Zorras or coal-cars

With the opening of the power plant in Massarelos, the coal was supplied from the coal-mine in São Pedro da Cova by special tramcars called zorras. However the zorras were also used to bring coal to other users like the gas-works and the Campanhã railway station.

Original these cars had completely open platforms. When it rained, the driver wore a black raincoat and hat, boots and insulator gloves. Later the platforms were enclosed.

In the period about 1910-1925 the CCFP owned a total of probably 23 zorras numbered in the series 225 & 227-248. The STCP had a total of 25 zorras numbered 50-72 and 77-78. Zorra 77 is the last in use by the permanent way department. The 58 and 66, the latter with open platforms, are part of the museum collection.

But the indication zorra was already used in the mule tram period for open goods cars. The Carril owned 6 and the Carris 12. Later the number of them increased. Probably most of these cars were later used as trailers for many different purposes like the transport of fish and sand.