Key System 186
Built in:1937 by Bethlehem
Out-of-service/Retired:1959 (1958)
Type of car:rapid transit car (two-car articulated set)
Current Owner:Western Railway Museum(Rio Vista, California)
Car History by Frank Hicks
Key System 186
In 1939 the Key System, which had previously operated interurbans to Oakland where passengers transferred to San Francisco Bay ferries, began running trains into San Francisco over the Bay Bridge. During the two years leading up to this service expansion a total of 88 two-car articulated interurban trainsets were built for through operation over the Bay Bridge. The first 23 cars to be built, numbered 165-187, were constructed with all modern components while the remaining 60 cars were constructed with parts stripped from older scrapped interurban cars. Car 186 was one of 37 that were actually owned by the California Toll Bridge Authority, and when Key System abandoned Bay Bridge service in 1958 the cars owned by the Authority were not scrapped but were held for resale. Car 186 was bought in 1959 by WRM for ten dollars, and in 1964 was moved to the museum's site in Rio Vista. Since that time the car has been stored in complete but unrestored condition.
Ownership History:Key System #186 1937-1958 / Western Railway Museum(Rio Vista, California) 1959-present
Facts and Figures
| Status:stored inoperable | Gauge:4'8.5" |
| Construction:steel | Roof type:AR | Ended:DE |
| Length:110'6" | Width:8'10" | Weight:138890# |
| #Seats:140 | #Wheels/Conf.:12 (B-2-B) | Total HP:420 |
| Trucks:Commonwealth | Brakes:AMM (M24D) | Compressor:CP-28 (2) |
| Motors:WH 555C6 (4) | Voltage (if not 600DC): |