Atlas O 1001201 - Industrial Rail Trolley "Chicago & Milwaukee Electric Railway Company" #354

• Road Name: Chicago & Milwaukee Electric Railway Company
• Road Number: 354
• Product Line: Atlas O
• Scale: O Scale
• Catalog: Atlas O Premier Fall 2024 Catalog

Features:

•             Self-propelled AC/DC-powered operation

•             Compatible with ALL traditionally sized O & O-27 Trains

•             Rugged ABS plastic body

•             Features traditional E-unit forward-reverse operation as well as automatic reversing when used with end-of-line bumpers

•             Directional lighting

•             Interior lighting

•             All metal gears

•             Improved roller pick-ups

•             Realistic painting and printing

With the advent of electricity in the late 19th century, electric trolleys began to replace horse-drawn systems. The first electric streetcar line debuted in Richmond, Virginia, in 1888. These electric trolleys featured wooden construction, with stylish designs that reflected the architectural trends of the time.

Throughout the early 20th century, wooden trolleys became a popular mode of urban transport, providing reliable service in cities across the U.S. However, by the mid-20th century, many systems faced competition from automobiles and buses, leading to a decline in trolley services. Many wooden trolleys were retired or replaced with metal counterparts.

Today, vintage wooden trolleys are cherished as historical artifacts and can often be found in museums or restored for tourist attractions, celebrating their significance in the evolution of urban transportation.