Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Pal
Just wondering about your visceral memories of this. Were the cars noisy? Did
they have bells or whistles to signify anything? Were there any particular odors associated with the cars? How were fares paid? Were they usually clean? Were stops called out? Stuff like that.
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I never rode LA's street cars, but as a bona fide romantic, I have ridden older cars in Europe and in the US. Fares were paid no different than with buses. You generally dealt with the driver/motorman, but there were conductors who also served that purpose.
As you might expect, a lot has to do with insulation and creature comforts, many of which probably never existed in the majority of LA Street Cars. Many stops and crowding produces frowns. Always better to be moving with a breeze, except when freezing cold. Similar to driving in an older bus or car without air condition and the windows half opened. Traffic noise, including metal wheels rolling on metal tracks, along with bell clanging at crossings and stops can be both melodic and annoying. Wooden slat seats are not particularly comfortable for long durations and I would expect to occasionally experience the ozone scent provided by electric traction motors. And if you enjoy second hand smoke and horrendous perfumes, you are in for a treat. Welcome aboard!
Anyone have a spare diaper?
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics15/00027024.jpg
St. Charles street car, NO
http://www.aviewoncities.com/img/new...veus10069s.jpg
Dallas
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...b353_z.jpg&f=1
Memphis
http://cdn3.vtourist.com/4/2882854-V...rs_Memphis.jpg