A great surprise

During a walk through the Barcelona district of Sant Gervasi, I had the chance to relive the recent past of the Tramvia Blau's last acceptable years. I came across the beautiful vehicle number 10 from this special line, which was out out on the tracks for a university short film rehearsal.

Despite everything, it was a bittersweet surprise. It is a rare privilege to see these wonders of industrial archaeology in motion, especially knowing that many of its counterparts currently in service have been technically and aesthetically defiled. Their originality, their century-long reliability, and their basic, efficient mechanics have been completely ruined.

We now witness the sad sight of these refurbished trams being fitted with anachronistic electronic systems. These modifications limit the tram driver's skill and mastery over the manual regulation of the rheostatic traction and electric braking notches, as well as the traditional chain brake.

There is little point in preserving heritage if its original state is then mangled by political agendas. Progress for the sake of progress.