| THE KEY SYSTEM |
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| Key System Articulated Bridge Units #'s 182 & 187 Bethlehem Steel Built these cars in Wilmington, Delaware in 1936. They were built to go over the Bay Bridge from Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley. They are 110 feet long and weigh 68-1/2 tons without pasengers. Each unit seats 124 people and many more standees. Key System would couple up to 5 units to make 1 train. These cars look modern but they were obselete mechanically the day they were built. Many of these trains used motors, controllers and electrical parts from salvaged parts from trains that had been scrapped. The mechanical designs date from the turn of the century. The Bridge Train units were never satisfactory. They were underpowered, the brakes were weak and they accelerated and stopped slowly. Top speed going eastbound onto the bridge with passengers was 15 mph. Once on level track it could reach speeds of just over 40 mph. Ventilation was inadaquate. The Windows did not open and it was hot and stuffy inside. All rail service across the bridge ended in 1954. You can see the last of these units at the Railway Museum just outside of Suisun City, CA. This is where I took these pictures. It's a great place to visit. |
| California Toll Bridge Authority Owner. Key System, Lessee |
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| AT THE STATION IN EMERYVILLE To catch City Street Car #987 in 1927. This car served Berkeley for many years on the "K" line. |
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| BE SURE TO SEE NEXT PAGE FOR STORY ABOUT BAY BRIDGE TRAINS AND PICTURE OF THE BRIDGE |
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| Please note the gray wall at the front right then see next picture |
| This is what is behind that wall. A seat and Steering handle |
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| Curious to know where my grandfather Hugo Froeming worked, I searched for information on the Key System. I came across some interesting pictures of that era. |
| We also visited the Railway Museum just outside of Suisun City and were able to ride on a train that had antique furniture and were served lemonade and cookies. We were able to see some of the few remaining trains. Pictures are on next page along with great pictures of the Bay Bridge when the trains were in use. |
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