NORM Collection
Shaker Heights Rapid Transit
Lightweight Coach # 303

Shaker Heights Rapid Transit 303 was built in 1923 by the St Louis Car Co. for the Aurora Elgin & Fox River Electric Company, a small northwestern Illinois interurban line between its namesakes. When the line closed in 1934 the Cleveland Interurban Railroad (then under control of its creditors) purchased seven of the cars to supplement its aging fleet of 1200 series center door cars. Both of the Shaker Heights lines had just been extended to Warrensville Center Road and additional equipment was needed for the expected increase in ridership.

The 300 series cars were equipped with reversible seats and a separate smoking section and became known as "Smokers" or "Banker's Specials" on the Shaker lines. Their lightweight construction and lower operating costs contributed greatly to the Shaker Rapid’s surviving the Great Depression. The single unit cars were operated on SHRT until March 14, 1955 and were taken out of service the next day when the CTS rapid opened. Shaker liked them and they ran during the day along with front entrance-center exit cars 31 and 32. Gerald Brookins bought four of the 300s in the summer of 1955 for use at his Columbia Park mobile home community. Car 303 was acquired by NORM in 2009.