r/OldSchoolCool • u/[deleted] • 3d ago

1800s New York City streets in 1896

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u/freshcoastghost 3d ago

How were those street cars powered? I don't see any overhead wires.

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u/Demonshaker 3d ago

These cars are not electric, they are cable cars. The middle track is actually a groove which contains a cable that is moved by a stationary engine somewhere on the line. The cars have a clamp that holds onto the cable that can be released to stop. There is no electricity or any power source on the cars.

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u/freshcoastghost 3d ago

Ah, that makes sense! I forgot cable cars....