Philadelphia Rapid Transit C-147 is a double-ended, double-truck, flat roof, wooden snow sweeper, one of a fleet of more than 50 service cars built by Brill for PRT. Streetcar lines in the Northeast had to deal with large amounts of snow that would impede the passage of their cars. Large systems like Philadelphia Rapid Transit used a fleet of sweepers that used large spinning brooms to remove snow from their right of way. Originally built as snow plow E-208 in 1923, PRT decided that sweepers were more efficient in snow removal. In 1927, E-208 was rebuilt as sweeper C-147. The Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company became the Philadelphia Transportation Company in 1940, and C-147 continued to serve through many harsh winters. In 1968, the assets of PTC were acquired by the state and transferred to the new Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Through all the changes in ownership, the sweeper fleet continued to operate regularly to battle snow in the City of Brotherly Love.

In 1974, the sweeper fleet was deemed surplus by SEPTA and retired. C-147 was moved to a location in Old Forge, N.Y., where it sat until 2000 when the Rochester Chapter NRHS acquired the car body. Presently, this car is on blocks, and is without trucks, drive motors, controls, or other equipment except for broom motors. The broom motors have been set aside for possible use in the restoration of RL&B 206. The carbody of C-147 is currently undergoing a rebuilding from which it will emerge as R&GVRRM Line Car 01. The new line car will assist our electrical crews with the maintenance and construction of the rapidly expanding overhead wire electrification program, jointly operated by New York Museum of Transportation.

Our C-147 is very similar to sister car C-130, currently on display in its completed form at the New York Museum of Transportation. C-130 was the product of an ambitious restoration program that included the re-gauging of the trucks from “ Philadelphia broad gauge” 5’-0 to standard 4’-8.5 in the late 1970s. The car is operational (and was tested once in 1976), but requires service to the wheels, motors, and controls before regular operation could begin.

• Built: Brill, 1923
• Length: 44’-5”