Steam tram

In the beginning of 1878 the CCFP did test locomotives from Winterthur and Henschel for use on the line Boavista - Foz (Cadouços). The Winterthur was sent back, but the locomotive of Henschel (works number 964) was acquired together with three other Henschels (works numbers 972, 994 & 995). These locomotives were of the same type as delivered to companies in Italy, Germany and Holland.

Because of the extension of the line from Foz to Matosinhos another two locomotives were ordered from Henschel (works numbers 1383 & 1384) and one from Merryweather in 1882.

In 1886 another four steamtram locomotives were acquired, this time from France and probably second hand. It did take the workshops almost two years to get all four ready for service. Three of these locomotives, with the numbers 8-10, were scrapped in 1900, the fourth in 1903.

In 1900 the locomotives 3 & 7 did get new boilers, followed by the numbers 1, 2 & 4 in 1901 and 5 & 6 in 1903.

As trailers for the steamtram mule cars were used. Daily practice was to collect about three mule cars from different urban origins at Boavista and ride them as a train to Foz and Matosinhos. In the opposite direction the passengers had to take notice to board the car for the desired destination (or change at Boavista). This through service, with traction from electric cars, was retained when the urban network was electrified. In 1914 the steam traction was ended.