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

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.

Hmmm, I have no idea where that could be!



Many trolley companies wore navy blue slacks and jacket, with either a white or light blue shirt.

How does it confuse visitors?

What era is your museum trying to represent?

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.

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?

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.

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).

- 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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Looks like a good start.
Move the patch to the right shoulder.

Wesley