Pacific Electric 4508 on 4th Street in Santa Ana
From contributor Terry Salmans, who found this Orange County Archives image on Flickr:
The photo is at the end of track on 4th St. at the Southern Pacific Santa Ana Station. Note the hood over the headlight.
The photo is unusual that there are not many views Red Cars at the Santa Ana SP Station. According to Interurbans Special 21, during World War II, alternate outbound trips from Los Angeles would continue east past the PE Santa Ana Station at 4th St. and Mortimer to the SP Station. Out of view behind the 4508 and the billboards was a small three-track yard for car storage. This trackage back to the PE Santa Ana Station and the storage yard was abandoned immediately after World War II ended.
Orange County Archives Collection, suggested by Terry Salmans
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What is the fence-like structure just to the left of the steps? Looks like there is another one on the back entry.
The fence like structures were the sliding doors. They were removed and replaced with standard doors during the post war modernization of the blimps. This arrangement must have been really drafty for the motormen during cold and wet weather.
I remember being scared out of my wits when the sliding fence door closed just after my mother boarded one of these cars and I was left behind with my father. Don’t remember the location or circumstances, or how the door was closed, but I sure remember being frightened.
PE Steel Interurban coach #4508 was a magnificent looking piece of traction equipment. Too bad it no longer exists. I think its very interesting that 4508 has a hood over the headlight in the photo. An excellent photo of a very handsome car.