Edwards Rail Car Company has chosen the modified Peter Witt streetcar design to fulfill the demands of new heritage street railway systems. The Witt Design presents the pinnacle of lightweight streetcar technology and classic early 20th century styling. Steel truss wall construction, mahogany interior trim and nickel plate fixtures combine with modern, efficient traction motors and proven Master Car Builder (MCB) design trucks to offer a reliable, attractive streetcar for use on today's demanding heritage systems.
The car design has its origins with Peter Witt, the Street Railway Commissioner of Cleveland, Ohio. The commissioner specified front and center doors to allow quick loading of rush hour passengers and fare collection at the center of the car to prevent delayed starts due to passengers clogging the front entrance. Edwards offers the traditional Witt deign or without the center doors to allow for solo operation of the car.
Every newly constructed Edwards Electric Streetcar is designed and built to provide the experience of an old-fashion streetcar ride while minimizing the efforts of the shop department to keep the cars in service. Modern allowances provide for safety, ADA accessibility and comfort, while maintains the historical integrity of the car. Edwards employs NO RECYCLED OR SALVAGED PARTS in the construction of our cars.
CAR DESCRIPTION:
Type: Steel truss-wall construction
Seats/Capacity: 56 Walk-over style of wooden slatted style or upholstered.
Length: 50 feet
Width: 8ft. 6 in.
Height: 11 ft.
Weight: 28,000 lbs.
Motors: Four 40 HP Electric Traction Motors
Speed: Approximately 30 m.p.h.
Window Sash and Interior Trims and Doors: Oak.
Outer Woodwork: Ash and Oak.
Roof: Tongue and Groove Oak covered with heavy weight canvas.
Floor: Plymetal sub floor with tongue & groove top floor of hardwood. Rubber traction matting down isle way.
Controls: Solid state electrical control system on both ends of car.
Edwards Rail Car Company is currently engaged by the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority of Dallas, Texas in the rebuilding of a Peter Witt car. The MATA interior demonstrates the finish and general arrangement of the Edwards Electric Streetcar.
