Wednesday, January 4, 2012

the Electrobuses of Nimes, 1920s


Early trolley buses for two electric bus lines which were put into service in 1924, both serving the Pont du Gard: line A (22.2 km) went via Marguerittes, St Gervasy, Bezouce, St Bonnet and Lafoux and line B (33.75 km) via Manduel, Redessan, Jonquières, Comps, Montfrin et Lafoux.

There were an average of 40 catenary masts per km. The average height of the contact wire was about 6.5 metres, and their isolators were of the type used for the tram linesEvery 5 km, surge arresters were installed on the aerial lines and the negative wire was grounded.


Ten buses serviced these lines, they offered 27 seating places, the average speed was 30 km/h, two 20 hp motors fed by 500-600 Volts DC provided the motive power. The wheels were provided with tires 160 mm wide and 1030 mm in diameter, the rear driving wheels were coupled. Three braking systems assured safety: one mechanical, one electrical and a pneumatic Westinghouse type. Trailers for merchandise with 4 tonnes of usable load could be attached as required (pic 5).

The operation ceased in 1927 because of "faute de recettes" - not enough revenue.

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