Saskatoon #200
Saskatoon works car No. 200 (now part of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society's collection) sweeps snow after a blizzard towards the end of streetcar operation.
© Credit: Les Corness
Saskatoon #200 is a fine example of a combination sweeper and overhead line car, as they operated on every streetcar system in the prairies. Car 200 was built by the Ottawa Car Co. in 1907 and acquired second hand by the City of Saskatoon at the opening of their system in 1913. It served the city well until streetcar abandonment in 1951, when sweeper 200 was donated to the Western Development Museum. Although no restoration work had been carried out there, the car was purchased on behalf of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society and donated to it in 1986.
The condition of the car was not very good and it is currently being completely reconstructed. Once finished, it will be a huge attraction and a great example of early technology. The single truck car is propelled by two motors. A third motor with a separate controller drives the rotating snow brushes, built from bamboo sticks.
Saskatoon track sweeper #200 is shown on Central Avenue in Sutherland, following a blizzard on March 15, 1927.
© Saskatoon Public Library