PCC in Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh

[0303fxm]

Kindly let me know why the front window of this PCC has so curious shape.

Thank you.
Ryoichi Fukushima

[Chris333]

Thought it was something to do with the side door opening, but see some do not have odd windows.

[Chris333]

Two main body standards were made—1936 and 1945, sometimes called pre- and post-war—the most prominent difference being the windows.

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

Other body differences were a recessed windshield and wider doors

[0303fxm]

Thanks Chris333, will read the the Wikipedia very carefully.

Ryoichi

[peteski]

In the Wiki article I did not see anything mentioning the unusual front windshield design.

I wonder is was simply a visual styling feature?  There were many unusual designs of many vehicles in those times.  Things like streamlining or fins were being added to various vehicles to make them look more attractive or just different. It might not be a functional desing but simply to make a visual impact.

[jagged ben]

It would appear to have something to do with that box above left of the window. 

[0303fxm]

Jagged ben,

So do I.  The top left corner of the windshield has some indication device(?) as shown in a picture contained in the Wikipedia. After its role the device might be removed.   Ryoichi

[Chris333]

Ron  @R L Smith worked at Brookville and they rebuilt a few of these maybe he would know.

I think it is a motor to open and close the door. Just a guess.

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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Muni_PCC_streetcar_1015_2.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/At_San_Francisco_2015_106_-_Tram_1006.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original

[C62-2]

There are vent openings above the windshield glass under the overhang of the roof. It lets air flow through (in the pre-air conditioning era) without letting the rain in.

[R L Smith]

I believe those boxes were for signal / route equipment, not all transit agencies had them. MUNI double-enders did, but NJT PCCs did not. The door motors are typically located above the doorway.







Ron