For those of you who thaught that interurbans were dead, here's a little gem, with original cars (the complete fleet exists !) built by Brill in 1903, and put back into service some years ago. Enjoy
watch?v=pz0nueFm9zE
You must stop posting these pictures immediately, Mario. You have me doubting that everything done in the US of A is superior to anything done in Europe.
Rode it. Not really long enough to qualify as an interurban, but worth visiting all the same. Between an historic town with castle to beach.
John WR You must stop posting these pictures immediately, Mario. You have me doubting that everything done in the US of A is superior to anything done in Europe.
One can say that these cars are some of the most exceptional survivors. In tge late 70s they were almost destroyed but several circumstances prevented that, maybe the main one being the fact that Portugal was relatively isolated country during Salazar's dictature times.
In terms of being better or not, I cannot say that, but I'm shure the cars were built following the 'Stronger & Ugly' philosophy.
daveklepper Rode it. Not really long enough to qualify as an interurban, but worth visiting all the same. Between an historic town with castle to beach.
Some time ago there were plans to 'reextend it' from the present terminal next to the toy's museum up untill the station, but that seems to to have been forgoten, or at least put on hold.
The only good thing that could easally been done with minor works would be the connection of a second substation, making the cars going much faster in the hilly part of the route
Mario_vOne can say that these cars are some of the most exceptional survivors.
Actually, many could say that.
You mentioned that the cars were recently rebuilt with new traction motors. Was the line switched to AC at that time?
A bit smaller than the classic American interurban of almost a century ago, but you're right Mario, that car is a gem!
I think those open sides and no seat belts would give the nanny-staters here in the US fits, but it sure looks like a fun ride.
Still 550V DC
John WR Mario_vOne can say that these cars are some of the most exceptional survivors. Actually, many could say that. You mentioned that the cars were recently rebuilt with new traction motors. Was the line switched to AC at that time?
That was in Lisbon's case. In this particular situation, the engines are still original 59 HP GEs working under 550 V, d.c.
Mario_vThat was in Lisbon's case. In this particular situation, the engines are still original 59 HP GEs working under 550 V, d.c.
So in Lisbon we have streetcars built in the 1920's or earlier using their original traction motors in daily service. That is certainly a lesson in that.
Wow, the original 59 HP GE motors? They sure built 'em tough back in those days! Hey, Buddy "The Cake Boss" Valastro has a mixer in his Hoboken bakery dating from 1925, still doing what it was meant to do.
Firelock76Hey, Buddy "The Cake Boss" Valastro has a mixer in his Hoboken bakery dating from 1925, still doing what it was meant to do.
Not to mention the Hoboken bread bakeries with their coal fired ovens. As long as there is Hoboken there will be a market for coal.
AND classic coal-fired pizza, wherever you find it!
Firelock76AND classic coal-fired pizza, wherever you find it!
I worked in Hoboken for 20 years and was out and around in the city. My favorite bakeries were The Antique and Maria's. I bought plenty of pepperoni bread at The Antique but never pizza. The bread was easier to carry home on the train. My kids loved it. Their parents liked it a lot too.
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