Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
Which is the worst aesthetically designed tram that is operated today and which is the most attractive?
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Ugliest looking tram fleet in service today.
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WestCoast
Established Member
It's personal taste but here are my thoughts...
Modern:
Least Attractive
The Manchester models of the AnsaldoBreda T-68 and T-68A. Too boxy for me.
More Attractive:
The Amsterdam model of the Siemens Combino is quite streamlined .
The Madrid model of the Alstom Citadis 302.
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Older/Heritage:
Most attractive:
A streamlined Blackpool Balloon Car in the 1940s livery.
I couldn't comment on the worst.
Modern:
Least Attractive
The Manchester models of the AnsaldoBreda T-68 and T-68A. Too boxy for me.
More Attractive:
The Amsterdam model of the Siemens Combino is quite streamlined .
The Madrid model of the Alstom Citadis 302.
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Older/Heritage:
Most attractive:
A streamlined Blackpool Balloon Car in the 1940s livery.
I couldn't comment on the worst.
gordonthemoron
Established Member
the ones in Hannover & San Diego are a bit manky, as are the ancient ones in Berlin
starrymarkb
Established Member
The Breda sets in Boston, the Lille ones are pretty ugly too
I quite like the styling of the Bordeaux Citadis
I quite like the styling of the Bordeaux Citadis
northernrail
Member
Blackpool Centenary Cars
Hate Them
Hate Them
WestCoast
Established Member
WatcherZero
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Worst? Probably should start looking through the Czech and Polish fleets and those in Eqypt I would say.
tbtc
Veteran Member
Modern trams look a lot better than modern trains
WestCoast
Established Member
Where does modern start in your definition?
Personally, I think modern EuroTrains often look better than UK trains, but that's just my opinion.
Yes. The presence of the rails in the street and the overhead wires, and these swift electric vehicles carrying masses of people effortlessly and efficiently around Manchester makes the place seem like a forward-thinking city with an almost continental feel to it.Does that include the T-68s in Manchester?
Crimson_Quiff
Member
I wouldn't say I 'hate' them but I am certainly no fan of them!
tbtc
Veteran Member
For arguments sake, since rail privatisation/ the opening of the Sheffield/Manchester trams - I think most trams since that time look fairly sleek. Trains are getting bulkier/ more awkward/complicated looking.
Personally, I dont think the Manchester M5000s look that good, really dont suit the colour scheme. But I don't think the appearance of them is what counts - I'd get on a cardboard box on wheels if it got me to college quicker than walking!
futureA
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I kind of see your point with the m5000s. While I don't think the livery is particularly bad, I think in 10 years time it might look as dated as the t68's do now.
I don't mind the colours but its the dots that I fear might not have a long shelf life.
Saying that, maybe I am wrong. The virgin trains livery has similarities (coloured cab, silver body) and I still that that looks fresh 9 years after it was introduced. But, I think the actual trams look great. I also like the new signage and the unified brand. The new stations of the south manchester line look pretty stunning in my view.
As for the t68's, I can't stand them from a purely aesthetic standpoint. The interiors look cluttered and worn and the exteriors are becoming even more ugly with the addition of the coupler covers, a/c units and other modifications. Plus they are filthy and scruffy looking. However, RATP have said that cleaning will be one of their priories so maybe this will change.
90019
Established Member
The Bombardier Flexity Outlook in Marseille are pretty ugly, as are the Alstom Citadis 302 in Lyon.
WestCoast
Established Member
I'd agree that UK trains are going that way, on the continent many local trains seem to have moved towards "tram styling". Examples being the Stadler FLIRT, Siemens Euro Desiro and Alstom Coradia LINT. All could be said to have elements of tram design.
starrymarkb
Established Member
The EuroDesiro does seem to be getting beefier now with the mainline version
Oh yes. not seen them before but straight to the top of my ugly list. Stupid name too
Not that I find many trams very offensive
WestCoast
Established Member
True, but have a look at Alstom's answer to the class 153:, as ordered by SNCF, DB and CFL. Can you imagine that turning up on the branches of Britain?
DarkestDreams
Member
My favourite are also the Amsterdam trams; they're very sleek.
The Berlin and original San Diego trams I think are the same type. The newer San Diego trams are pretty modern Siemens units. Bland but not ugly.
O/t, but I find it hilarious that they've got a 1st class section.
WestCoast
Established Member
DB have a first class section on pretty much everything - even some S-Bahn systems have a small section!
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
What is the seating capacity in 1st and 2nd class and the standing capacity in these single units? Do you have any pictures of the interior of them?
They must have something going for them if SNCF, DB and CFL have ordered them.
WatcherZero
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They have a lot of lines suitable for single car operation, most of our lines of similar provence have moved to two car units or will do if given the chance.
WestCoast
Established Member
DB's version seats 55 passengers in 2nd class (in addition to 17 tip-up seats in the bicycle storage area) and 8 in 1st class.
As WatcherZero says, there is still scope in Europe for single-car operations, and perhaps unlike the UK, these countries do tend to purchase new stock for such operations. These units will also run in multiple if required, despite the lack of corridor connections. Occasionally seen in a 3 unit formation - HERE.
I struggled to find an interior picture but there is one HERE. A transparent glass screen separates the driver's compartment, rather like the first generation British DMUs! The units often have a ticket machine onboard for small stations without purchasing facilities.
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