BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

(SEE PREVIOUS POSTS/PHOTOS)

"Timeless"............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?151641

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["NORRISTOWN EXPRESS"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The yard of Old Looks and Fishbowls seen here serve to date this nostalgic 1972 photo as much as do the iconic "Bullets" in this view; so much transit history seen here.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?151651

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["RED ARROW LINES"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Two views from long ago..........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?151681 (a most iconic electric!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?151705 (nostalgic panorama of steel-wheeled and rubber-tired classics!)

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["SEPTA"]

[Cyberider]

Awe inspiring. Take me back!

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Sadly, during my two visits to Philly, back in 1982, I never got the chance to ride out to the end of the "P&W" in Norristown.

The old terminal has long since been replaced by a new, modern facility with no character nor appeal whatsoever

Until 1949, LVT's famed "Liberty Bell Limiteds", upon reaching Norristown, rolled down a ramp that took then down to LVT street trackage, after changing over from third rail to overhead.

After 1949, the ramp was removed and a bumper was installed where the ramp had connected to the elevated P&W rails.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?151613 (note square-window Old Look!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?57492

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?159238

(courtesy: nyvsubway.org)

["LIMITED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Former "El" cars "elevated" once again their twilight (Norristown)............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?69081

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?69073

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?69103

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["SEPTA"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Historical note:

The LVT relinquished trackage rights over the P&W (between Norristown to 69th Street) in 1949; thereafter, until the end of "Liberty Bell" service a few years later, inbound LVT passengers had to transfer to P&W trains at Norristown, requiring payment of an additional fare.

This resulted in the LVT losing still more customers.......

"NYO"

["LIBERTY BELL ROUTE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The sole survivor of the iconic "Liberty Bell Limited" fleet, the elegant and stylish car #1030 (an ex-IR car) today proudly resides at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Though these handsome, speedy cars were single-ended, they were also equipped with controls in the rear observation compartment, to enable the cars to utilize wyes, as well other reverse moves (such as at carbarns)

There was also a wye adjacent to the 69th Street terminal.

Except for #1030, all other 1000-series LVT cars were ex-C&LE.

Car #1030 was also easily recognizable by its rounded observation end.

Indeed sad that no other cars in the series were saved..........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?69401

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53099

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["LIBERTY BELL ROUTE"]

["ALLENTOWN LIMITED"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

The last day........

On September 6, 1951, the last "Liberty Bell Limiteds" made their final runs, b etween Allentown and Norristown.

Though only five 1000-series cars were operating that last day, two cars later suffered electrical/mechanical issues, so, at the very end of operations, only three were still operational.

Car #1006 (an ex-CL&E car) had the dubious honor of closing out all "Liberty Bell" service.

LVT crews wasted no time in ripping up the rails, and taking down the overhead; dismantling began later in the same day that service ended..........

A sad ending indeed........

"NYO"

["EXPRESS-PHILADELPHIA"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's an excellent LVT page, with much historical info, photos, info on rolling stock, facilities, scheduling, etc............

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehigh_Valley_Transit_Company

['LVT"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

More photos and info..........

www.phillytrolley.org/liberty.html

["1030"]