Gross-Lichterfelde Tramway
The Gross Lichterfelde Tramway was the world's first
commercially successful electric tram and first public electric
tramway used for permanent service. It was built by the
Siemens & Halske company in Lichterfelde, a suburb of
Berlin, and went in service on 16 May 1881.[1]
Overview Lichterfelde tram, 1882
Werner von Siemens had presented the first electric passenger
train at the Berlin industrial exhibition two years before. In
order to develop the concept, he received the official approval
to run an electric tramway line on already existing tracks,
which had been used for building the Prussian military
academy (Hauptkadettenanstalt) at Lichterfelde West.
The 2.4-kilometre-long (1.5 mi) line started at Berlin-
Track map
Lichterfelde Ost station on the Anhalt Railway line. Each car
was originally equipped with a 180-volt DC 4 kW (5.4 hp)
traction motor, the current being supplied via the running rails, in
a manner similar to that used by most present-day model railways.
Therefore, the 1,000 mm (3 ft 33⁄8 in) metre gauge tracks were
generally separated from roads, and trespassing was prohibited.
At level crossings, the rails were dead or switched on only briefly
before the approach of the tramcar. Nevertheless, people and
horses frequently received electric shocks. It is also believed that,
in order to enjoy the sight of glowing metal, young people caused
short circuits by putting wire mesh on the tracks, which shut down
the operation.
In 1891, the tramway was equipped with an overhead wire, and
the line was extended to Berlin-Lichterfelde West station. There
were several further extensions, but operation was discontinued in
A photo of a plaque raised in
1931.
Lichterfelde, Berlin, Germany, to
mark the world's first electric
streetcar line. The plaque is located
See also on a stand near the Lichterfede Ost
Railway Station in Berlin, Germany.
Trams in Berlin
Electromote
References
1. "Prints of The Gross Lichterfelde Tramway was the worlds first electric tramway" (https://ww
w.mediastorehouse.com/fine-art-finder/artists/unknown-artist/gross-lichterfelde-tramway-wor
lds-first-electric-27992980.html). Media Storehouse Photo Prints. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
railserve.com, The First in Railroads and Trains (https://www.railserve.com/stats_records/rail
road_firsts.html)
The Railway News, Volume 56, Oct. 10, 1891, page 578
engagetechnology.com, History of transportation (http://www.engagetechnology.com/history
_of_transportation)
germaniatours.net Germany (http://www.germaniatours.net/Germany/) Archived (https://we
b.archive.org/web/20161126035838/http://germaniatours.net/Germany/) 2016-11-26 at the
Wayback Machine
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gross-Lichterfelde_Tramway&oldid=1233764961"
