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Linz Tramways
Including the Pöstlingbergbahn


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This page shows images of Linz trams and the Pöstlingbergbahn from visits in 1974 and 1989, plus old postcards.





 

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Linz Tramways
Including the Pöstlingbergbahn


All images link to larger copies which will open in a new window/tab




Linz Trams

Older Linz Trams

Older two axle Linz trams and trailers in Adolf Hitler Platz
Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Older two axle Linz trams and trailers crossing the Danube
Pöstlingberg in the background

Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Linz 1-15

Linz trams 1-15 were replacement post-war two-axle 22-seat vehicles built 1949-1951. Remaining older trams already with these numbers were renumbered 46-51 in 1949. Matching two-axle trailers 101-126 were also completed between 1949-1951. Trams frequently pulled two trailers hence the larger number of trailers than motor trams. All had been withdrawn by my 1989 visit, but some have been preserved.

Two axle Linz trams and trailers
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsLinz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Tram 11

Two axle Linz tram No.11 at St Florian
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Florianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsFlorianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards Florianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsFlorianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards




Linz 21-32

Linz built another series of 'standard' two-axle trams in . It later moved to the Museumbahn St Florian, which has since suspended operations.

Linz tram No.32 on the Museumbahn St Florian with an unidentified trailer
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Florianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards




Linz Trailers

Linz built another series of 'standard' two-axle trams in . It later moved to the Museumbahn St Florian, which has since suspended operations.

Linz tram Nos.114 & 115 amongst lines of other withdrawn trams and trailers
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Florianerbahn - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards








Linz 61-67, 68-79, 81-88

Linz trams 61-67 were built by Lohner, Wien, in 1970-71. These were 6-axle, 2 section articulated trams, later rebuilt as 8-axle, 3-section, trams in 1973-74. 81-88 were also built in 1971-71 as 8-axle, 3-section trams from the start.

Later deliveries 68-79 in 1977 were  as 8-axle, 3-section trams, but rebuilt as 10-axle, 4-section, articulated trams just two years later.

Tram 63

Eight-axle Linz tram No.63 at Linz Hauptbahnhof
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsLinz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Tram 70

Ten-axle Linz tram No.70
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsLinz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Linz 41-56

Linz trams 41-56 were built by Bombardier-Rotax-Wien, Wien, in 1984-86. These are 10-axle, 4-section, articulated trams.

Tram 41

Ten-axle Linz trams Nos.41 and 52
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Tram 44

Ten-axle Linz tram No.44 at the Hauptplatz
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Tram 46

Ten-axle Linz tram No.46
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsLinz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Tram 52

Ten-axle Linz tram 52
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle
 Linz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsLinz Trams - www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards









Pöstlingbergbahn

Work began in 1897 on the 2.9 km long, metre gauge Pöstlingbergbahn which was completed in just one year with operations starting on May 29th 1898. The original crossing over the Mühlkreisbahn which had opened in 1888, proved to a major obstacle in operations and so the Linz terminus was relocated to its current position north of the Mühlkreisbahn as early as the end of 1898.

The mountain terminus of the railway occupies one of seven fortification towers constructed around 1830 on the Pöstlingberg. The Hotel on the Pöstlingberg was also opened in 1898. Finally, the Grottobahn was completed in 1906, also in one of the fortification towers, a tourist attraction that has remained popular to the present day.

The technical equipment of the Pöstlingbergbahn remained largely unchanged since it was opened until its rebuilding in the 21st Century. Over a distance of 2.9 km, it climbs 255 metres in 16 minutes. The incline is 10.5 % throughout the trip with the exception of the flat termini and the 3% of the passing points. The Pöstlingbergbahn is still one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world.

The tracks have a wedge-head profile and are mounted on steel sleepers with a 1000 mm gauge. The railway is single track, with three passing points permitting operation of a 10 minute interval service with three cars in each direction, if required. Normally, the railway operates every 20 minutes. The fleet consist of 13 (originally 15) trams each with a 22 kW motor. They are powered by 600V dc, achieving an upward speed of 12 km per hour while downhill they are allowed to run at 13.5 km/hour.

In addition to the manual and electric motor brakes, a very effective clasp brake on the running rails acts as third brake, ensuring safety. The use of the clasp brakes prevents the installation of normal points. The railway was therefore equipped with stub points of a special design, with the rotating centre being of particular interest. The three (originally four) open summer carriages are popular amongst both amateur photographers and passengers, and went into service when the railway was opened.

Since it was opened, the railway has undergone a number of technical improvements; for instance as a result of the heavy wear on the rails, force rails were installed as early as after the First War World, and adjusted wheel sets were used. In addition, the wooden masts for the overhead lines were replaced by steel masts, the Hagen and Pöstlingberg stops were extended and the trolley poles were replaced by contact shoes. The superstructures of twelve of the enclosed trams were replaced between 1950 and 1960 with a more modern design. The Linz terminus station was fundamentally renovated for the first time in 1978. In 1988, a start was made on a further modernisation of the station, completed in 1989. However, nothing was changed in the station's external appearance. In addition, one-man operation was commenced on October 11th, 1988, which required the fitting of additional safety brakes to the carriages and converting the points to electrical operation.

The passenger frequency of the railway is a reflection of the economic situation. The First World War brought many visitors to Linz, and the railway experienced its first frequency peak in 1918 with around 700,000 passengers. The following economic crisis caused passenger figures to fall substantially. It was only in the Second War World that passenger figures rose again, reaching the all-time high in 1943 with almost 1.3 million trips. Between the end of the war and 1956, frequency changed very little, amounting to around 1 million per annum. The following wave of motorisation caused a drop in frequency for the Pöstlingbergbahn, like all other excursion railways. Thanks to increasing settlement on the Pöstlingberg, leading to a corresponding increase in journeys made on the railway outside the summer traffic peaks, frequency has now levelled out at around 500,000 passengers per year.

Fortunately, the rumours that the railway was to cease operations for technical reasons were silenced. A company was found that still manufactures the unusual wedge-head rails needed for the renovation of the track. As a result, the continued existence of the Pöstlingberg Railway was secured, and Linz has succeeded in maintaining not only a popular means of transport but also a testimony to Austrian railway inventiveness. As the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, it has been in the Guinness Book of Records since 1983, and the Pöstlingbergbahn is possibly the steepest adhesion railway in the world.

In 1998, numerous festivities were held along the track and on the hill itself to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the Pöstlingberg Railway. On June 12th, 1998, a commemorative stamp "100 years of the Mountain Railway" was released, with a special postmark.

Starting on 25th March 2008 service was temporarily halted for reconstruction and fleet replacement. During the 14-month suspension of rail service, buses provided a substitute service. On the existing section of the line, the most notable change was the re-gauging from meter gauge to 900 mm. The track was completely rebuilt, the unusual "Y" head rails being replaced with conventional flat-bottomed rails on concrete ties/sleepers.

Three new low-floor tramcars were purchased from Bombardier, numbered 501-503. The purchase price was €4.6 million each. In addition, three old trams (VIII, X and XI) from the then-current fleet were chosen to be retained and modernized through rebuilding of their chassis, and the fitting of dual traction control systems. Braking is by magnetic brakes instead of the calliper brakes previously used. Trolley pole current collection was replaced by pantograph collection with the change; the overhead wires were modified accordingly. The first of three new Bombardier vehicles arrived on 2 April 2009; the other two cars followed in early May. The delivery of the three rebuilt old cars took place at a later date.

The total cost for the conversion amounted to €35 million, €20 million for the vehicles and €15 million for the rebuilding of the line including the extended operation to the main square.

The changes have caused the Pöstlingbergbahn to be more closely integrated into the urban transit system. From the Hauptplatz  in the city centre, a passenger can now travel through to Pöstlingberg. These include tourists travelling by rail from the boat docks.

The official opening of the rebuilt and extended Pöstlingbergbahn was held on 29 May 2009, in time to celebrate the line's 111th anniversary.

Publicity brochure for the ' new' Pöstlingbergbahn
Download the whole brochure
Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram Nos.I-VI

Initial rolling stock on the Pöstlingbergbahn consisted of tram Nos.I-VI. built by Graz Waggonfabrik in 1898. Theses were originally all open crossbench cars, known as 'sommertriebwagen' (summer cars).

No.I  ran on the railway until 2008 when It passed to the Pöstlingbergbahn Museum.
No.II (1)  was rebuilt as an enclosed car in 1901 and it was renumbered VI in 1905. Scrapped 1960.
No.II (2)  original No.VI became No.II (2) in 1905.
No.III  ran on the railway until 2008 when it was leased to the Nostalgiebahnen Kärnten.
No.IV  ran on the railway until 1995 when it was leased to Gmunden.
No.V (1)  had its body re-used as Linz trailer No.82 in 1920. Renumbered 32 in in 1927.
No.VI  was renumbered II (2) in 1905. It ran on the railway until 2008 when it was leased to Stern & Hafferl.

Pöstlingbergbahn open crossbench postcards
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.I

Crossbench Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.I was built by Graz in 1898 for the opening of the railway. It ran on the railway until 2008 when It passed to the Pöstlingbergbahn Museum.

Pöstlingbergbahn open crossbench postcards
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards






Crossbench Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.I
Photo: ©1989 Ian & Margaret Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.II

Crossbench Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.I was built by Graz in 1898 for the opening of the railway. It was rebuilt with side doors in 1901 and renumbered VI in 1905. In 1937 the doors were removed and it was renumbered V. It was scrapped in 1960.

Pöstlingbergbahn open crossbench postcards
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.III

Crossbench Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.III was built by Graz in 1898 for the opening of the railway. It ran on the railway until 2008 when it was leased to the Nostalgiebahnen Kärnten.

Pöstlingbergbahn open crossbench postcards
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram Nos.VII-VIII

Enclosed cars VII and VIII followed from Graz Waggonfabrik in 1899. These had seven small windows each side.

No.VII  was rebuilt with a new body in 1951/52. It was scrapped in 1979.
No.VIII  was rebodied in 1950 and was modernised in 2008/09 to run on the 'new' 900mm gauge Pöstlingbergbahn.

Pöstlingbergbahn tram postcards showing No.VII or VIII
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.VIII

Enclosed car No.VIII was built by Graz Waggonfabrik in 1899. It was rebodied in 1950 and was modernised in 2008/09 to run on the 'new' 900mm gauge Pöstlingbergbahn.

Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.VIII
Photo: ©1989 Ian & Margaret Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram Nos.IX-X

A new enclosed car No.IX was built in 1904 by TEG/Drobil. It had two large and two small windows on each side and was unique in the fleet. The end balconies were originally open, but enclosed in 1921. It received a new body in 1952 and was scrapped in 1979.

No.X was similar, but with three large windows per side, and was built in 1912 by Grazer Waggonfabrik. It received an new body in 1959 and was modernised in 2008/09 to run on the 'new' 900mm gauge Pöstlingbergbahn.

Pöstlingbergbahn No.IX postcard
 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram Nos.XI-XVIII

New enclosed cars XI-XVIII were built by ESG (Linzer Elektrzitäts, Ferwärme & Verkehrsbetriebe) between 1948-58.

No.XI  ran until withdrawn in 2004. It was modernised in 2008/09 to run on the 'new' 900mm gauge Pöstlingbergbahn
No.XII  ran until 2008 and passed to Pöstlingbergbahn Museum
No.XIII  transferred 1979 to ÖGEG to run on Museumbahn-St Florian (since suspended)
No.XIV  ran until 2008 when it was leased to the Nostalgiebahnen Kärnten
No.XV  ran until 2008 when it was leased to the Nostalgiebahnen Kärnten
No.XVI  ran until 2008 when it was leased to Stern & Hafferl
No.XVII  ran until 2004 when it was sold to Payreder Metallbau who mounted it on a tyred chassis pulled by a tractor
No.XVIII  ran until 2008 when it was leased to the Nostalgiebahnen Kärnten
Tram No.XI

Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.XI
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.XIII

Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.XIII at the Pichling 'terminus' of the Museumbahn St Florian
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.XIV

Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.XIV
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.XVI

Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.XVI
Photo: ©1989 Ian Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplompc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Tram No.XVIII
Pöstlingbergbahn tram No.XVIII
Photo: ©1989 Ian and Margaret Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon PostcardsPostlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards





Pöstlingbergbahn Station

Pöstlingbergbahn Station
Photo: ©1989 Margaret Boyle

 Postlingberg -  www.simplonpc.co.uk - Simplon Postcards


















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