Gomaco Trolley Company reconditioned single-truck Lisbon Trolley #519 in 2012. It is a J.G. Brill car from 1925, and it was used in Lisbon, Portugal, until 1978, and then in Aspen, Colorado. The Issaquah Valley Trolley Project in Issaquah, Washington, acquired it in 2003, and the crew at Gomaco Trolley Company completed an extensive restoration in 2012.

The truck width was converted from narrow gauge to standard gauge. A second operator's station was added to allow operation from both ends. The cracks in the roof and frame were repaired, and the floor was replaced.

A fiberglass coating was applied to the roof and clerestory roof to seal it from the elements. All of the seats were reconditioned, and new oak window frames with safety glass were installed. Trolley technicians repaired any non-working electrical items, and gave it a new paint job.

The trolley returned to Washington in August 2012, and had its debut during the Issaquah History Museum's Holiday Open House on December 1. The group started regular trolley service in downtown Issaquah in 2013.

 

Reconditioned Single-Truck Lisbon Trolley Specifications

Car Numbers:
#519 - Issaquah Valley Trolley Project, Issaquah, Washington.

Car Builder: Gomaco Trolley Company, Ida Grove, Iowa 51445.

Source of Running Equipment: Gomaco Trolley Company single-truck design.

Running Equipment: Peter Witt trucks from Milan, Italy.

Controls: K35 controller.

Length: 30.5 feet.

Width: 7.8 feet.

Height: 11.25 feet.

Weight (approximate): 29,000 pounds.

Balanced Speed: 16 mph.

Seating: 24 sitting, 24 standing (based on six people per square meter).

Total Crush Load: 48 people (does not include the operator).

Seats: 8 rollover, 4 stationary corner seats. Cushioned seat bottoms and backs.

Frame: Original wood frame. Reconditioned incorporating metal cross members into framework.

Windows: 6 per side.

Fittings, Solid Brass: New casting for conductor bell by Gomaco Trolley Company.

Woods: Oak and mahogany.

Paint: Orange and white. Color and details are selected by customer.

Clerestory Glass: White glue glass on all sides.

Lights: 3 interior ceiling lights.

Whistle: Three-tone air chime with WABCO valves. Constructed by Gomaco Trolley Company.

Steps: Permanent-mounted step at each of the four corner entrances.

Side Doors: Fold-away scissor gates.

Brakes: Air-operated friction brakes.

Signal Bell: Brass, made by Gomaco Trolley Company. A floor pedal to operate on each end of the car.

Interior advertising panel.

Floor: Wood subfloor, with transit vinyl.

Ceiling: Painted metal panels.

Roof: Reconditioned wood roof with a fiberglass shell. Textured and painted.

 

Floor plan for the reconditioned single-truck Lisbon trolley.

 

 

Additional Information

Reconditioning Of Lisbon Trolley #519

 

Photos

Trolley #519 celebrated the Christmas season in 2012 with a holiday open house.

 

Lisbon trolley has a total of 12 windows, six on each side.

 

The interior of trolley #519 has oak and mahogany wood trim, vinyl transit flooring that resembles wood, and a painted ceiling.

 

Spectators admire reconditioned Lisbon trolley #519 as it arrives back in Issaquah, Washington, in fall 2012.

 

The first official season of operation for trolley #519 at the Issaquah Valley Trolley was kicked-off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

Lisbon trolley #519 will hold a total of 48 individuals, 24 sitting and 24 standing.

 

The four corner entrances have a permanent-mounted step, and fold-away scissor gates.

 

Three incandescent lights illuminate the interior for guests riding the trolley in Issaquah, Washington.