1255 Special
Jack Finn Collection
A four-unit Pacific Electric interurban string sits idle (led by no. 1255).
Jack Finn Collection
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Looks like the San Bernardino line immediately east of Valley Junction. with the Marengo Street bridge above and the Soto bridge in the background.
I was looking for cars that were originally owned by the SP Red Electric Line in Portland, OR. According to a textbook, by Dill and Grande, #1255 was rebuilt from SP Red Electric #503, which wrecked near Bertha Station, in 1920. This was the worst wreck in Oregon inter-urban history.
This may have been a troop train coming back from San Bernardino during World War II, although the headlights do not have the “blackout” hoods. According to “From Railway to Freeway”, even though regular passenger service to San Bernardino ended in 1941, special trains went to what became Norton Air Force Base. There’s even a photo with a four-car train at the San Berdoo PE station.
Shown again as “1255 at Valley Junction” with notes indicating 1937. In Suydam models (this site), 1255 custom bears “Parlor Car” lettering on sides. Compare this to special trips advertising ink blotter showing 1250 (fantasy depiction) with this lettering. “Theaters” is on that trip suggestions. It is reported that a few Hollywood films were actually premiered in San Bernardino. Could the studios have hired PE Specials to carry people out and back? Would there have been a boarding point outside downtown L.A just as SP and SF did with Glendale and Pasadena? Is that why the inbound train was idled here?
Compare marker lamp arrangement here to other 1252-class runs. PE 1252 leading a three car “Special”: https://www.pacificelectric.org/pacific-electric/northern-district/1252-special/