Flyers 5001 and 5002 are model E700 coaches with innerds rebuilt from other Muni trolley coaches. They acted as pilot vehicles for testing
before the regular fleet arrived. 5002 had dual stream exit doors typical of Canadian properties. Both were scrapped after years of
outdoor neglect, but the latter was in service until at least 1995.
FLYER 5001:
The coach was originally designated number 890 but was soon renumbered 5001. Here we see the unnumbered coach on display outside the Woolworth store at
Market, Powell, and Ellis Sts. in two slides (my collection) stamped November 1972. A sign on the structure behind the Muni pickup truck says "Yes 19,"
which refers to the proposition that would have legalized marijuana but was defeated in that month's elections.
Woolworth is now (2014) Gap, Bank of America is now Forever 21, and Moars Restaurant is now Burger King. The first shot
shows a route sign of 80 Leavenworth, which was a diesel line that sometimes substituted for Hyde St. cable cars. However, the side sign does say 1/3 California via
Jackson combination route (Sundays). The second shot shows a more plausible headsign possibility of 41 Union/S. Van Ness. The destination for both images says
Fishermans Wharf Area. Two photos originally added 09/24/14 and moved here 06/15/20.
Flyer 5001 at Mission and Steuart Sts. on April 21, 1973. Note the former Embarcadero Freeway in the background. The layover to the left
was replaced by a hotel and the San Francisco Railway Museum in the 2000s. Scans of two ©2020 Peter Ehrlich slides added 07/12/20.
Flyer 5001 at Potrero Division on April 21, 1973. Scan of a ©2020 Peter Ehrlich slide added 07/12/20.
Flyer 5001 is on the 1/3 California via Jackson
combination route inbound on Bush St. between Powell and Stockton Sts. (Union Square) in an uncredited slide with process date May 1973.
The Bullock & Jones clothier in the background is now (2014) Williams-Sonoma. The card on the side of 5001 says, "This is Muni's New 'Quiet One',
more than 200 trolley coaches to come." I believe the "Quiet One" refers to the noisy 8V71 engines and Jacobs brakes of the GMC New Look fleet, which
San Franciscans apparently hated. Obviously, a trolley coach is gonna be quieter than a diesel coach. It was originally painted in red and yellow
as seen here. One photo originally added 05/21/14 and moved here 06/15/20.
Flyer 5001 at Presidio Ave. and Sutter St. on September 25, 1973. Scan of a ©2020 Peter Ehrlich slide added 07/12/20.
Flyer 5001 on 1 California outbound at 32nd Ave. and Clement St. in December 1974. Scan of an uncredited slide added 07/20/20.
Flyer 5001 at Presidio Yard on January 31, 1988 in a slide by Ron Hook. The Landor colors were applied in the mid 1970s.
One photo originally added 11/27/12 and moved here 06/15/20.
FLYER 5002:
Flyer 5002 on 47 Potrero at Van Ness Ave. and McAllister St. on September 25, 1973. Scan of a ©2020 Peter Ehrlich slide added 07/12/20.
Flyer 5002 at Presidio Division on October 20, 1973. Scan of a slide from the A.J. Reinschmidt collection added 07/12/20.
Flyer 5002 on Mission St. passing St. Patrick's Church between Fourth and Third Sts. in an uncredited slide with process date September 1983.
One photo originally added 05/21/14 and moved here 06/15/20.
Flyer 5002 on 21 Hayes outbound at Hayes and Steiner Sts. (Alamo Square Park) on November 10, 1984. Slide by J.B. Holland from
my collection added 06/15/20.
Flyer 5002 and Marmon 776 at Transbay Terminal on May 24, 1985 in a slide by Jack Garcia. One photo originally added 02/08/12 and moved here 06/15/20.
Flyer 5002 on 5 Fulton outbound at Fulton St. and Sixth Ave. in August 1994. I just alighted from the coach and got these quick shots. Two photos originally added 04/08/20
and moved here 06/15/20.
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