The second group of PCCs was ordered in May 1942 in the amount of 100 cars from Pullman-Standard. All orders were subject to government approval, and the first 50 cars, 3022-3071, were delivered in 1944 with tan colored roofs for "civil defense." The next group, 3097-3146, came later in the year. In 1945, 3072-3096, 3147-3196, and 3222-3246 arrived. The final group, 3247-3271, were delivered in 1946. These cars were deliverd with MU control and MU couplers. They had a slanted windshield which was a design improvement over the older PCCs. The cars were put in service on Beacon Street and on Commonwealth Avenue. This doomed the older center door cars. This caused a wildcat strike in 1946 because the use of PCCs eliminated a conductor on the first car. The union wanted a conductor. The company countered by offering higher pay for the operator on the first car because of his dual duties.

In 1947, the BER became the MTA. 150 of the wartime cars were given roof fans and monitor roofs. They were called "Commonwealth" cars. Those not getting the fan system were called "flat tops." The cars received various assignments over the years. 3241-3271 got roof headlights and air horns for use on the Riverside line. The first car scrapped came due to a collision on January 25, 1965. 3063 leading a 3 car train rearended 3164 which was the last car on another train. The rear end of the 3063 was used to repair the 3164, and the 3063 was scrapped.

Note the front trucks on 3051 and 3123.

3166 was rebuilt as Tandy Center 10 in 1978. It was renumbered 1 in 1983 and then as 3.

AMDG

4/30/2004

Memorial of Saint James of Numidia

Choose Life

In His temple they all cry "Glory".

Psalm 29:9