Market Street Railway will be operating a booth at the Castro Street Fair this Sunday, October 5, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and we’re happy to announce that we will be showing off one of the seldom-seen members of Muni’s historic streetcar fleet: Market Street Railway Co. streetcar No. 578.
Built in 1895, this single-truck ‘Dinky’ is — to our knowledge — the world’s oldest trolley in active municipal service (so old, it looks like a cable car!). So, come on down and have a look, learn all about the streetcar, climb onboard and ring the bell, and hang out with some of the folks from Market Street Railway.
Our booth will be at the F-Market & Wharves line terminal at Market, Castro & 17th Streets. We’ll be selling unique F-line and cable car related merchandise, and we’ll have information about MSR, our projects and volunteer opportunities.
Speaking of volunteer opportunities, we still need a little more help to staff the booth and guide people around No. 578, so if you’re interested in volunteering for this event, please email our volunteer coordinator, Nick Figone, as soon as possible.
Bringing back more memories: This car spent some time at the Western Ry. Museum at Rio Vista Jct., where I had a chance to run it. No air brakes, and a hand brake lever that would be right at home in a cable car (or a steam derrick). Then there’s 578’s “secret”–its present motors came from a Los Angeles Ry. “H” class car.
Is this streetcar operational on F or planned to be on F or E? What a cool looking car.
The Manx Electric Railway on the Isle of Man has their car #1, which was built in 1893 and was operating for the Centennial in 1993 (which was when I visited). As far as I know it’s still operable, but not sure whether it’s run in the last few years. Another item about 578: in 1987 it, along with an Oporto car, ran on the State Belt RR with towed-along diesel generator, helping demonstrate the potential of an Embarcadero streetcar line. I remember stopping in SF on a Amtrak trip to Portland and taking photos of this short-lived operation.
Awesome! Will definitely try to drop by on Sunday for this.
They should run this. What a great looking car, I assume it’s not ADA?
Is that because it’s just one of a kind?
yeah, it’s one of two MSRy cars surviving.