Jack May
January 17, 2014
Reims, France
Just north of downtown the tramway leaves the cobblestone streets and operates in the median of Cours Langlet, using 750v DC current supplied by the underground APS system.
Jack May (August 28, 2013)
Reims, France
Two of the varied colors employed by the Reims tramway are shown in this view at Neufchatel, the system’s northern terminal.
Jack May (August 28, 2013)
Reims, France
The southern end of the line, where we boarded a streetcar after our arrival from Paris. The view is looking north from the Champaign-Ardennes station forecourt. Ramps and stairs connect the two facilities. Note the absence of bumper blocks, something that would not be allowed in the U.S.
Jack May (August 28, 2013)
Reims, France
A view of the commercial center of Reims, where the absence of overhead wires protects the aesthetically sensitive section of the city, while concomitantly supporting it with excellent rail transportation.
Jack May (August 28, 2013)
Reims, France
The Comedie stop at the southern end of the city’s APS operation, where the trams’ pantographs are raised and lowered. Note the end of the overhead wire and the center rails. The tracks going straight at this point constitute a provision for a future second line.
Jack May (August 28, 2013)
The first meeting of the new year and the first ERA meeting in the Roosevelt Hotel will be a slideshow presented by world traveler and renowned photographer Jack May (ERA #2275).
In 2013 Jack made two trips to Europe. For this month’s entertainment, he will share many of his newest slides with us.
Almost all of the places Jack visited — Portugal, Spain, Franc and Italy — have either installed new light rail systems or have extended the reach of their existing tramway networks. Some of these cities have even begun wireless operations, including Reims, Angers, Tours and Orleans. And many have new, extra-colorful rolling stock. Paris is still Paris of course, but now with many more miles of streetcar track. These modern systems, plus the ancient Brill-type cars in Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and Soller, will be featured in January’s program.
Please join us as we usher in 2014, and discover our exciting new meeting location. Given the high quality of Jack’s photography and the depth and breadth of his subject matter, there is no excuse not to be there.