Bow collector facts for kids
A bow collector is a special device that helps old-fashioned trams and some trains get electric current from the wires above them. Think of it like a metal arm that slides along the overhead power lines. It's one of the ways these vehicles connect to the electricity they need to move.
While bow collectors were once very common, especially in Europe, most modern trams now use a different device called a pantograph.
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What is a Bow Collector?
A bow collector is a simple, curved metal bar or frame that sits on top of a tram or train. It's designed to slide smoothly against the overhead lines that carry electricity. As the tram moves, the bow collector stays in contact with the wire, picking up the electricity and sending it down to the tram's motors.
How Does a Bow Collector Work?
The main part of a bow collector is a metal strip, often made of copper or carbon, that touches the overhead wire. This strip is held in place by a spring-loaded frame, which pushes it upwards to keep a good connection with the wire. This constant contact allows electricity to flow from the wire, through the bow collector, and into the tram's electrical system.
Bow collectors are usually fixed in one direction. This means that if a tram needs to go the other way, the driver might have to turn the bow collector around or use a different one.
Where Were Bow Collectors Used?
Bow collectors were very popular in the early days of electric trams, especially across continental Europe. They were a reliable way to power trams in cities. Many older tram systems, like the one in Bolzano, Italy, still use them today, showing how long-lasting their design can be.
Why Were They Replaced?
Over time, newer technologies came along. The pantograph became more common because it's often more flexible. A pantograph can work well whether the tram is moving forwards or backwards without needing to be turned around. It also tends to handle higher speeds and more powerful currents better than a bow collector.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A bow collector on a small electric locomotive
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Rigid bow collectors at Snaefell Summit station
