Re: Lisbon Trams - Some are cable

["David Bennetts" <davibenn@pcug.org.au>]

I can assure you that Lisbon has both adhesion and cable worked trams.  The
city centre of Lisbon sits in a sort of valley, there's a flat area which
was devastated by earthquake a few centuries ago.  The most spectactular
lines climb out of this valley on both sides, with very narrow, winding
streets. The cars used on the steep lines are little single truckers,
fitted with dynamic and track brakes.  The lines were built by British
engineers, and the cars use equipment by Dick Kerr, of Preston Lancs. There
are also relatively flat lines, using larger bogie cars.  The trams are
known as 'electricos'.  

Lisbon is certainly worth a visit to experience its steep, winding and old
fashioned trams.  The film 'Malcolm' ended up with scenes of Malcolm and
his partners in crime enjoying the ambience of Lisbon.

On the subject of narrow streets, the main street of Heidelberg, Germany
used to carry a double track tramway.  It is now a pedestrian mall. When
the trams came along it was necessary for pedestrians to literally squeeze
into doorways etc to let trams pass, as they overhung the footpaths. 
Heidelberg still has trams, but they serve outlying suburban areas, and
don't enter the city centre.

Regards

David Bennetts