Schmidt - West Penn

From the Schmidt Photo Collection, the West Penn Railways.

Captions for the first four photos have been provided by Walt Stafa (5/2020).

The West Penn was notable for its unusual technology.  The big center entrance cars, at least, used a combination of electric and hand braking, and up until the end the line used a primitive manual signalling system, which is seen in some of these photos.  Car 832 was one of the first cars acquired by the Arden Trolley Museum, and it was recently outshopped after a complete restoration. 

And as one of the signs notes, the cars were WARMER  SAFER  FASTER  CHEAPER so what's not to like?

Greensburg on W. Ottoman St. (US 30 West) turning onto Pennsylvania Ave.

Fourmile Run bridge between Cardale and Republic

Brownsville Jct. near Footdale

Entering edge of Brownsville

Westbound car taking siding, out of Irwin

Car on 1st siding east of Irwin      Late

South Connellsville line.  At end of line.   Aug '51

Only 2 cars on S. Connellsville line passing at only siding.
(left) electric braked car   (right) Only air-braked car on the system.

Car on trestle at Dunbar.   Over P&WV      Aug '51

Car & trestle at Dunbar.    Aug '51

Car & signal just north of Connellsville     Aug '51

Car at Mt. Pleasant     Aug 51

#737 arriving Mt. Pleasant southbound      10/1/49

Oct. 49