
These PCC cars from three countries (Canada, USA and the Netherlands) are among the historic vehicles in the National Capital Trolley Museum’s collection. (Bill Monaghan photo)
COLESVILLE, Maryland — Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys (FPT) and the National Capital Trolley Museum (NCTM) are teaming up on a special event on May 11 to raise funds for the future restoration of of an 87-year-old car that once served Philadelphia’s western suburbs.
Philadelphia & West Chester Traction Company 85 was built by the J.G. Brill Company in 1932 and served the lines radiating out from 69th Street Terminal until being retired by successor SEPTA after a half-century of service.

Car 85 is seen at the end of the Media line on State Street in 1969. (Matt Nawn collection)
For a donation of $20, guests will have the opportunity to ride, photograph and operate (under instruction) various trolley cars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A hosted tour of the NCTM maintenance car house (not typically open to visitors) also will be offered, along with a special presentation in the NCTM auditorium by the Friends of Philadelphia Trolleys on the group’s projects past and present.
Since 2005, FPT has made contributions of $185,000 toward trolley restoration projects in seven different museums. Your participation in $20 Day will help us continue our support of Philadelphia’s trolley heritage in operating museums around the country. You can learn more about FPT’s history and mission by clicking here.
For more information, email FPT2799@COMCAST.NET or MWNTROLLEY@AOL.COM, or visit our Facebook page for the event.
You also can download our flyer for the event (seen at left) by clicking here.
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WHAT: $20 Day in support of Car 85
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 11, 2019
WHERE: National Capital Trolley Museum,
1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, Md. 20905–5955
ALSO: To learn more about Car 85, click here.