The Trolleymeisters Restore Street Cars and Interurbans

Lee Lavell to supervise Restoration

The Fort Wort "T" has hired Lee Lavell to supervise the restoration of the two Northern Texas Traction Company Interurban Cars. The cars are down under the passenger shed at the T&P Depot. Lee is the son of Blair Lavell, Shop Superintendent at Texas State Railroad.

Running gear, and all the electrical equipment has been located and arrangements have been made for their purchase.

Harold Wareham has completed the grant application for release fo funds for the project.

Andy Nold is restoring the Fort Worth Birney Safety Car which is also stored under the shed.

This is one of two cars found last year in Odessa. Tucson, Arizona purchased the other car.

The Birney Cars ran in Fort Worth Streets until they were phased out in the late 1930s. The last cars in Fort Worth ran on the Riverside Line until early in 1938. The line went from Commerce Street out East Third, south on Hampton to Fourth and out to Chandler where it turned north to terminate at Race Street.

Running Gear for Trailer Car

In July of 97, The Trolleymeisters acquired trucks and major parts of the running gear for the Interurban Trailer.

The trucks and running gear were found under a dilapadated old wooded coach on a spur off the Texas Southeastern RR at Fiester, Texas, by Texas State Railroad' Blair Lavell. The owners told Blair the coach had been there approximately 70 years.

Here is a closeup view of the wooden bolster and center casting. Note that most of the truck frame is made of wood reinforced with steel plates.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Persons wishing to join the Trolleymeisters in their restoration project or wishing to donate money, labor or items for the restoration projects should contact Harold Wareham at 817-732-6306.

MORE ABOUT THE TROLLIES

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