Colorful Meets Bland

"Changing of the Guard" Submission 4

On the right departs the colorful tram whose cab interior was featured in Submission 3. It was painted by a local artist a few years ago, and is now the legal property of a local tram enthusiasts' club. Due to a shortage of equipment, the club has allowed Heidelberg to run the tram in regular service. It dates to 1972, and it still sports its single headlight. Nearly all the other 1972 Düwags in the Heidelberg stable have two smaller headlights now.

On the left is a 2002 Bombardier 16-axle tram. Clearly visible under the third body segment is the centered long-wheelbase bogie. Also visible is the difference in length between the bogie segments and the cantilevered segments which are further denoted by the presence of doors. When I edited this picture, I overburned the Bombardier's windshield a bit to protect the motorman's identity due to the lack of a model release.

The new Bombardiers getting delivered now are painted dark blue with orange trim. When the last of them arrive early next year, the 1972 Düwags will be taken out of service for good.