🔍 Birney Safety Car ¨231¨ 1920s (Trolley car) 🚃
📍 Seen in HistoryMiami Museum, Florida, United States 🇺🇸
💬 This historic trolley car, which operated in Miami from early 1920s to late 1930s, still bears a sign that reads “State Law: White Passengers Seat from Front“, a reference to the times since 1887, when one of the laws passed in Florida required separate or divided cars to provide segregated accommodations for different ethnicities (especially whites and blacks). Those who violated this law could face a $25 fine or a jail sentence of up to 20 days. Fortunately, those times are over.
Engine: Equipped with two electric motors (typically 25-50 horsepower each, such as GE 258C or similar), powered by 600 volts DC collected via a trolley pole from an overhead line.
Power: 50-100 HP
Top Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)
Transmission: direct electrical transmission
Brakes: Air brake system (SME or similar), featuring a “deadman control” that applied brakes if the operator released the controller, enhancing safety.
Length / Width / Weight: 8.4 m / 2.4 m / 5,900 to 6,800 kg (13,000 to 15,000 pounds)
Manufacturer: American Car Company (subsidiary of J.G. Brill Company).
The Cam Traveler 