Click on above links (for individual cars) or scroll down for more information on this series

BACKGROUND:
As cities grew, and the mulecar was replaced by electric traction, one of the most popular types of early cars was the open bench model. These were used to transport people to parks, as well as for commuting within the big city. As time went on, air brakes were added to these cars, and finally they were phased out, in favor of larger trolleys. The last open car in regular everyday service was probably in Veracruz, Mexico 30 years ago. Many were converted to work service, and a few were demotored and used as trailers. Brill also used the same general class of car for sprinklers, and funeral cars.

HISTORY:
Brill cars of this era were 28'8" long, over end sills. The seating capacity of 10 bench cars was a crowded 50, according to the Brill catalog. The truck was a No. 21-E, the frame was composite, the body weighed 7,000 pounds, and the truck, less motors was 5,400 pounds. The motorman stood, but stools were later provided.

Further information may be found in Brill catalog of 1913, and on various WWW sites and traction fan books.