Barcelona's subsoil began to vibrate with the passage of metro trains a century ago. To commemorate the centenary of the inauguration of the first line of Ferrocarril Metropolità de Barcelona, in 1924, five historic trains will be restored so that present-day Barcelonians can remember how past Barcelonians moved.
To this end, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has approved the tender for the restoration of five cars that were part of the historic metro series 100, 300, 400, 1100, and 3000. The vehicles will be exhibited as part of the program of events being designed for the centenary, which aims to "bring the history of the Barcelona metro, which is and has been key to the growth and development of the city, closer to all citizens," according to the president of TMB and first deputy mayor, Laia Bonet.
The works, which will be tendered for a total of 2.1 million, will include meticulous exterior and interior cleaning, as well as repairs to flooring, frames, windows, doors, and lighting. The exterior sheet metal of the vehicles will be left without damage and will be vinyl-wrapped with the same colors they sported before ceasing operation. The budget also includes the removal of asbestos present in some of the cars to be restored, some of which are cataloged as Cultural Assets of National Interest (BCIN).
The oldest vehicle that Barcelonians will be able to ride again will be from the 100 series. In fact, car 126, which entered service in 1926 and was retired in 1979, will be recovered, years before the 300 series was retired in 1987. With these works, it will be restored to look as it did when it circulated beneath the city. The same will happen with the 400 series, from 1958; 1100, from 1974, and 3000, from 1986, with the aim of highlighting the history of a means of transport that has moved the city for a century now.
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