GENERATIONS OF TRAMS

An electric tram hums up the streets of Clutchtown. This is one of the newest models in production, kitted out with all kinds of modern technology. It is far more energy-efficient than previous models and keeps its passengers comfortable with steady, smooth riding and onboard climate control. In a few months time, numerous copies of this model will spread across the tramway network, replacing older trams wherever they go.

With some exceptions, of course.

Chugging in the opposite direction is a strange machine that is over a century old. It's a steam tram, a short train of carriages pulled by a little steam locomotive equipped with safety gear to run on the rails embedded in the road. It's quite literally the opposite of the electric tram in every way. The crew are exposed to the elements and the heat of the boiler, the carriages rattle with every rail joint and jolt from the engine, and there are no technological amenities whatsoever.

And yet, the steam tram continues to run. Its endearing classic flair has won the hearts of those that operate and ride it. People are fascinated by this little piece of history that is still working today.

There will come a time when the modern electric tram will no longer be modern, superseded by an even newer model with better performance. But like the steam tram, it could earn itself a place in preservation in the future.

DESIGN PROCESS

The steam tram engine is inspired by various steam locomotives built or modified to run on tramways with protective gear around the wheels and exhaust. I took a lot of design cues from a specific small six-wheeled locomotive in the Czech Republic, which is still operational and pulls short trains of tramway carriages for tourists and special events. While one carriage in the build is similar to the carriages hauled by that engine, the other two are more inspired by tramway rolling stock in the UK.

The electric tram is loosely based on various light rail vehicles around the world, particularly those with articulated sections, the middle of which rides on its own set of wheels. This setup was a real challenge to get right, as I wanted to make the pivot points look somewhat like rotating corridors like on the real things. True to how many modern trams work, different couplers from the usual train couplers are required to link additional electric tram units together.

Both trams are compatible with Powered-Up components.

BUILD STATS:

Parts:
- Steam Tram = 389
- Double Decker Car = 494
- Open Car = 247
- Luggage Car = 114
- Electric Tram = 861
- Tramway Road = 885
Lengths:
- Steam Tram = 21 studs
- Double Decker Car = 33 studs
- Open Car = 25 studs
- Luggage Car = 17 studs
- Whole Train = 96 studs
- Electric Tram = 63.8 studs
- Tramway Road = 131 studs
Widths:
- Trains = Mostly 8 studs, 10 studs at side rods and marker lights
- Tramway Road = 32 studs road section, 36 studs station section, extra tile width on overhead wire posts
Heights:
- Steam Tram = 11.8 studs rail to roof, 13.6 studs rail to chimney minus cloud, 14.8 studs overall
- Double Decker Car = 13.4 studs rail to upper deck seat, 13.8 studs overall
- Open Car = 11.4 studs rail to roof sign, 11.8 studs overall
- Luggage Car =9.6 studs rail to roof, 10 studs overall
- Electric Tram = 10.8 studs rail to roof, 13.9 studs to pantograph, 14.3 studs overall
- Tramway Road = 21.8 studs at overhead wire
Functions and Features:
- Runs on R40 curves
- Fully decorated interior for cabs and carriages
- Removable roofs for interior access
- Opening doors on luggage car
- Minifig wheelchair spaces on electric tram
- Powered-Up Requirements: 1 Hub + 1 Train Motor for both steam tram and electric tram