MODEL BUURT SPOOR
M.B.S. series AB 1 - 14, the Allan coaches of M.B.S.
M.B.S. series AB 1 - 14, from 1913 to 1945
At the start of the N.V. Maas-Buurt Spoorweg in 1913, in addition to the Hohenzollern locomotives 40-45, the Allan mail baggage wagons LE 101 - 104 and the freight rolling stock, eight passenger coaches were also delivered in series AB 1 - AB 8.
Supplemented in 1914 with AB 9 and AB 10 and in 1916 with AB 11 - AB 14.
The last four coaches were 100mm longer than their predecessors, the truck stand was slightly larger and
otherwise equal.
Coach AB 14 was converted into a control coach in 1933 forming a close coupled set with EL 106 tram set to D I.
This set entered service on May 15, 1934, followed on April 10, 1935 by AB 12 short coupled with EL 105 forming tram set D II.
Tram D III followed on April 20, 1936, consisting of AB 14 with EL 104 as a motor car.
From then on, motor car EL 106 was coupled to coach AB 13.
It is striking that, just as with the postal baggage wagons, the highest numbers were converted first, in order to keep the series consistent in numbering.
Coach AB 11 was the only separate coach that was slightly longer then the rest.
In 1928 AB 1 - AB 6, AB 10 and in 1930 AB 12 were equipped with improved ventilation with installing sliding windows in those windows next to the compartment partitions.
The 1st class divisions of the carriages AB 2 and AB 9 were abolished in 1943, so that the numbers
changed in B2 and B9.
M.B.S. AB 1 at the Allan & Co factory Hillergersberg, Rotterdam, shortly before delivery in 1913
The M.B.S. coaches were of the so-called Wümag type, which appeared on Dutch tramways from 1904 onwards.
Allan improved this concept in 1913 to the above type with closed balconies and skylight, these were the first carriages with American gooseneck bogies.
The window frames extended to the edge of the roof and a coache could accommodate a maximum of 56 passengers, 6 seats. 1st class,
6 seats 1st/2nd class, 24 seats. 2nd class with 3 folding benches and 10 standing places. on every balcony.
Each window had a roller blind as sun protection, steam heating and the lighting consisted of 6 compressed gas lamps, 1 on each balcony, 1 in the 1st class compartment, 1 in the 1st/2nd class compartment and 2 in the 2nd class compartment.
For that time, they were very comfortable coaches, the seats of the benches could be turned in the optional 1st/2nd class (trim for 1st class, fabric for 2nd class).
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