Trolley Bus Department

On Wednesday evening, trucking company West and Son delivered our final two acquisitions from Museum of Transportation.  The first is Connecticut Company 590.  It is a 1937 Yellow Coach model 716 (Our SECOND Yellow Coach in as many weeks!)  This is a tiny bus, seating only 23.  In fact it was transported on a roll-deck truck, the kind used to haul big pick-ups or large minivans. 

Connecticut Company 590 - Built by Yellow Coach in 1937 (10/29/2015).

This is a front engine bus.  Looking at the design, that is hard to believe.  Inside, the motor is housed right beside the driver.  The photo shows the front grill missing but don't fear, it is inside the bus!  The interior is in the best shape of the 4 new vehicles.  This is really a neat little bus!!

Connecticut Company 590 - Interior View Looking Toward Back (10/29/2015).

Connecticut Company 590 - Interior View Looking Toward Front.  Yes that is a single seat facing BACKWARD next to the driver (10/29/2015).

The second one of the evening is Indianapolis Railways Trolley Coach 527.  It is a 1934 Brill and we believe it is the only surviving trolley coach from Indianapolis, home of Marmon-Herrington.  Another unique thing is that it uses two GE 1154 motors - again we believe that this is the only vehicle still in existence that uses those motors.  The 527 is in pretty tough shape, but as with all these new acquisitions, it is complete and we felt it is significant enough to save.

Indianapolis Railways 527 - Built by Brill in 1934 (10/29/2015).

These acquisitions could not have been accomplished without the help of West & Sons Trucking.  They were extremely professional and took excellent care of these somewhat fragile and non-weather resistant vehicles.  Special thanks goes out to Richard Schauer, who met the trucker upon each delivery and helped them unload.  He also has been doing research on the vehicles and has provided much of the info included here.  Thanks also to Rod Turner who helped us unload Wednesday evening.  In fact Wednesday's job was accomplished in record time.  It sure helps to have an extra pair of hands.  Thank you gentlemen!!!

All four of the new coaches will be on display in the Hoffman Garage, so next season stop by and take a look for yourself.  If any of us in the Motor Bus or Trolley Bus Departments are around, please feel free to ask us questions or even open up the buses so you can take a look inside.