Trolley Display Building, 2008
When the Red Arrow Lines (Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company) needed additional modern equipment to handle the burgeoning postwar population growth in Philadelphia’s western suburbs it turned to St. Louis Car Company. Red Arrow’s traditional builder of choice J.G. Brill ceased streetcar production following construction of Brilliners 1-10 in 1941.
The fourteen cars they supplied were quite advanced for the day, featuring streamlined bodies of the PCC car but riding on traditional wheelsets and having larger motors for high-speed operation. Little wonder, then, that car 24 (and sister 14, beautifully restored to its 1949 appearance and in service at the Museum) remained in regular operation until new cars were purchased in 1982.
Car 24 is the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s newest streetcar (only the Budd built 1960 subway car is newer).
SEPTA Red Arrow Division 24>>
Last regular trip on the West Chester Line at Broomall, 1954 (David H. Cope photo)
| Car Number | 24 |
| Year Built | 1949 |
| Length | 50’5″ |
| Height | 10’0″ |
| Seats | 58 |
| Year Acquired | 1983 |
| Car Builder | St. Louis Car Company |
| Type | DE streamlined suburban car |
| Width | 9’0″ |
| Weight | 49,000 lbs. (22 tons) |
| Motors | WH 1433B |
| Status | Stored outdoors under tarp |