Portland Council Crest #503

Car # 503 is one of the famous Council Crest Cars that operated in Portland, Oregon, up to the top of its nicknamed hill. It was one of 10 cars built in 1904 for Portland Railway Co. The museum retains 2 of this class of cars; the other is 506.

503 does not retain its original running gear. The street railways of Portland ran on narrow gauge tracks (3”6”). The car currently has standard gauge trucks, which is necessary for running at the museum. This car operated in San Francisco during the 1980s streetcar festivals while the cable cars were shut down.

This car needs urgent restoration. Your donations will help restore this beautiful car and an important piece of Portland history to operation!

Car Facts

Year Built: 1904

Builder: J. G Brill

Year Retired: 1949

Museum Acquired: 1955 by WVERA

Track Gauge: Standard

Motors: GE249 on Melbourne Australia Trucks.

Status: Static Display

Sister car # 504 when it was in service in Portland:

At the Museum

503 in Portland Service