Shiny Red Historic Trolley 502 Arrives
Galveston’s Historic Trolley 502 is back on the island after being restored in Ida Grove, Iowa. This is the second trolley to make the return trip. Both are sporting new diesel engines, electronics, electric generators, windows, doors, and shiny coat of paint.
Galveston’s Historic Rail Trolleys were damaged during Hurricane Ike in 2008 and have not operated since.
| Preparing Trolley 502 to Roll Off Trailer | City of Galveston |
Galveston’s Historic Trolley 501 arrived in March. In August it was moved out of the Galveston Barn for real-world testing on Galveston tracks. It was loaded with sandbags to achieve the estimated weight of a full load of passengers.
Gomaco technicians ran the trolley back and forth on Santa Fe Place, a closed area, to take computer readings which will be used to make adjustments to the onboard computers that operate the drive system.
Gomaco Trolley Company, located in Ida Grove, Iowa, was hired to recondition three of Galveston’s replica Council Crest trolley cars, 501, 502 and 504.
| Trolley 501 Loaded with Sandbags | City of Galveston |
| Trolley 501 at the Galveston Barn | City of Galveston |
In addition to the three historic trolleys being reconditioned, modern rubber-wheel trolleys provide transportation along the Seawall with a connection to downtown. That service was placed on a temporary hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee Roane
Lee Roane has worked on the Galveston.com website since 1994. He is interested in history and birding but will write about anything if he thinks it will help someone enjoy the island.
