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A Trolley Good Time
Trolleys of the Carolinas has 'a doggone good first year'
By Tim Mangan Independent Tribune
Kannapolis based Trolleys of the Carolinas is doing its part to add a bit of nostalgia to outings and events throughout the area.
Open for about a year at 625 5. Main St,, the operation is co-owned by John Huffstetler and Lee Helms. They maintain a fleet of six trolleys and employ eight part-time drivers.
Helms said local interest in the trolleys has been
spectacular thus far.
"It's been a doggone good first year," Helms said. Helms said he's having to turn down requests from time to time because demand for the trolleys has grown so much. He said people are booking the nostalgic-looking vehicles for weddings, proms, conventions and other special events.
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The best way to get booked, Helms said, is to give plenty of advance notice and put down a deposit. The trolleys offer the old-time feel of riding in a rail car and are often more economical than renting limousines, Helms said. Each one of the revamped vehicles can seat 24 people, and there is standing room for 16 more if needed. "They're made to look like the old ones," Helms said. "They've got a lot of brass and mahogany." "They're different," Green said. "It's not like getting in a car and going somewhere," All six of the company's trolleys have been totally restored, Helms said, One is a 1984 model, four others were originally built in 1985 and another rolled off the production line in 1989. |
Five of the trolleys were brought in from Salt Lake City, Utah, and the other came in from Chapel Hill, Helms said. Helms said a lot of money can be put into restoration efforts. Trolleys of the Carolinas invested about $30,000 to restore the trolley it brought in from Chapel Hill, he said. The vehicles operate on diesel fuel, and feature Caterpillar engines and Allison transmissions. Green said the top speed of the trolleys is about 60 miles per hour. For information, visit the company's Internet site at www.trolleysofthecarolinas.com or contact Helms at 704 932 1340. • Contact Tim Mangan at 704-78Q9141 or email him at tmangan @ independenttribune. com. |
Concord Independent Tribune, Monday August 5, 2002
