4-wheel Brill type
The semi-convertible Brill type tramcars were the most numerous and long lasting of all Porto tram types. In the years 1909-1912 the CCFP ordered a total of 65 of these cars from Brill in Philadelphia. Starting in the mid-1920's the workshops made new trams based on this design, but larger. In the mean time also reconstruction of the existing cars started into the larger type. Probably also some cars of older types were used to provide parts for new or reconstructed cars. This whole process lasted for about twenty years and most data about the reconstructions done went lost. In all the following sub-types existed:- Brill-23 original cars made by Brill in 1909-1912
- Brill-28 new and reconstructed cars made by the workshops in 1925-1937
- Brill-32 new cars made by the workshops in 1926-1928
- Brill-28 Plataforma Salão cars (re)constructed by the workshops in 1938-1946
Brill-23 no.249 and Brill-28 no. 239 around 1930
Cars modernised by the STCP
In the late 1940’s and 1950’s the STCP had plans to modernise the antique fleet. However this was not realised except for some reconstructions and the building of the Pipis. One of the actions done was extending the platforms of existing cars. This was a slow process and with later reconstructions the cars also got platform doors, retractable steps and in one case even a more modern roof. In later years the steps were fixed again. Most of the cars, which were changed, were Brill-23s, but also three Ingleses and one each of the 6- & 7-window A Constructora cars got extended platforms. Of the original Brill-23 cars none is left in Porto, but several of these modernised trams still exist.
STCP 131 with extended platforms and retracted
steps.
STCP 124 was a Brill-23, which got extended
platforms, retractable steps and, uniquely, also a roof
without clerestory.
STCP 113 was a 7-window Constructora tram, which
got extended platforms and retractable steps.
STCP 107 was a 6-window Constructora tram, which
got extended platforms.