Hannover #601
Hannover #601 is ready for the return trip from Jasper Avenue to Strathcona (August 3, 2006) © Hans Ryffel, ERRS
This six-axle high performance car was built in 1970 as a prototype LRT car for the German city of Hannover by Siemens/Düwag and as such is a street running version of Edmonton's U2 light rail cars. After running until 1975 it was acquired by the B.C. Government of the day to be used as a demonstration car for a light rail system being proposed at that time for Vancouver. However, the different "Sky Train" technology was adopted and the car actually sat unused on its shipping cradle for almost twelve years. Purchased by the Society in late 1987, it arrived in early 1988 and ran under power briefly at Fort Edmonton Park in 1989. It was stored for years on LRT tracks after being repainted and overhauled electrically and mechanically. The car is in virtually as new condition and entered service on the High Level Bridge line in 2005. Because of its modern design and large passenger capacity it is mainly used as a back-up car during busy periods.
City of Hannover Prototype car #601 in the early seventies
© Tony Kernahan Collection