Coche La Brugeoise ”TOMAS”

Slipping through time, imagine stepping onto Line A of the Buenos Aires Underground. It’s 1913, and you’re about to board the Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS”. These weren’t just any cars. They were elegant, wooden carriages crafted in Belgium by La Brugeoise, et Nicaise, et Delcuve. The Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS”, along with its brethren, was a marvel of engineering. Designed to function as both tram and metro car, they had low entrances at the ends for street-level access and middle doors at platform level for the Subte. These cars were the heart of Line A, South America’s first urban underground railway. The Anglo-Argentine Tramways Company had brought a touch of European sophistication to Buenos Aires. Initially, the Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS” boasted wide windows, rolling curtains, and gleaming bronze light fixtures. The plush, scarlet leather seats invited passengers to settle in for their journey. However, the city evolved, and so did the Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS”. By 1927, the dual tram-metro design was abandoned, and the cars were remodeled for underground use only. The elegant street-level entrances were replaced with curved fronts, a third sliding door was added, and the luxurious leather seats were swapped for more practical wooden ones. Throughout its long life, the Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS” witnessed and adapted to change. Parts became scarce, requiring custom fabrication at the Polvorín workshop. This dedication to maintenance ensured its remarkable longevity. Despite being over a century old, these cars had an impressively low rate of mechanical failure. The Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS” wasn’t just a mode of transport. It was a symbol of Buenos Aires, a piece of living history. Even after retirement in 2013, the spirit of the Coche La Brugeoise “TOMAS” lives on, a testament to enduring engineering and the city’s rich history. Now, this specific car has been donated and transformed into a unique dining experience. Enjoy your meal in a piece of Buenos Aires history.