PICTORIAL The Police Escort

Cameras and smartphones had a new focus just for one day: yesterday was the annual Desfile dos Classicos presented by Lisbon public transport operator Carris (pronounced Ka-reesh). Tourists zoomed in on the parade of vintage tramcars and buses as it made its way from the Santo Amaro car barn for two return trips to Belém and Algés.

Waiting for the off - trams T1 and 444 in the shade of the Santo Amaro car barn

So those who had secured their €10 tickets, and been successful in getting a seat on their preferred vehicle - I was aboard 1940 bogie car 802 on the first run - became part of the show. And this show was important enough to be given a Police escort as it made its way through the streets. SIC Noticias put together a news item and video which you can see HERE.

Those of us on 802 enjoyed a minute or so at Algés to stretch our legs

Here are some views from yesterday, mostly of the second round trip, with the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos as backdrop, along with the queue of tourists trying to get in. The event happens at this time of the year every year - not during the pandemic, mind - so those visiting Lisbon can rock up at the Carris Museum ticket office and try to reserve a place. Enjoy!

The Police escort, with "Toast-rack" car 283 following. This tram's body was rescued some years ago from a children's playground

Tram 444 - the passengers have an enclosed saloon, but the driver does not

Tram T1 is a fully enclosed car

Early 1900s Brill bogie car 330

Four wheeler 535, built in-house by Carris

1940 streamlined bogie car 802, also built in-house

Three 1930s standard cars took part in the parade: typical of these is 745

When Carris bought British: this magnificent exposed-radiator AEC Regent Mk V carries bodywork from Weymann

And finally, the future: CAF-built 601, one of 15 new trams, has just entered service

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