March 15, 2019
Greg Pappanastos, President of Argos Real Estate Advisors, has an exciting update on the status of Streetcar 85:
“I’m very excited to report that, for the first time in 5 years, Car 85, Charlotte’s last remaining original streetcar, operated under her own power again yesterday. Here’s a photo of her with the interior lights on and a quick video showing the car moving down the rail.
Streetcar 85
This marks a big moment for Lakewood Trolley, the Historic Landmarks Commission and the neighborhoods of Historic West End, but it is only the beginning.
We’ll await the final report from GOMACO, but overall the operating systems of the car are in good condition. Next stop…Stewart Creek, Cedar Street and Bank of America Stadium!
Big thanks to CarolinaCAT for loaning us the generator, Lee Underwood for his expertise and testing oversight, Nate Wells and Belmont Trolley for use of their rectifier, NCDOT for the sticks of rail, Jay Donaldson from Griffin Brothers, John Tarr from GOMACO and L.S. Williams electricians for all of their work in getting the electrical and track sorted for this test. This was truly a group effort.
Last, but not least, we need to thank Chris Allen, who left this earth early but not before putting us in position to complete this test yesterday. Chris provided countless volunteer hours in restoring the car, caring for the car and seeing to it that we had what we needed to keep the dream of operating Car 85 alive. He was sorely missed yesterday, but I’m certain he was looking down on us and toasting our success. Congratulations Lakewood Trolley!”