Vintage Trams in Basle / Oldtimer-Trams in Basel

In July 1994 track works in Basle saw tram route 2 being split into two sections, and as all their trams are single-ended (ie: only have driving controls at one end / need a circle of track to reverse direction) so the short isolated section of route 2 could not be served by the normal trams.

However, whilst most cities would have just replaced the trams with diesel buses for a few weeks the Swiss took the unprecedented but very delightful decision of using some of their historic motor + trailer + trailer tram 'trainsets' instead, as these can be operated without needing a loop of track (turning circle) to reverse their direction of travel. Being in normal passenger service meant they operated at a 10 minute frequency.

It was my good fortune to be there at that time, and to be able to spend a little time filming some aspects of this.

Most of the video footage has now been digitised and uplifted to youtube for everyone's enjoyment.

   • Vintage Trams in Basle / Oldtimer-Trams in...  

Much of the video was taken at one of the temporary termini where a motor unit would be attached at one end (and detached from the other end) so that the "train" could turn round. Other sequences include crossing the Wettstein bridge over the River Rhine, road reconstruction for the new tramway junction and more.

We also see the tram driver 'driving' the trams through the city streets and even pass another tram trainset on the service travelling in the opposite direction!

Most of the video was taken using a wide-angle lens which clips the image corners. Alas this was not seen in the camcorder's viewfinder, nor on the television I used at the time - and still use, even now in 2010.

Enjoy!