Tram travel in history and beyond

508-531 Pequenos semi-convertiveis – Small semi-convertibles – Carris

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by

Ernst Kers
in , ,

These tramcars were built by Carris in 1924-26. They were true semi-convertibles, with clerestory roofs containing window pockets, although when built Carris considered this type already as closed. Four cars (524, 525, 527 & 531) were later fitted with Metrovick motors, and Dick, Kerr controllers.

Tram no.513 on Avenida Dom Carlos I, March 1974.
Number508-519520-531
Overall length8.78 m8.78 m
Width2.36 m2.36 m
Floor height90 cm90 cm
Platform height75 cm75 cm
Weight11.2 t11.200
Seats2424
Standing2121
TruckM&T 21ESLBrill 21ESL
Wheel base2.13 m2.13 m
Wheel ø85 cm85 cm
Motors2x GE592x GE59
ControllersGE K10DGE K10D
Wheel brakesmanual, airmanual, air
Track brakesmanualmanual

All cars were were modified in the 1950’s to single-ended and work with the trailers 101-200. Withdrawn between 1973 and 1982, many were sold to the USA. 508 is in the museum.

Tram no.524 with a trailer at Belém, ca.1964.
NumberIn serviceWithdrawnRemark
50819241982Museu da Carris
5091924<1979
51019241982USA – Pasadena
51119241982USA
5121924<1979
5131924<1979
51419241982USA – Pasadena
5151924<1979
51619251982USA – Pasadena
51719251973USA – Detroit
51819251974USA – Portland
51919251979USA – Aspen, Issaquah WA
5201925<1979USA – Aspen, 2003 to Wanganui NZ
5211925<1979USA – Aspen, Issaquah WA
52219251974USA – Portland
52319251973USA – Detroit
52419261979
5251926<1979Replaced 283 at Alvito, 1990’s to Carris HQ Miraflores, was in 2019 in backyard Sto.Amaro, 2022 repainted and with higher windows used for art display on Praça do Comércio and later Amoreiras.
5261926<1979USA – Aspen, 2003 to Wanganui NZ
5271926<1979USA?
5281926<1979USA?
5291926<1979USA
53019261978USA – Lake Superior Museum of Transportation, Duluth
53119261978USA – Lake Superior Museum of Transportation, Duluth
Museum tram no.508, 16 September 2018.

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