. If your membership has expired, or will expire soon, please send your dues, and your tax deductible contribution, to SDERA, PO Box 89068, San Diego, CA 92138-9068. Thank you.

San Pedro Red Car Line is 1 year old, popular, getting more trackage and rolling stock

Celebrating a year of trolley operated thru downtown San Framed Roger Rabbit?” audi- operation along the San Pedro Pedro to Ports O’ Call, the City ences briefly saw 1058, rubber waterfront, the Red Car Line is center and Cabrillo Beach. Replica tired, in a downtown scene. accumulating a spectacular re- car 500 joined up in September. The Port bought 1058 in 1999 cord of successes. The two Replicas exhibit a very high level of after Fellows died. It had 1 year original cars, 501 and 1058 have craftsmanship, with up to 15 coats of rubber tired service; then in been joined by car 500, and the of varnish to interior woodwork 2000 F&M Locomotive obtained track route is soon to be dou- and gold-leafed numbering. Japanese built Baldwin electric- Port of Los Angeles’ Red Car 501 bled to 3 miles in length. For many years, red car 1058 was motored trucks and replace 1058’s celebrated a year of operating on the The recent celebration of the operated on rubber-tired bogies. bogies. Her trolley pole went up San Pedro waterfront. Boardings are 1st anniversary of the Red Car In 1960-63, boat builder Richard on June averaging 380 persons a day. Line found the restored Pacific Fellows converted four PE cars’ 23— an Electric Car 1058, and the two steel wheeled trucks to rubber electric replicas, 500 and 501, joined by tired bogies, lengthening the cars, moment! Pacific Electric 332, a single truck adding new ends and upgrading the

Birney car from Orange Empire mahogany interior. The cars ac- Railway Museum in Perris. Ser- quired gasoline engines. Front vice from the steel-rail line to bogies were cleverly steered using Cabrillo Beach is also provided the motorman’s controller handle by the rubber-tired San Pedro as a tiller, and the dead man’s Electric Trolley. When the elec- pedal as an accelerator. The car’s tric line began operations July 22, regular air brake system— air 2003, with 501 and 1058 on gauges and brake handle— worked steel rails, the rubber-tired car as in earlier times. In “Who Car 1058 in the 1999 San Pedro Christmas Day parade.