Catalonian Brill/GE electric multiple unit cars, Spain

These electric multiple units were over 50 years old at the time of these pics taken around Las Planas in 1971.

The electric rolling stock for the line, which passes under the Serra de Collserola from the Sarria district of Barcelona, was built by the American company J.G. Brill of Philadelphia with General Electric electrical equipment between 1912 and 1922. The materiél was the same as that used by many lines in the United States, which had speeds up to 100 km/h. The Brill power cars numbered 18, propelled by dual voltage (600-1200 Volts), with two Brill type bogies (trucks) with two powered axles each. The trains had electromagnetic controls with 12 points moved manually like a tram.

The cars were made ​​of wood reinforced with steel plates. Access to the car was by two doors on each side near the ends, which opened pneumatically. Inside there were two rows of seats for two people, reversible and finished in green velvet upholstery.

The series were originally fitted out for 1st, 2nd and 3rd class, although the 1st class (which even had a toilet wash basin) was soon removed. The 2nd class cars included a parcels compartment with a side door for loading.

One second class power car, withdrawn from regular service in 1971, was restored in 1988 by workshops at Rocafort and today is used for special trips from Barcelona to Vallès.  More on this line here

Builders: J.G. Brill and General Electric
Years built: 1912-1922
Units built: 28

Road numbers: 10-27
Composition: Usually three cars: two powered cars with one intermediate trailer
Gauge: 1,435 mm
Power supply: 600-1200 Volts DC (original) | today: 1,500 Volts
Top speed: 60 km/h
Tare weight: 38 tonnes

Car length: 17.3 metres
Traction Motors: 4 x General Electric (GE-2225B) at 105 hp each = 420 hp
Passenger capacity: Sitting 48 (with freight compartment)

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