Railway Preservation News
https://www.rypn.org/forums/

appropriate trolley uniform
https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=48840		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  CentreKeystone [ Tue Jul 08, 2025 8:37 am ]
Post subject:  appropriate trolley uniform
I volunteer at a trolley museum adjacent to a narrow gauge steam railroad. Our warm weather uniform is black pants, white shirt, black vest, and conductor cap. This is the same as the railroad train crew and confuses visitors. We would like to keep the cap as it has the id badge but otherwise would appreciate suggestions for a distinctive trolley uniform
Author:  dieselloco [ Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
We had people wearing different types of uniforms at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Give them a shout. I'm sure that someone there will help you out. Various companies had different rules for uniforms.
Author:  JeffH [ Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
CentreKeystone wrote:
I volunteer at a trolley museum adjacent to a narrow gauge steam railroad.


Hmmm, I have no idea where that could be!

Quote:
Our warm weather uniform is black pants, white shirt, black vest, and conductor cap. This is the same as the railroad train crew and confuses visitors. We would like to keep the cap as it has the id badge but otherwise would appreciate suggestions for a distinctive trolley uniform


Many trolley companies wore navy blue slacks and jacket, with either a white or light blue shirt.
Author:  Crescent-Zephyr [ Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
How does it confuse visitors?

What era is your museum trying to represent?
Author:  CentreKeystone [ Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
We have an eclectic collection of trolleys dating from 1895 to 1985 with a primary focus on Pennsylvania.

Confusion exists because our uniform is essentially the same as that of the railroad. The only difference is the small nametag and the hat badge.
Author:  RCD [ Wed Jul 09, 2025 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
Probably wouldn't make too much of a difference because people just see somebody in a train uniform and assume they're part of the same organization. That being said as a Pennsylvania Trolley Museum are you guys broad gauge or standard?
Author:  jayrod [ Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
To keep expenses down, I'd go with only changing from white to blue shirts. Pick a brand, style and color and make it standard. Since you wear vests without jackets, enough blue shows to supposedly make it easy to differentiate. Just know that no matter what you do, you won't eliminate confusion but maybe lessen it somewhat.
Author:  CentreKeystone [ Wed Jul 09, 2025 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
I think that a specified blue shirt may be the best choice. Pittsburgh Railways and Phila Suburban (Red Arrow) used blue so it would be appropriate. Johnstown used grey but that is not different enough to be easily distinguishable. Perhaps a museum logo above the pocket opposite the name tag would also help.

Our first trolley came from Johnstown PA which was standard gauge so we have settled on that. The PA Trolley Museum in Washington, PA is PA Broad Gauge (5 ft 2 1/2 inches).
Author:  softwerkslex [ Thu Jul 10, 2025 12:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
- change the shirt color
- get a logo embroidered on the shirt
- get a different style cap
- choose a tie style different from the railway
- wear a coin changer
Author:  Wowak [ Thu Jul 10, 2025 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
In addition to the blue shirt idea, you could issue a distinct color cord, strap or band for your uniform hats. I bet New England Railroad Uniform could help getting a custom color.

A more expensive option could be to get hats made in a custom color. While it wasn't prevalent in the US, European light rail used colored hats for various reasons.

I bet the NG railroad would be willing to coordinate with you to keep your uniforms as differentiated as possible.
Author:  seth4404 [ Fri Jul 11, 2025 7:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
In addition to the above, try changing to a peaked cap instead of the traditional railroad cap. This would look much more mid century if that is a look that appeal to your organization.

https://www.galls.com/keystone-8-point-dress-hat

https://www.sfmta.com/blog/transit-driv ... -mr-boston
Author:  wesp [ Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
A simple change to a different color shirt should be enough. I am partial to blue. Add a shoulder patch would also help further distinguish the uniform and the personnel.
~Wesley
Author:  Crescent-Zephyr [ Sat Jul 12, 2025 3:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
If a blue shirt is period appropriate and helps - seems like an easy fix.

I’m not sure I understand the issue (is it actually an issue?) and I don’t think anything is going to reduce confusion of who works for which company. At IRM there are several uniforms depending on the heritage of the equipment - I’ve never once thought “oh they must work for a different museum” if they wear something other than an IRM polo shirt.

If you are a museum, your only concern should be period appropriate attire. At least my .02 which mean exactly .01 cent haha.
Author:  CentreKeystone [ Mon Aug 18, 2025 9:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
I had a test pattern made of an optional summer uniform. It is a grey Wrangler shirt with a museum patch and am embroidered first name by the right pocket. A black tie would look nice and could be worn in cooler weather. The rule book is in the left pocket and the official name tag above it. A grey shirt was chosen because it was used by operators of the two Johnstown Traction cars we have. I thought it also worked well with black pants and cap otherwise required and would require minimal changes to the current uniform.

Attachments:
2 resized.jpg
2 resized.jpg [ 180.47 KiB | Viewed 23957 times ]
1 resized.jpg
1 resized.jpg [ 150.73 KiB | Viewed 23957 times ]
Author:  wesp [ Mon Aug 18, 2025 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: appropriate trolley uniform
Looks like a good start.
Move the patch to the right shoulder.

Wesley
Page 1 of 2 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/