Shaker Heights Rapid Transit Coach 303 was part of a set of cars built in 1924 by the St. Louis Car Company for the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric Company, a small northeastern Illinois interurban line that ran north south between its namesakes.  Connections to Chicago could be made at intersecting points on the line via a sister interurban, the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin railroad as well as multiple steam railroads.

When the line ceased operations in 1934, the Cleveland Interurban Railroad purchased seven of the cars.  Shaker sent the cars to the Cleveland Railway Harvard Shops for refurbishment and modifications.  This is when the car received the newer style interior lighting it has now, lost a restroom, and added one-man safety car features, otherwise known as Deadman controls.  If the motorman removes his hands from the controls, the power is cut, and the cars brakes applied in full force.

Following modification and painting the cars went into service the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit line.  These cars allowed the Rapid to run service more economically.  This car could be operated with only one man.  This contrasted with the center entrance cars that required a 2-man crew.  In slower traffic times such as weekends and mid-day, this allowed the frugal Rapid to cut operating expenses greatly.  Single unit, single man cars, their lightweight construction resulted in lower operating costs, contributing greatly to the Shaker Rapid’s surviving the Great Depression.

Equipped with reversible seats and a separate smoking section, the cars became known as “Smokers”.  The cars were popular with the riders, operating crews and Shaker management.  They were only reluctantly retired in 1955.  They did not possess the speed necessary to keep up with traffic needs on the joint line trackage shared with CTS from Cleveland Union Terminal to the E. 55th. Street junction.  It was at this point CTS and Shaker ceased sharing trackage.  They operated up to the day before CTS began service.

The car was acquired by Trolleyville U.S.A..  It was painted to the paint scheme used by its first owner the Fox River Interurban.  Unfortunately, 303 was involved in an accident while at Trolleyville and one end of the car was extensively damaged.  303 was acquired by the Museum in 2009.  We have repaired the accident damage and other deterioration brought on by age.  We are restoring the car back to its 1930’s Shaker appearance.

Builder	St. Louis Car Company
Type	Interurban Car
Description	Double End Double Truck Arch Roof Steel Coach
Year Built	1923
Retired	1955
Acquired	2009
Seats	52
Length	36′ 0″
Width	9′ 2″
Height	10′ 7″
Weight	36,000
Trucks	St. Louis 64E1B
Engine	4 GE265
Control	K35G
Brakes	SME (M28)
Compressor	DH-16