The MBTA Type 11, also known as the Pullman-Standard 1960s PCC, is a type of streetcar that was operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Type 11 cars were part of a larger fleet of PCC (Presidents' Conference Committee) streetcars that were introduced in the United States during the mid-20th century. The PCC design was a standardized model developed by the Presidents' Conference Committee, a coalition of streetcar operators, to create a modern, efficient, and comfortable streetcar that could be used in cities across the country.
History and Development
The MBTA Type 11 cars were manufactured by Pullman-Standard, a leading railroad car manufacturer at the time, in the early 1960s. A total of 100 Type 11 cars were delivered to the MBTA between 1961 and 1962, as part of a larger order of 225 PCC cars. The Type 11 cars were designed to be an improvement over the earlier PCC cars, with features such as increased seating capacity, improved lighting, and more efficient propulsion systems. The Type 11 cars were also equipped with a distinctive double-end design, which allowed them to operate in both directions without the need for a turnaround loop.
Technical Specifications
The MBTA Type 11 cars had a number of notable technical specifications, including:
- Length: 48 feet (14.63 meters)
- Width: 9 feet (2.74 meters)
- Height: 10 feet (3.05 meters)
- Weight: approximately 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms)
- Seating capacity: 46 passengers
- Propulsion: General Electric 1213A1 propulsion system, with four Westinghouse 1431A motors
- Braking system: air-operated braking system, with Westinghouse AMM-15 brake valves
The Type 11 cars were also equipped with a number of modern features for their time, including flourescent lighting, heating and ventilation systems, and public address systems. The cars were designed to be efficient and reliable, with a top speed of approximately 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour).
| Year | Manufacturer | Number of Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Pullman-Standard | 50 |
| 1962 | Pullman-Standard | 50 |
Service History
The MBTA Type 11 cars entered service in 1961 and operated on a number of different routes in the Boston area, including the Green Line and the Blue Line. The cars were well-liked by commuters and were known for their comfort and reliability. However, as the years passed, the Type 11 cars began to show their age, and the MBTA started to phase them out in favor of newer, more modern streetcars. The last Type 11 car was retired from service in 1997.
Preservation Efforts
Today, a number of MBTA Type 11 cars have been preserved and are on display at museums and historical societies in the Boston area. The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine, has a large collection of vintage streetcars, including several MBTA Type 11 cars. The museum offers rides on the preserved cars, giving visitors a chance to experience what it was like to ride on a vintage streetcar.
What was the primary purpose of the MBTA Type 11 cars?
+The primary purpose of the MBTA Type 11 cars was to provide efficient and reliable streetcar service to commuters in the Boston area.
How many MBTA Type 11 cars were manufactured?
+A total of 100 MBTA Type 11 cars were manufactured by Pullman-Standard between 1961 and 1962.
What was the top speed of the MBTA Type 11 cars?
+The top speed of the MBTA Type 11 cars was approximately 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour).
