New Orleans Public Service 453

Built in:1906 by American Car Company (ord#643)
Out-of-service/Retired:1967
Type of car:streetcar (semi-convertible)
Current Owner:New Orleans Regional Transit Authority(New Orleans, Louisiana)

Car History by Frank Hicks

New Orleans Public Service 453 The oldest preserved streetcar from New Orleans, 453 was originally constructed as a standard Brill-design semiconvertible for service on the Coliseum line. In 1917 it and the 24 other cars in its order were rebuilt by NOR&L. Flat panels replaced the original omnibus sides, the upper sash windows were fixed in place and the cars were renumbered to the 450-474 series. All members of the class were retired and scrapped in 1935 except for 453, which was assigned to Napoleon Yard as a training car. Initially it was operated around the yard by trainees, though it was later put up on blocks and used for the same purpose in a stationary position. In 1960, the car was already the oldest remaining on the system and a plan was hatched to use it in a publicity campaign centered around the 1951 movie "A Streetcar Named Desire." The motors and resistance grids were removed and the car was rewired for 120v AC. Plans fell through and the car was stored at Carrollton Station until 1967, when it was given to the LTDC and moved to a covered display in the French Market. During the mid-1970's it was moved outdoors and remained on display at the French Market until it was moved to the Mint sometime around 1980. In 1991 the car was reacquired by the transit agency, now NORTA, and was moved to Carrollton Station where it remains in storage.

Ownership History:New Orleans Railway & Light #303 1906-1917 / New Orleans Railway & Light #453 1917-1922 / New Orleans Public Service #453 1922-1967 / 1st preserved by Louisiana Tourist Development Commission 1967-1991 / New Orleans Regional Transit Authority(New Orleans, Louisiana) 1991-present

Facts and Figures

Status:stored inoperable		Gauge:5'2.5"
Construction:wood	Roof type:DR	Ended:DE
Length:40'6"	Width:8'4"	Weight:42000#
#Seats:44	#Wheels/Conf.:8 (1A-A1)	Total HP:130
Trucks:Brill 76E2	Brakes:	Compressor:[CP-27]
Motors:[WH 306 (2)]	Voltage (if not 600DC):

Notes

Rebuilt to training car in 1940
PHOTO PHOTO