Front of the Los Angeles funeral car "Descanso". The car was built in Los Angeles Railway’s 7th and Central shops by Master Car Builder E.L. Stephens. It is of particular interest to railway historians that this car resembles Los Angeles & Redondo Railway’s finest, numbers 201 through 216. It was placed in service on February 20, 1909, painted light grey and bearing the name Paraiso in script accompanied by some elaborate scroll work. Following are the car’s mechanical details: Designated Type D, Length- 39' 2?, Width- 9' 1?, Height- 12' 0?, Weight- 32,450 lbs., Seating- 20 rattan armchairs, Motors- two Westinghouse 101-L, Gear Ratio- 15:69, Control- two Westinghouse K-11, Brakes- Christiansen AA-1, Trucks- Los Angeles Ry. standard, and Wheels- 30? diameter. Subsequent changes: Nov. 5, 1911- West. 101-L motors were replaced by West. 306-L. Sept. 10, 1921- Placed in service, after shopping, bearing the name Descanso. Feb. 26, 1925- West. 306-L motors were replaced by GE 249-B. Arc headlight replaced by two Mazda headlights. Date unknown- 20 rattan armchairs were replaced by 20 plush walkover seats. Jan. 26, 1939- Motors and gears were removed. In 1940 the color of the Descanso was Pullman green. |