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Montreal Tramways Company No. 2052, built by Wason in 1927, originally was owned by the Springfield Street Railway, and was one of 39 cars sold to Montreal after motorization of the last two remaining lines in the Western Massachusetts city in 1940. Upon arrival in Montreal the Springfield cars were rebuilt extensively at the Tramways' Youville Shops to conform to fleet standards. The work included converting the cars to single end operation and lengthening what were now the front platforms. In 1952, No. 2052 became one of a number which were reconverted for double end service, with its other platform lengthened at that time.
Although these cars were purchased as an emergency measure to handle added World War II passenger loads, they proved to be of long term value to the system. Also, their comfortable leather seats made the Springfield cars a hit with riders, as cane seats were the norm in Montreal. This fleet served the Tramways and successor Montreal Transportation Commission for almost two decades before being retired in 1957-58, remaining in service almost until the final runs in 1959.
No. 2052 was literally rescued off the scrap track by the Museum, after some specialized fittings and other components had been stripped from the car. After this last minute retrieval, the Commission graciously stored this and other preserved cars until 1963, at which time a flatcar train of streetcars and spare parts left Montreal for Maine and Connecticut museums.
History from Historic Cars: The National Collection at the Seashore Trolley Museum by Ben Minnich
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