Trams in Tokyo

[Steven Sinski]

Tokyo central has only one Tram system. the rest today are standard rail systems. like everything else they honor they take care of it as long as possible.

 

[Asher Kelman]

What’s the difference between those two trains besides height?

Is there an upper floor on the left?

 

[Jerome Marot]

My understanding is that tramways can take much steeper turns than standard trains, which can be seen on the top picture. This implies a different design for the cars but also much higher wear on the tracks. As Munich has tramways with a turn visible from my windows, I see the rails being recharged with metal regularly.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Jérôme,

My question was on the second picture where there are two trams, one closer, purple and the distant one blue and yellow!

What does the extra height of the nearer tram provide in amenity?

Asher

 

[Jerome Marot]

Now I understand. According to this article, these are simply an older and a newer model. Left: newer 8800 series, right 7700 series. The newer series may be a bit more spacious, but also looks bigger on the picture because it is closer.

 

[Steven Sinski]

simply 2 different designs. note the gray box on the blue model. that is part of the electrical package that powers the tram. the blue car is older than the purple. the purple (newer design) has a more refined height top. the pantograph sits up there on both. Refer to above wiki.

Variety, the spice of life.