User talk:WikiProject Streetcars=edit

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Somewhere in the past I have heard that some street railway systems had motors that doubled as generators, so that a car braking or going downhill could generate electricity and pump it back into the line. Anybody know if there is any truth to this? If so I should think the main article should mention it. Jm546 16:34, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Lamm Fireless Engine

I made a starter stub on inventor Emile Lamm, who apparently invented the "fireless engine" used in the late 19th century to propell trams in New Orleans and Paris (and possibly elsewhere). At present I havn't found a detailed description of this technology. I suspect the tram engines were filled with highly heated water from a central station, which allowed them to propell by steam power without the smoke, soot, and noise typical of 19th century steam locomotives; however the sources I've found thus far have been unclear on details. This sounds like a point that needs expanding on some time (and perhaps an article on "fireless engine", or whatever the best term for this technology is). -- Infrogmation 15:54, 2 August 2006 (UTC)