Pipis
The STCP wanted to modernise the old fleet. As money failed to acquire new trams from abroad, new constructions were limited to simple cars with antique types of trucks and electric equipments. A tram set existing of motorcar + trailer was designed. However after finishing the first trailer it was decided to construct motorcars only. The trailers under construction were finished as motorcars getting electric equipments from Transformados. In total five of these small Pipis with seating for only 15 were constructed in 1947. The trailer, which was finished and put in service with the number 28, was converted into a motorcar in 1949. The small Pipis had the numbers 400-405. Of the large Pipis, which were intended to become motorcar from the beginning, in total 24 were made during the years 1947-1952. These cars had seating for 28 and were numbered 350-373. As the Pipis were less flexible because single ended, they were among the first to be abandoned around 1967-1973. The cars 373 and 400, the latter converted to a trailer with the number 25, belong to the museum collection.Technical data
- length large model 9.84 m;
- width 2.40 m
- weight large model 11535 kg;
- truck Brill 21E
- wheelbase large model 2.36 m;
- motors GE B54E; 2 x 55 hp
- seating large model 28; small model 15
Photos
Pipi 361 around 1965 in Gondomar
Museum tram-set Pipis 373 + 25 in 1997 during a
special trip in Rua da Senhora da Luz