12 Shaker Heights Rapid Transit

Heister 3 main

Car 12 is probably the best-known Cleveland trolley.  For many years she toiled among a fleet of center entrance cars on the Rapid.  That all changed in 1963 when tour operator and trolley enthusiast George Badstuber persuaded Shaker Officials to save one of the old cars in its original passenger configuration.  Since that time Car 12 has entertained thousands on fantrips and at displays on the Rapid.  With the elimination of turning loops on the Rapid in the 1980s, use of Car 12 declined sharply.  RTA having few opportunities to share the car with the public, donated it so many more people could learn from and enjoy the car at the Museum.

BuilderKuhlman Car Company
TypeStreet Car
DescriptionSingle End Double Truck Arch Roof Low Floor Center Door
Year Built1913
Retired1960
Acquired2013
Seats59
Length51’0”
Width8’5”
Height11’8
Weight50,000
TrucksBrill 51E1
Motors4 WH 340
Control4 WH 340
BrakesWAB
CompressorNat BB2
Northern Ohio Railway Museum