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And the day wasn't over yet!
Type N number 1100 (built in 1953) at the depot and back in downtown Bytom (Plac Sikorskiego) on the shuttle service.
Plac Sikorskiego is the center of tram traffic in Bytom, with a three-track terminal facility surrounded by single-track stretches, some used in one direction only, others in both.
Strange: they raised the platform for easier access to the trams, but there's only one platform, only for one of the tracks. And that display also looks pretty dead.
A 111N on route 5, seen in the city loop.
Left: this single-track section is part of the Katowice-Chorzów-Bytom tram corridor. Right: although many trams have been modernised, there are still many looking like this one.
There is a strange line in Bytom, which is unlike any others: it's operated as an "island operation" connecting the main square of the town with a row of cemeteries located on a hillside, using one (around All Soul's Day two) Type N tram.
Yes: that's a genuine 2-axle streetcar doing regular revenue service in 2008! As I heard, this line was closed officially by the tramway operator, but the city demanded its further operation, therefore two 2-axle trams were assigned to it, doing a shuttle service between the main post office and the hilltop.
The driver did not speak german or english, but demonstrated traditional Polish-Hungarian friendship by showing all details of his tram, and asking us to name the part he was pointing at - in hungarian. He opened every possible openings on the vehicle, we named the parts in hungarian, much to the amusement of passengers. For us it was a lovely experience, he was very kind!
Left: by the way, the old tram is equipped according to current street traffic regulations. Right: the "star destroyer tram" on its way home (depot Chorzów Bathory).
From Bytom we took tram 18 to Chebzie, but it was too dark to make pictures on the way. Therefore, the turnout of tram 18 (seen to the left) was taken the next day, while going to Gliwice. To the right we see Chebzie Petla, with a weirdly steaming (huh?) electric substation in the background.
Next page: the now-closed line to Gliwice - and back home
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