Atlas O 1001204 - Industrial Rail Trolley "Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Co." #80

Product Description

Road Name: Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Co.

Road Number: 80

Product Line: Industrial Rail

Scale: O Scale

System: 3-Rail

Features:

Self-propelled AC/DC powered operation

Compatible with ALL traditionally-sized O & O-27 Trains

Rugged ABS plastic body

Features traditional E-unit forward-reverse operation as well as automatic reversing when used with end-of-line bumpers

Directional lighting

Interior lighting

All metal gears

Improved roller pick-ups

Realistic painting and printing

Overview:

With the advent of electricity in the late 19th century, electric trolleys began to replace horse-drawn systems. The first electric streetcar line debuted in Richmond, Virginia, in 1888. These electric trolleys featured wooden construction, with stylish designs that reflected the architectural trends of the time.

Throughout the early 20th century, wooden trolleys became a popular mode of urban transport, providing reliable service in cities across the U.S. However, by the mid-20th century, many systems faced competition from automobiles and buses, leading to a decline in trolley services. Many wooden trolleys were retired or replaced with metal counterparts.

Today, vintage wooden trolleys are cherished as historical artifacts and can often be found in museums or restored for tourist attractions, celebrating their significance in the evolution of urban transportation.