APARTMENT SIZE APPLIANCES CANADA

A renovated BJD-WG120A 12m standard floor non-air-conditioning trolley-bus built by Beijing Huayu Trolley-bus Plant

In late 1990s, because of its auxiliary power and the capability of off-wire operating, BJD-WG120A is a pioneer among Chinese trolley-buses. China carried out its splendid “party”, actually an army march and civilian parade, on Changan Avenue on October 1, 1999 for the country's 50th national day. For that reason, trolleybus wires had to be removed from some crossings (for example, Xidan Crossing, Wangfujing Crossing, etc.) along Changan Avenue in order to raise the clearance for the military vehicles, and to avoid “visual pollution” of the entangled wires overhead. The national day called BJD-WG120A into existence.

Very square and box-liked in looking, BJD-WG120A is never remarked “sleek”, but as 10 years fled since the design, many bus fans still consider it very handsome. Built on a rear-engine-rear-drive chassis primarily based on Steyr 91 heavy-duty truck, BJD-WG120A has a long body reaching 11.98m, long front and rear overhangs and a 6m long wheelbase among buses at its time in China. However, the truck chassis also contributes to its three-step entrances and a floor as high as either 750mm (only the first batch) or 900mm. No one found the ride on BJD-WG120A comfortable since multi-leaf spring suspensions and drum brakes hardly provide comfort for passengers aboard. Driving this bulk is a 60kW DC motor from Shanghai.

The earliest BJD-WG120As were built in 1999 and were dispatched onto lines like 103 since these lines were via important crossings where wires were demolished. At these novelties’ debut in 1999, passengers were surprised to see trolley-buses de-poling during movement and poling automatically under a pair of “little roofs” (actually pole catchers). BPT observed the success and placed an extra order of hundreds of units. With new BJD-WG120As joining service, overhead wires at some other places like Baiyunlu, Dongdan and Beijing Railway Station are also removed to give way to the “clear street scenery”.

In the picture, Fleet No. 85878 (Trolley-buses Division, Trolley-bus, Code 878) on line 101 is pulling into Beihai Park bus stop. Originally built in 2001, Fleet No. 85878 is a third batch BJD-WG120A featuring white door frames and square-cornered door glasses. Among many units of the third batch of this model, it has its exterior paint, floor, lamps and route signs replaced in 2009. Unluckily, this unit does not have its tube tires replaced by new Michelin tubeless tires.

The photo is taken on March 14, the day Beijing welcomed its last snow in the winter. Although the lake in Beihai Park has already melted, the ancient architectures and trees are covered with white. The driver of Fleet No. 85878 should be praised---very few Beijing drivers turn on headlamps on snowing days when they are supposed to.