Capital Transit 09

Built in:1899 by McGuire-Cummings
Out-of-service/Retired:1962
Type of car:snow sweeper (early sweeper)
Current Owner:National Capital Trolley Museum(Wheaton, Maryland)
Car History by Ken Rucker ,Frank Hicks



Capital Transit Snow Sweepers
This is one of ten snow sweepers purchased on account for Washington Traction & Electric from McGuire-Cummings in 1899. WT&E suffered foreclosure in 1901 with properties conveyed February 4, 1902 to the Washington Railway & Electric. Reacting to an order of the District Electric Railway Commission, WR&E enclosed the sweepers' open vestibules. With the merger of Capital Traction and WR&E in 1933, these ten sweepers became Capital Transit 06 through 015. CT transferred thirty-five snow sweepers, including the 10 McGuire cars, to D.C. Transit System in 1956. The sweepers were maintained on the active roster until streetcar service was abandoned in 1962, having served the system for over 60 years.


Capital Transit 09
CT 09 has been maintained in good condition by RTM since its acquisition. For much of that time it has been stored indoors and it is fully operational. In the late 1990's it was restored to its CT-era color scheme for its 100th birthday and still sees occasional use.

Ownership History:Washington Traction & Electric #09 1899-1902 / Washington Railway & Electric #09 1902-1933 / Capital Transit #09 1933-1956 / DC Transit #09 1956-1962 / 1st preserved by Rockhill Trolley Museum 1962-2012 / National Capital Trolley Museum(Wheaton, Maryland) 2012-present


Facts and Figures


Status:operated occasionallyGauge:4'8.5"
Construction:woodRoof type:AREnded:DE
Length:28'0"Width:7'2"Weight: 
#Seats:n/a#Wheels/Conf.:4 (B)Total HP:80
Trucks:McGuire PedestalBrakes:HandCompressor:n/a
Motors:WH 101B (2)Voltage (if not 600DC): 

PHOTO PHOTO