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The Aspen Rolling Stock
Aspen's trolleys were manufactured by the J. G. Brill Company of Philadelphia, which was the largest trolley car manufacturer at the turn of the century. One trolley was built in 1899, and the others were built in 1925. They remained in active service in the city of Lisbon, Portugal until 1978 when the trolleys were purchased by the Aspen Street Railway Company (ASRC) and shipped by boat and then driven on trucks to Aspen. A picture of trolleys in Lisbon awaiting shipment appears on the cover page. On their arrival they were working/running Trolleys and part of a fleet of cars made surplus by a new subway. In 1982 the trolleys were given to the City of Aspen.
The trolleys are in keeping with the scale of Aspen. They are compact seating 24 passengers. They are 30 feet long, under 8 feet wide, and are 12 feet high. These trolleys run on 3 foot narrow gauge track.
Five of the trolleys are stored in a field, covered with canvas. Aside from some aging and vandalism, these trolleys are in reasonable condition. Soon after arrival, the No. 23 trolley was repainted and put on display as an Information Center in Rubey Park. This trolley is now stored at the city dump and has been left uncovered. It has badly deteriorated and has been vandalized.
A first class restoration is planned for each trolley: refinishing its interior wood panels, overhead and opening side windows, and creating a detailed paint scheme, etc. Discussion is open to the community: How can we enhance the character of the trolleys, should we removing some seating for standing room? Batteries will be added to power the trolley. There are no overhead wires or towed trailers. The motors, controls, and trucks (wheels and axles) will be updated and bring the trolleys into the present era, minimize maintenance, and reduce operating costs. Dual direction controls and brakes, interior lighting, and communications will be added.
Aspen's historic trolleys are no longer available. Let's preserve them. Help is available from many sources. The Gomaco Trolley Company in Iowa has been restoring, renovating, and building replica historic trolleys since 1982. Historic Railway Restoration has renovated Brill trolley #101 adding batteries for power.
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