Model of historic Lisbon tram Lisboa 1-24 - OcCre

The Lisbon Tramway: a historic vehicle designed for hilly streets

The series 701-735 of the Carris company

The OcCre Lisboa model reproduces a tram from the series 701-735, manufactured by Companhia Carris de Ferro de Lisboa between 1936 and 1940.

These vehicles were designed to meet the specific constraints of the Lisbon network, characterized by its narrow streets, turns, and steep slopes.

Renowned for their robustness and safety, these trams operated on lines 12, 25, and 28.

Some routes had slopes of up to 12%, a particularly demanding incline for vehicles operating solely on adhesion between the wheels and the rails.

Electric motorization and five braking systems

The trams in this series were equipped with two Metropolitan Vickers electric motors, each developing 45 HP.

Their rolling part was based on a Brill 21-E type truck, built by Maley & Tauton.

To ensure safety on Lisbon's steep slopes, these vehicles had five braking systems: pneumatic, mechanical, electric, electromagnetic shoe, and mechanical on the shoes.

This design explains their assignment to lines with the most challenging routes in the network.

A body characteristic of Portuguese trams

The body of these trams corresponded to the standard type of Lisbon, inspired by American designs from the Brill company.

It was notably distinguished by its widely curved roof, an important characteristic of their silhouette.

Between 1985 and 1987, the series was modernized with the installation of pneumatic doors and turn signals.

Access on one side was also closed to allow operation with a single agent performing the functions of driver and conductor.

The gradual withdrawal of these vehicles began in 1995, in favor of renovated trams from the 500 series.

However, several units continued to operate for special services or occasional reinforcements.

Technical characteristics of the Lisboa OcCre tram model

1/24 scale, dimensions, and number of pieces

The Lisboa tram model is referenced as OcCre 53005.

It includes 824 pieces to assemble and reproduces the vehicle on a 1/24 scale, also indicated as G-45.

Once completed, the model measures 360 mm in length, 100 mm in width, and 220 mm in height.

These dimensions should be considered when planning its placement in a display case, on a shelf, or in a miniature setting.

Intermediate level and estimated assembly time of 100 hours

OcCre classifies this construction kit as level 2, corresponding to an intermediate difficulty on a scale of four levels.

This classification is aimed at modelers who already have some assembly experience and wish to work on a model with more pieces requiring a certain level of skill.

The estimated construction time is around 100 hours. This estimation allows for planning the project in multiple sessions, from preparing the elements to assembly and finishing touches.

The actual duration depends on the modeler's experience and the care taken at each stage.

A wooden and metal tram kit with detailed parts

Laser-cut wood for the structure and finishes

The OcCre Lisboa kit uses different types of wood selected according to their function in the model: structural elements, coverings, and visible parts.

The boards are laser-cut to facilitate the fitting of pieces during construction.

Working with wood is a significant part of this modeling project.

It requires preparing the elements and following the assembly steps to achieve a properly fitted structure.

Photo-etched brass parts and zamak accessories

In addition to the wooden elements, OcCre uses photo-etched brass to reproduce certain fine details.

This technique allows for precision parts whose shapes would be difficult to achieve with wood alone.

The kit also includes molded zamak elements, a metallic alloy used for small accessories and details requiring good mechanical strength.

The manufacturer also mentions cotton threads of various thicknesses and textile elements for parts that require them.

The combination of these materials allows for working with different assembly techniques during the construction of the miniature tramway.

Assembly and finishing of the Lisbon tram model

Prepare the parts and organize the construction steps

With 824 pieces to assemble, it is advisable to have a stable workspace and to plan storage to separate the various kit elements.

Preparing the laser-cut wooden pieces and identifying the metal components facilitate the assembly process.

OcCre provides a downloadable construction manual for reference 53005.

It is recommended to consult it before starting in order to identify the assembly steps and operations requiring specific tools.

What tools and products to plan for assembly?

Building a wooden and metal model may require modeling tools suitable for small parts, including a precision cutter, pliers, sandpaper, and means of holding during gluing.

The choice of adhesives should take into account the materials to be assembled: wood, photo-etched brass, and zamak.

The product sheet does not specify the references of the adhesives and tools required or their presence in the kit. It is therefore advisable to check the assembly instructions before preparing the materials.

Paint, varnish, and customization of the miniature tramway

Finishes allow working on the appearance of the Lisbon tramway, especially the wooden surfaces and various metal details.

To reproduce the presentation of the OcCre model, it is advisable to consult the instructions and indications of the manufacturer regarding paints and surface treatments.

Remember to order additional accessories and tools!

The tools, accessories, and products needed for the assembly and finishing of the model are not included.

We have selected for you the main items useful for its construction.

For more simplicity and savings, order them at the same time as your model:

in mainland France, shipping is free for orders over €150.

Simply check the boxes above corresponding to the items you wish to add to your order.

A vintage tramway model for collection and diorama

Recreating the atmosphere of the streets of Lisbon

The Lisboa tramway in 1/24 scale can be integrated into a diorama inspired by the streets of the Portuguese capital.

A setting representing a sloping roadway, rails, and urban facades helps to place the vehicle in the environment for which it was designed.

The decorative elements must be made or selected separately, taking into account the scale of the model.

The OcCre data sheet does not mention the provision of a diorama or street scene with the kit.

Displaying a historical transport model

With its 36 cm length and 22 cm height, this wooden tramway model can also be presented alone, in a display case or on a suitable base.

It fits into a collection dedicated to vintage trams, European public transport, or scale models of historical vehicles.

Its construction also allows discovering the technical specificities of trams designed for the steep slopes of Lisbon.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lisboa OcCre tramway model

What is the scale of the Lisbon tramway model?

The Lisboa OcCre model reference 53005 is reproduced at 1/24 scale, designated as G-45. Once assembled, it measures 360 mm in length, 100 mm in width, and 220 mm in height.

How many pieces are included in the Lisboa tramway kit?

The kit includes 824 pieces.

The materials indicated by OcCre include different wood species, photo-etched brass, zamak elements, as well as wires and textile components.

Is this wooden tramway model suitable for beginners?

OcCre classifies the Lisboa tramway as intermediate level, which is level 2 out of 4.

It is mainly intended for modelers who have already completed some assemblies.

The manufacturer estimates the assembly time to be around 100 hours.

Should the Lisboa tramway model be painted?

The painting and finishing work should be prepared following the instructions from the OcCre manual.

The product sheet does not specify the paint references required or whether they are included in the kit.

Is the Lisboa OcCre tramway motorized?

The model is presented as a kit to be assembled.

The product sheet does not mention a functional motor or motorization system. The two 45 HP Metropolitan Vickers motors mentioned in the presentation correspond to the original historical tramway.

Can this model be installed on a miniature railway network?

OcCre indicates a scale of 1/24 with the designation G-45, but the sheet does not confirm the compatibility of the model with a functional railway network.

For presentation on rails or in a diorama, it is necessary to check the dimensions and characteristics of the decorative elements used.

Which historical tramway is reproduced in this OcCre kit?

The model represents a tramway from the series 701-735 of the Carris company, built between 1936 and 1940.

These vehicles circulated notably on lines 12, 25, and 28 in Lisbon, characterized by slopes of up to 12%.

Is the assembly manual available?

Yes, OcCre offers the download of the construction instructions for the Lisboa tramway reference 53005.

This documentation allows preparing the project and following the assembly steps of the model.