DC Transit 1540



Facts and Figures


Current Number1540
Railway RepresentedDC Transit
BuilderSt. Louis Car Company
Built In1945
Builder's order id1647
Currently in (State)Maryland
--(Locality)Wheaton
Totally out of svc date1962
(Initial retirement date)
Car Typestreetcar
-subtypePCC, postwar
-designation
Statusstored inoperable
More infohttp://dctrolley.org/DCTS1540.htm
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionsteel
Roof typeAR
EndedSE
Length44'0"
Width8'4"
Height11'0"
Weight35640
#Seats50
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP220
TrucksClark B2
BrakesAir-Electric
CompressorPC-2
ControlGE 17KM12N1
MotorsGE 1220A1 (4)
Voltage (if not 600DC)

Car 1540 in storage at NCTM in 2023
Deviant Art
photo: https://www.deviantart.com/rlkitterman/art/D-C-Transit-PCC-1540-IMG-4971-982579724

Car 1540 in storage at NCTM in 2018
Preserved Traction Blog
photo: https://pnaerc.blogspot.com/2017/01/photo-gallery.html
Car History by Peter Kohler & Wesley Paulson


DC Transit 1540
Constructed in 1945, DC Transit 1540 was part of an order of standee-window cars. But unlike the all-electric standee window cars built for St. Louis, Washington’s cars had air operated appliances and retained elements of the original body styling. In late 1944, the War Production Board relaxed some of its restrictions which permitted the return of stainless steel window sash and stanchions, and chrome plating on the upper portion of the seat frames. The cars in this order also featured a “next car light” fitted next to the destination sign on the doorside. To indicate that the car was full, this light would flash “Take next car, please”. DCTS 1540 was based at the Eastern Division (Lincoln Park) and operated frequently on the Cabin John line to Glen Echo Park. After retirement, Leonard’s Department store purchased DCTS 1540 for use on its new subway in Ft. Worth, TX. Stripped for parts, the car did not operate at Leonard’s, and was later acquired by a private owner in Arkansas. NCTM received DCTS 1540 in 1987. It is in storage awaiting restoration.

Ownership History


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
Capital Transit (District of Columbia, Washington)15401945 1956 NO NO
DC Transit (District of Columbia, Washington)15401956 1962 NO NO
Tandy Subway (Texas, Fort Worth)15401962 1972 YES NO
Private owner 15401972 1987 YES NO
National Capital Trolley Museum (Maryland, Wheaton)15401987 present YES NO

Additional Media