Does anyone know what the standard height off the street was for the old Chicago style streetcars back then? I realize it varied in different places such as tunnels and underpasses, but just looking for the average street height?
Thanks,Geo.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
In general, trolley overhead was about 18 to 20 feet above the street, raising to 22 feet at railway crossings. Electric Railway Engineering (1927) confirms the 18 to 20 feet height.
Underpasses would be lower down to just above the car roof at Philadelphia when passing through tunnels under the Broad Street Station.
Thanks much on that info. Trying to build a little display.
Geo.
Seeing you are modeling Chicago, I think you will find The Trolley Dodger Blog a useful source of information. This is Chicago Streetcars in Black and White, Part 5. Some very low underpasses shown there.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
