Portland Traction “Broadway Car” #813

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2007, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

Car #813 is one of 15 Master Units built by J. G. Brill and Company in 1932 for the Portland Traction Company. In Portland, these cars were called "Broadway Cars," after the line they were originally assigned to.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2007, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

When Portland's narrow gauge streetcar lines were shut sown in 1950, #813 was one of two Broadway cars to be changed to standard gauge for use on the interurban lines, which lasted until 1958. On the Interurban lines, #813 was renumbered to #4012.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2007, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

In 1959, the car was sold to the OERHS, who put it on display at Oaks Amusement Park until the Glenwood Trolley Park was open.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2007, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

In the 1990s, the car was given a full restoration, which was completed in 1998, restoring the car to its original number and paint scheme, though it retains its standard gauge trucks.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2007, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

When the OERHS moved to Brooks, #813 was moved to the Willamette Shore Trolley, though it made at least one trip back to Brooks, for the 2000 Great Oregon Steam-Up.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 31, 2008, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

After many years of service on the Willamette Shore Trolley line, #813 broke down on July 16, 2010, and Willamette Shore Trolley service was suspended. #813 was moved back to Brooks in June 2012. Two of the Portland Vintage Trolley replicas of the Council Crest cars have since been acquired to take its place on the Willamette Shore Trolley line.

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 31, 2008, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

Links to Historical Photographs:
#813 in service in 1949 (Dave's Electric Railroads)
#4012 in service in Portland (Dave's Electric Railroads)

Portland Traction Company “Broadway Car” #813 in Portland, Oregon, on August 31, 2008, on the Willamette Shore Trolley line

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