FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 1, 2013
THE ROCKHILL TROLLEY MUSEUM COLLECTION MOVES INTO A NEW GENERATION
Rockhill Furnace, PA – The Rockhill Trolley Museum (www.rockhilltrolley.org), the operating entity of Railways To Yesterday, Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit educational corporation, is happy to announce its plans to acquire a 1981 vintage Light Rail Vehicle to make its collection more relevant to younger generations.
The Rockhill Trolley Museum is proceeding with the acquisition of a U2 Light Rail Vehicle formerly used in San Diego, California on a system popularly known as the San Diego Trolley. These vehicles were constructed by Siemens-Duewag of Dusseldorf, Germany in 1981 for the opening of the first new-generation Light Rail system in the United States and have served well throughout their three decades of service. These vehicles have been maintained to a very high standard and are in excellent condition. Unlike many vehicles from colder climates, these vehicles have never been exposed to the damaging effects of operation on streets treated with deicing chemicals.
The museum’s collection presently includes 22 electric railway vehicles dating from 1895 to 1947. The acquisition of a U2 Light Rail Vehicle enables the museum to completely tell the story of the electric trolley car from its earliest forms, through the era of wooden equipment, steel equipment, lightweight and high-speed vehicles, PCC cars, and finally to the present day and the corresponding resurgence of the trolley car across the United States in its modern form.
The acquisition of this vehicle would not be possible without the support of UTCRAS of Morton, Pennsylvania, including both with regards to logistics as well as through a substantial financial contribution. Even with this tremendous offer of assistance, the museum will need additional support from its members and friends to cover the costs of moving such a large vehicle across the United States and preparing it for immediate display and eventual operation.
The Rockhill Trolley Museum is one of the oldest continuously operating trolley museums in the Middle Atlantic, having operated trolleys every year since 1962. The museum offers a very scenic three mile round trip ride along scenic Blacklog Creek. For more information on the museum, as well as information on how to contribute to museum projects, when to visit, and how to become a member, please visit www.rockhilltrolley.org.
UTCRAS has provided support to the rail transit industry since 1982. UTCRAS is an AAR Certified Wheel, Bearing, and Axle Shop and has performed high quality work for railroads, transit systems, and museums throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.utcras.com.
Railways To Yesterday, Inc.
www.rockhilltrolley.org