Edmonton #42
Edmonton #42 at Fort Edmonton Park (June 14, 2012)
© Hans Ryffel, ERRS
Built in 1912 by the St. Louis Car Co., No. 42 represents a batch of 15 similar streetcars. Converted to a single end one man car in 1930, car 42 was used until the end of streetcar operations in 1951. It is powered by four 40 horsepower motors and, as all other cars, draws 600 Volts direct current from the overhead line. The original seating for 36 passengers was later extended to 50 seats plus standing room. Upon abandonment, trucks and electrical equipment were sold for scrap, whereas the body saw further use as a cottage near Sylvan Lake.
The body of No. 42 was recovered in 1981 and restored by ERRS volunteers at Fort Edmonton Park prior to reentering service in 1984. The car started its second life on trucks borrowed from another museum. They have since been replaced by new ones built from scratch in the ERRS workshops. For more than 20 years No. 42 has been the main workhorse in the ERRS fleet and operates in Fort Edmonton Park. During this time it has carried more than 2,500,000 passengers and travelled over 70,000 miles. A major overhaul of motors, bearings and controller was carried out in winter 2008/2009.
Edmonton Radial Railway car No. 42 approaches the south end of the High Level Bridge in June 1947. The streetcar right of way is today a bike and walking trail.
© W.C. Whittaker (ERRS Collection)
Edmonton Radial Railway car No. 42 carrying red and green signs and signed for WHYTE AVENUE VIA HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE drifts eastbound along 107 Avenue on August 5, 1947.
© W.C. Whittaker (ERRS Collection)