One of several shots of the railway that James took from the top of Signal Hill.
Taipo Belle: The fastest motor coach in China
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Submitted by Admin
Date picture taken (may be approximate):
Tuesday, January 1, 1935
Gallery:
Connections:
- Taipo Belle: The fastest motor coach in China shows Place Holt's Wharf [1910-c.1971]
Comments
History of the Tai Po Belle
Source:1936 KCR Archives
The KCR had purchased two Hall Scott motor coaches in 1922, The coaches had been an unprofitable investment owing to the fact that it had been impossible to find a service for them with enough paying mileage per year.
The KCR decided to convert one of the coaches into a streamlined parlour observation railcar, which could be used either as a separate unit or as a first class observation carriage, capable of attachment to the rear of ordinary trains.
In September 1936, the streamlined railcar was completed and was called the "Taipo Belle". On 1 October 1936, it commenced service as a railcar on Saturdays and Sundays and on other days as a first class carriage. The "Taipo Belle' was popular with golfing enthusiasts on weekends.
In May 1937, a sister streamlined railcar called the "Canton Belle' was placed in service. More on the railcars in: http://gwulo.com/node/6500
Re: Tai Po Belle
Link to a photo of the Tai Po Belle appears here