Re: Lisbon Trams - Some are cable

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

David
 
Just had a look at the photo gallery, a most impressive collection indeed. 
The very steepest lines in Lisbon are cable worked - but unlike with San
Francisco, I think you'll find that the cars are permanently attached to
the cable.  In that case the overhead can be used for two things - lighting
and communication.  The 'driver' on the car has to be able to tell the
cable operator when to stop and start the cars by means of bell signals
etc.  There's a similar type of operation in Llandudno, Wales where the
cars use a slot in the road for the haulage cable, and overhead wire for
signalling and lighting power supply.

Also of interest is the gauntletted track, this may be clearly seen in the
photo of car 732 on line 28.  It is also in a later photo described as
'interlaced track'.  Memories of the old Como Bridge!

Regards (again)
David Bennetts