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| (1115039) | |
Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011 Seattle's Metro has 159 electric trolley buses that run along nearly 70 miles of overhead wire, much of it in the downtown central business district. It is the second largest fleet in the country. The current fleet is 59 articulated buses made by Breda and 100 single (non-articulated) buses made by Gillig.Breda:  Gillig:  The light rail system runs from downtown Seattle out to Sea-Tac airport:  Extensions north and south are planned. The 35 cars are made by Kinki Sharyo. The first few stops are underground, through the downtown Seattle transit tunnel shared by LRV's and buses (hybrid, not trackless trolleys):   The cars are 95 feet long and 105,000 pounds, with the ability to be coupled into four-car trains. The operator is Sound Transit:   Once out from the tunnel you pass by Safeco Field. The Amtrak station is nearby:  Station stops are displayed in a LED screen:  Seattle being such an eco-friendly city, many patrons bring bicycles on board and Metro provides them with a place to store their bikes:  Once out of the downtown and industrial areas, the private ROW runs in the middle of the street, through residential neighborhoods:  About halfway to the airport the neighborhood becomes very mixed, ethnically, with businesses run by Filipinos, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, East African, and Ethiopian. We passed several mosques and several halal butcher shops:           About 2/3 of the way to the airport, we pass the shops and storage tracks:    Here's a few shots of the wye into/out of the yard, and you also get a good view of the catenary:    The LRV is just part of a comprehensive rail transit system, both light and heavy:  Approaching the airport the ROW becomes elevated and we see some beautiful scenery, including Mt. Rainier:   The largest station is Tukwila. It had been the original terminus when the line was originally opened in July 2009; the extension to the airport came about 6 months later:  Arriving at the airport it's obvious this is a major hub for Alaska Airlines:     Here's a shot of the articulation section of the car:  On the way back to downtown I grabbed a nice shot of downtown Seattle:  In addition to the Central Link to the airport, Metro also operates a 1.3 mile streetcar line that begins two blocks from the Westlake stop of the Central Link. Microsoft's Paul Allen was a major proponent of constructing the line, to help improve the South Lake Union neighborhood in which his venture capital company, Vulcan Inc., is heavily invested. The streetcar runs from downtown to South Lake Union. The line uses three 2007-built Inekon 12-Trio three-section articulated streetcars. The line is derisively called SLUT, for South Lake Union Trolley:  Homelessness is found in all transit systems:    One block away from the LRV and the SLUT is the downtown terminus for the monorail:  And that's it! I hope you enjoyed this "tour" of Seattle's LRV system. |
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| (1115041) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Railman718 on Sun Nov 6 08:56:20 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Effing awesome! |
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| (1115042) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 09:11:42 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Looks like a fun transit city. |
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| (1115085) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 10:28:00 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Railman718 on Sun Nov 6 08:56:20 2011. Thanks. This was a great trip. There is also LRV service in Tacoma, which I didn't visit. I'd love to have another week to railfan the state. |
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| (1115086) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 10:34:14 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 09:11:42 2011. It is. One thing that surprised me is there Metro doesn't offer a day pass good on the entire system. When I traveled to Sea-Tac, the MVM asks your departure and destination; the "day pass" is only good between those two stops. Since Metro uses the honor system I suppose I could have gotten off at an intermediate stop and reboarded.I was annoyed that I would have needed to buy another ticket to ride the SLUT streetcar. It looks like a fun ride but I wasn't going to pay $5 for a 1.3 mile round-tripper. I've driven the route and it's very scenic when it approaches Lake Union. The ride out to Sea-Tac and back was $5.50. A weekly and monthly pass is available for people who live here or for visitors who will be using Metro and the buses throughout the week. |
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| (1115092) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 10:43:59 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 10:34:14 2011. That is pricey if you have to pay for each mode separately. It looks like it's because they are operated by different agencies. If Sounder were operating SLUT it would likely be different. |
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| (1115094) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Olog-hai on Sun Nov 6 11:15:05 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Nice pix, but still averse to Creeping Buschat, sorry. TTs are buses. |
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| (1115096) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by JohnnyMints on Sun Nov 6 11:31:43 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 10:43:59 2011. You'd think the SLUT would be easy to ride... [ducks for cover] |
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| (1115102) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 11:53:22 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 10:43:59 2011. Both are operated by Metro. Obviously a business model decision on their part. |
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| (1115103) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 11:54:16 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Olog-hai on Sun Nov 6 11:15:05 2011. And there are those who disagree with you. |
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| (1115129) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dan Lawrence on Sun Nov 6 13:36:51 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 11:54:16 2011. If it has poles and a small diesel engine for off wire moves, it's still a TT. (or ETB)Olog just wants everybody to think like him. |
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| (1115132) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by salaamallah@hotmail.com on Sun Nov 6 14:03:04 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. nice photo collection |
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| (1115146) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Olog-hai on Sun Nov 6 14:58:09 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 11:54:16 2011. And there are those who disagree with youNot too many. TT=bus. It's not on rails. Is this a freight train? |
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| (1115147) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Olog-hai on Sun Nov 6 14:58:51 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dan Lawrence on Sun Nov 6 13:36:51 2011. Olog just wants everybody to think like himAt least that'd be thinking, versus your unthinking. |
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| (1115159) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by chud1 on Sun Nov 6 16:00:58 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. A+ for ur photos's. an excellent system.chud1 |
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| (1115164) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by zac on Sun Nov 6 16:48:42 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Nice pics.Here's a few tidbits about the tunnel. First, when originally built, the tunnel was used by dual mode trackless trolleys. They were diesel outside the tunnel, and ran with the overhead wires inside. It was mostly used by suburban routes. There were people stationed at the tunnel entrance to put the trolley poles up. Second, it was originally fitted with tracks, but they were found to be unusable, and weren't used until the light rail opened about 20 years later. Now the buses are battery powered and the wires aren't used, and of course it was converted to light rail use. And here is something about the monorail: The Queen, yes that Queen, rode it on a trip through the west of the Dominion. Why she came down to Seattle I don't remember, but I saw her there. Did you get up to Broadway to see the construction of the north extension? It was a big hole when I was there. When I was there Broadway didn't seem like the lively strip that it used to be when I lived there in the 80s. And the best burgers and fries are at Dicks! For a really good sit down, try Le Pichet by Pike Place Market. Or Quinn's for a gastropub. |
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| (1115172) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Train2104 on Sun Nov 6 17:14:46 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Easy on Sun Nov 6 10:43:59 2011. For those who don't know, the Tacoma LRV is short and free. |
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| (1115178) | |
Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dan Lawrence on Sun Nov 6 17:47:59 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRVs and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Olog-hai on Sun Nov 6 14:58:51 2011. Why don't you change your handle to something other than a Third Earth Troll? |
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| (1115181) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by orange blossom special on Sun Nov 6 17:59:40 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. "About halfway to the airport the neighborhood becomes very mixed, ethnically, with businesses run by Filipinos, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, East African, and Ethiopian. We passed several mosques and several halal butcher shops:"I like Seattle, but you're telling me it's the same as every other American City now. There's an observation deck at the top of the Bank of America Tower, gives good views of the ferries in the harbor. There used to be a fee to get in. |
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| (1115184) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by PATHman on Sun Nov 6 18:02:28 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. nice |
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| (1115226) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:16:16 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by salaamallah@hotmail.com on Sun Nov 6 14:03:04 2011. Thank you! |
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| (1115227) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:16:36 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by chud1 on Sun Nov 6 16:00:58 2011. Thanks, chud1! |
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| (1115228) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:18:15 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by zac on Sun Nov 6 16:48:42 2011. Didn't make it up Broadway, Zac. I think it's slated for completion in 2016. We ate at the Pink Door in Pike Place Market. |
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| (1115230) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:19:20 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by orange blossom special on Sun Nov 6 17:59:40 2011. Every other American City? Not in the south! |
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| (1115231) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:19:34 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by PATHman on Sun Nov 6 18:02:28 2011. Thank you! |
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| (1115321) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Jon Bell on Sun Nov 6 23:37:59 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Nice! There's a lot of variety in Seattle nowadays, between the light rail, streetcars, trolleybuses, monorail and commuter rail. If only they could get the waterfront streetcar running again. |
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| (1115322) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Jon Bell on Sun Nov 6 23:43:19 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by JohnnyMints on Sun Nov 6 11:31:43 2011. I wish I could say "been there, done that, got the T-shirt":ridetheslut.com |
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| (1115347) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Fred G on Mon Nov 7 05:51:42 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Great stuff, Dave. Love the yard shot. Why does Alaska Airlines have Brezhnev on their planes? :Pyour pal, Fred |
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| (1115358) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Train Man Paul : Metro-North's Best Conductor FOR ALL 3 LINES!!! on Mon Nov 7 07:24:16 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Awesome scenery!! Awesome shots!! And damn, that is one unique collection of restaurants of food from all over!! Yummy!! :-D |
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| (1115453) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by WayneJay on Mon Nov 7 12:17:07 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Cool - I love Seattle. My wife and I visited Seattle about 5 years ago. At that time Seattle Metro was still operating the MAN artic TTs. Are they still in service?   |
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| (1115456) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Mon Nov 7 12:29:44 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by WayneJay on Mon Nov 7 12:17:07 2011. No, the MANs were retired in 2007. |
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| (1115457) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Dave on Mon Nov 7 12:30:41 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Fred G on Mon Nov 7 05:51:42 2011. LOL! |
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| (1115458) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by The Flxible Neofan on Mon Nov 7 12:35:51 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by WayneJay on Mon Nov 7 12:17:07 2011. Wow! Nice shots! |
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| (1115466) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Mon Nov 7 13:23:27 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. The Space Needle is visible in the downtown shot. My aunt and uncle lived there for nine years before they moved out to Long Island; my uncle worked for Boeing. |
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| (1115489) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by WayneJay on Mon Nov 7 15:39:26 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by The Flxible Neofan on Mon Nov 7 12:35:51 2011. Thanks. Glad you like them. Seattle is an awesome city. |
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| (1115531) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by zac on Mon Nov 7 19:01:11 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 20:18:15 2011. I remember that place being pretty good. There really are a lot of good places to eat in Seattle. |
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| (1115724) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by 5119 on Tue Nov 8 12:35:49 2011, in response to Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Steve B-8AVEXP on Mon Nov 7 13:23:27 2011. These are some of the nicest shots I've seen. Good Job! |
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| (1115833) | |
Re: Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures) |
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Posted by monorail on Tue Nov 8 23:53:45 2011, in response to Seattle LRV's and trackless trolleys (lots of pictures), posted by Dave on Sun Nov 6 08:49:19 2011. Saved the BEST photo for last..THANKS!!!!!!!! |
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