Key System 1201




Facts and Figures


Current Number1201
Railway RepresentedKey System
BuilderCarter Brothers Car Company
Built In1895
Builder's order id
Currently in (State)California
--(Locality)Rio Vista
Totally out of svc date1958
(Initial retirement date)
Car Typeline car
-subtypevery early line car
-designation
Statusoperated occasionally
More info
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionwood
Roof typeRR
EndedDE
Length44'8"
Width9'2"
Height11'11"
Weight
#Seatsn/a
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP140
TrucksBrill 27A
BrakesSWA (G6)
CompressorGE CP27 (2)
ControlK-6
MotorsGE 70 (4)
Voltage (if not 600DC)
NotesRebuilt from coach trailer in 1915

Car 1201 in operation at WRM in 2017
Flickr
photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bayarearailfan/37051991473/

Car 1201 in operation at WRM in 2017
Flickr
photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bayarearailfan/37051992823/

Car History by Frank Hicks


Key System 1201
The oldest preserved line car, and one of the most interesting pieces of traction work equipment in existence, is Key System 1201. It was built by Carter Brothers, a small carbuilding firm near Oakland, as a locomotive-hauled coach Cry 21. This shortline was electrified in 1896 and two years later was taken over by OTS, predecessor to the Key System. Car 21 was retired after the OTS takeover and stored for five years until it was reactivated and used - still as a trailer - for carrying rush hour crowds. In 1915 it was decided to convert one of the now-SF-OT's cars for use as a line car and car 21 was chosen. Baggage doors, a tower and propulsion and control equipment were added. The car saw use over the next four decades across the Key System, including a stint helping to electrify the tracks over the Bay Bridge in the 1930's. When all Key System electric operations ceased in 1958 car 1201 was retired; after a period of storage it was acquired by WRM, where it has been in operation ever since.


Ownership History


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
California Railway 211895 1898 NO NO
Oakland Transit (California, Oakland)211898 1903 NO NO
San Francisco Oakland & San Jose (California, Oakland)211903 1912 NO NO
San Francisco-Oakland Terminal (California, Oakland)211912 1915 NO NO
Key System (California, Oakland)12011915 1958 NO NO
San Francisco-Oakland Terminal (California, Oakland)12011915 1923 NO NO
Western Railway Museum (California, Rio Vista)12011958 present YES NO