New Haven Railroad motor car 2524, Bristol

Four men posed in front or on New Haven Railroad motor car 2524 in Bristol, Connecticut. As quoted from the book New Haven Power, written by and courtesy of J.W. Swanberg: "Combine 2524 was an 1880 Wason product converted to a motor car (Baldwin trucks, 18" gongs, motorman's cabs, and underbody electrical gear) for third rail service in the New Britain area (no trolley poles). This car was later stripped of electrical gear and ended its days as a steam-hauled combo again." Swanberg notes that the center third-rail concept was brief. In 1905 the Connecticut Legislature ordered either removal or protection of the third rail. By July 1906 the entire 21-mile New Britain area third rail system was shut down and replaced by steam operation.