Rows of Eared CD 269 Jumbos on Earlier Section of Boston Orange Line RR

By Joe Maurath, Jr.; posted February 16, 2022

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This the easterly portion of the Boston Elevated Transit Railway looking towards the city during 1910. This section, a bit more than a mile in length, was built just before the continuing stretch (heading a few miles westerly) that employed CD 267 and 267.5 insulators. The crossing point was where this line crossed over Washington Street, a north-south route. From that point to its terminus the latter insulators were used for approximately a mile with large white porcelain cleats along the rest of it.

While the Orange Line was still standing before its demolition in 1988 there were no CD 269s or other insulators remaining in service. It is believed they were gradually removed through the 1950s as surface trolley routes powered by the photographed lines were discontinued. A few of the "crossarms" as in the above photograph still remained. However, they were pretty much decayed and their pins were almost unrecognizable.

The above trolley cables originated at a power station in South Boston. From there they were routed to a point near where the Orange Line's tracks came from its tunnel connecting to the east with downtown Boston.

The following illustrations and text describe how the CD 267 and 267.5 insulators were employed.

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