tram and bus museum (picz)

hi guyz, back again with a little museum trip. in a similar vain as my old school aircraft museum visit, in fact, the museums are within cycling distance of eachother! this is a very simple museum about the trams and buses that have traversed Flanders from the late 19th to the early 21st century. you can enter most vehicles. they're actually preserved so well that they still function- they drive em through the city on special occassions! here are some picz :3

(link if image won't load: https://i.postimg.cc/HmRG6WPY/tram-and-bus-museum-1.png)

the museum is situated in a real depot. as you can see, there are tracks and power lines to drive 'em straight out! top right is an '80s information sign, showing in real time where the trams were at. bottom right was the inside of a 60s tram. look at those shiny, plump, brown leather seats! so comfortable. bottom left is a 1920s tram! it's no surprise the older trams were the prettiest, but to an extent; before WWI they were rather rickety and horse-carriage-like.

(https://i.postimg.cc/pv4NsV12/tram-and-bus-museum-2.png)

the majority of the older trams (like 1920-1970) used to be cream coloured. as we traversed from the oldest (late 1800s) towards the late 20th century's trams, we noticed the interesting design evolution. the first, wooden trams were more like large carriages: little comfort for the passengers and the driver had to stand all day. towards the interbellum era trams become much more modern. the hard wooden chairs were replaced, first by wicker chairs, then leather seats were installed, together with windows you could open, and fancy lighting. after WWII they reached their height of comfort plus function: large carriages, plump leather seats, wide middle paths, large windows, expensive steel, the driver could sit down... it's from the '70s onwards that a clear decline in quality becomes visible. the thick walls became really thin and prone to rusting, the ceilings were clad with plastic, the wooden floors became rubber mats, the hallway became cramped, the seats became smaller, thinner, until finally the leather was replaced with gray plastic and musty textiles. by the 2000s all flair of a scenic tram were replaced by sour smelling fake materials and comfort was long gone. the smells went from delicious to nauseating! check me posing tho :D

(https://i.postimg.cc/WNQQzSJg/tram-and-bus-museum-3.png)

still, it was interesting to see 2000s buses from a fresh perspective. the painting in the top left is a recent one, it shows current trams of Antwerp. there weren't any trams or buses from the last 15 years on display while that would've been a lovely finish. because honestly, while trams aren't as atmospheric as they once were, they have become more attractive and comfortable again compared to the dark 2000s. finally these types of museums aren't complete without some mannequins! this was a female mannequin on which they glued a huge mustache and oversized suit, lol.

overall a lovely museum and the staff was also super helpful and willing to drop facts. can recommend!! Het Vlaams Tram- en Autobusmuseum, Diksmuidelaan 42, 2600 Antwerpen.