Don's Rail Photos
Fort Collins Municipal Ry.
The last regular operation of Birney cars in the U. S. was in Fort Collins, CO. The line was originally built by the Denver & Interurban Ry in 1907. In July 1918, the D&I stopped operating the local lines. A bus system was tried, but was very unpopular. In January 1919, the voters, by an 8 to 1 majority, decided to take over the system. Four Birneys were purchased from American Car of St. Louis and began operation in May. Over the years additional cars were added and replaced. Finally, in 1951, the system was abandoned on June 30th. The city had grown beyond the car lines, and riders had gone to the automobile. Car 21 was preserved locally. Other cars were saved at other locations. A local group began to restore 21 in 1977, and operation began on Mountain Avenue on December 29, 1984. Over the next two years, 1.5 miles of track was restored for operation. For a complete story about this system, check out their web site.
Car 20 - Built by American Car Co. in April 1919. It was sold in 1951 and moved to the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Minden, NE. and has been on static display there ever since.
Car 21 - Built by American Car Co. in April 1919. It was the first Birney in service. It was preserved and is in operation.
Car 22 - Built 1919, American Car Co., Retired 1951. Sold to the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club in 1952. On static display at the Colorado Railroad Museum though 1997. Leased to the Colorado Springs Transportation Society. Presently being restored in the former Rock Island enginehouse.
Car 24 - First Car 24 was scrapped shortly after being purchased used from the Cincinnati Car Co. Second Car 24 (Brill) was purchased from Richmond, VA in 1946, but seldom operated. Parts kept second Car 25 operating.
Car 25 - First Car 25 was built by American Car Co. for Cheyenne, WY. Fort Collins purchased it in 1924. It was scrapped prior to abandonment. Second Car 25 was built by Brill and was purchased from Virginia Electric Power Co. of Richmond, VA in 1946. It was sold to James Stitzel in 1953 and resided next to the former Midland Terminal depot in Victor, CO, until it was sold to a South Carolina party about 1980. It was cosmetically restored. In 1998 it was sold to the Charlotte Trolley, and plans are to restore it to operation as original Richmond Car 1520 by 2001.
Car 26 - It was built by American Car Co. for Cheyenne, WY. Fort Collins purchased it in 1924. It was sold to Henry Ford Museum and moved to Michigan in 1953 where it is on static display. It was operated several times on the trackage of the Department of Street Railways.
WebWork by Trinity Technology Co.
AMDG
8/29/2001
Martyrdom of St. John the Baptizer
