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Ohio Public Service Co. Interurban No. 64

G.C. Kuhlman Car Interurban

64 Placeholder
64 Placeholder

Introduction of OPS 64

No. 64, built in 1924 by G.C. Kuhlman of Cleveland, Ohio for the Ohio Public Service Co. (OPS), is an interurban car that once operated in central and northwest Ohio. This lightweight car has room for up to 48 passengers, with adjustable seats in its front compartment which can be shifted to face either direction. Interurbans such as 64 were comparable to streetcars and trolleys in size and speed. They could operate in residential areas more easily than cars such as OPS No. 21, whose greater size and weight restricted them to intercity service.

Service History

Originally numbered 41, this car first ran between the cities of Mansfield and Shelby, Ohio. It was then renumbered 64 and transferred to the former Toledo, Port Clinton & Lakeside Railway, then owned by OPS. 64’s service shifted accordingly to communities east of Toledo and onto the Marblehead Peninsula, where it shuttled residents and tourists visiting popular Lake Erie destinations such as Put-In-Bay, Kelleys Island, and Cedar Point. As automobile popularity and the Great Depression rose, however, ridership on the former TPC&L lines fell, and in 1939, passenger service on the line ended altogether. The car would then fall under the ownership of a newly-formed, freight-only successor, the Toledo & Eastern Railroad, and sat inactive at Oak Harbor, Ohio for several years.

Retirement and Legacy

In 1953, No. 64 was donated by the Toledo & Eastern to the Ohio Railway Museum. Here, it was reunited with fellow Ohio Public Service Co. car No. 21, received a new set of trucks, and began carrying visitors along the museum’s right-of-way, which it continues to do today. 64 is our workhorse for daily operations and is used during our holiday events.

Preservation Efforts

This historic, well-run car requires routine maintenance and upkeep, and is currently receiving major repair work to its trolley poles and roof. Your support helps preserve and maintain 64 for future operations. Ask one of our volunteers about the many ways you can help keep the past alive at the Ohio Railway Museum today.

Specifications

Builder G.C. Kuhlman Car Co. of Cleveland
Year Built 1925
Type Interurban
Gauge Standard (4 ft 8½ in)
Fuel Electric
Passenger capacity 48
Length 40 ft
Locomotive weight 32,000 lbs
Museum Accession 1953

Recent Developments

All lower windows are restored by volunteer John H.!

Motorman cab wood panels restored by volunteer Jon W.!