Gross-Lichterfelde Tramway
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The Gross Lichterfelde Tramway was one of the world's first electric tramways (Miller's line was electrified in 1875).[citation needed][dubious ] It was built by the Siemens & Halske company in Lichterfelde, a suburb of Berlin, and went in service on 16 May 1881.
Overview[]
Werner von Siemens had presented the first electric passenger train at the Berlin industrial exhibition two years before. In order to develop the concept, he received the official approval to run an electric tramway line on already existing tracks, which had been used for building the Prussian military academy (Hauptkadettenanstalt) at Lichterfelde West.
The 2.4-kilometre-long (1.5 mi) line started at Berlin-Lichterfelde Ost station on the Anhalt Railway line. Each car was originally equipped with a 180-volt DC 4 kW (5.4 hp) traction motor, the current being supplied via the running rails, in a manner similar to that used by most present-day model railways. Therefore, the 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge tracks were generally separated from roads, and trespassing was prohibited.
At level crossings, the rails were dead or switched on only briefly before the approach of the tramcar. Nevertheless, people and horses frequently received electric shocks. It is also believed that, in order to enjoy the sight of glowing metal, young people caused short circuits by putting wire mesh on the tracks, which shut down the operation.[citation needed]
In 1891, the tramway was equipped with an overhead wire, and the line was extended to Berlin-Lichterfelde West station. There were several further extensions, but operation was discontinued in 1931.
See also[]
- Berlin tram
- Elektromote
References[]
- railserve.com, The First in Railroads and Trains
- The Railway News, Volume 56, Oct. 10, 1891, page 578
- engagetechnology.com, History of transportation
- germaniatours.net Germany
Coordinates: 52°25′40″N 13°19′32″E / 52.42778°N 13.32556°E
- Tram transport in Germany
- History of rail transport in Germany
- Rail transport in Berlin
- Steglitz-Zehlendorf
- Metre gauge railways in Germany
- 1881 in transport
- 1881 in Germany