Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Pittsburgh Railways M1


M1 at the museum attached to 4398 and being 'restored' by founder Reynolds S. Galbraith	M1 serving its duty at Keating Car House 1938 (Robert H. Brown, collection)

Car Number	M1	Car Builder	Pullman Car Company
Year Built	1890	Year Acquired	1949
Type	ST Pay Car	Seats	0
Length	32'8"	Width	X'XX"
Height	12'0"	Weight	27,000 lbs (13.5 tons)
Motors	WH 93A	Status	Stored inoperable, Galbraith Shop

In 1897, most businesses paid their employees in cash, and the United Traction Company of Pittsburgh was no exception. That year, they converted this 1890 passenger car to a traveling payroll car. When the city's major trolley companies were combined to form Pittsburgh Railways Company in 1902, this important car continued its vital schedule of regular visits to all the car houses to pay all the employees. It featured security provisions to protect both the money and the armed men who disbursed it.

M1 was the first car acquired for the Museum, purchased by the founding members in 1949 shortly after the cash payroll system was discontinued. It is one of the oldest electric cars in existence at any museum.

Click on the thumbnails below for larger photos (will open in new window):


M1 at time of purchase in 1948	Bartley, Brown and Galbraith show off their recent purchase at Ingram Car House 1949

M1 in Houston, Pennsylvania. Enroute to the Museum site February 7, 1954	In operation on the museum line 1965

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